3D made simple: from quote to dispatch and everything in between

Our trademark, 3D MADE. SIMPLE., could easily be seen as a statement which says that we make 3D parts and it’s easy for us to do. Arguably, yes, that is true, but it means so much more than, simply, that.

With over 40 years in the industry, making 3D parts using a wide range of technologies, from 3D Printing to CNC Machining, to Model Making and Laser Cutting, is often simple for us. Of course, our customers keep us on our toes. As they continue to push the boundaries of engineering, we respond accordingly and push the boundaries of prototyping by drawing on our wealth of experience and expertise. Each time we are challenged to prototype something new, the learning becomes part of our combined knowledge and so if it’s not technically simple on that occasion, it is the next time.

But ‘simple’ extends beyond the making of 3D parts. It encapsulates our customers’ journey from quote to delivery, and beyond.

Our sales team, led by Hannah Game, work tirelessly to ensure that quote requests are turned around quickly. Speed is of the essence when it comes to product development and so we respond accordingly. Adam Sharkey, our Senior Sales Advisor, draws on his previous hands-on experience of working in our rapid prototyping team to produce all the Vacuum Casting quotes. He will often speak with customers to discuss any technicalities. Likewise, Wendy Webb, our Sales Advisor, works alongside CNC Manager Ian Reinemann to produce the CNC quotes.

To enable us to manage our workflow and quote realistic lead times to other customers, Hannah, Adam and Wendy do follow up quotes with the customer, either via email or phone.

Once a customer places an order and sends us their CAD files, a job card is created for the relevant department and the work is scheduled according to the service level requested. The parts are made in-house at our Royston-based bureau.

For 3D Printed parts, Express (next day dispatch) orders placed by our cut off time of 4.30pm are programmed to run overnight so they are ready for basic post-processing by our team the following morning. Standard and Economy orders (3 days and 8 days respectively) typically run on our machines during the day and any standard or detailed post-processing is carried out within the service level timeframe.

For CNC Turning and Milling, Express (3-day dispatch) orders are programmed within 24 hours of receiving the order, Standard (7 days) and Economy (12 days) orders are programmed as scheduled by Ian Reinemann. The programmes are then loaded onto the relevant machines which are operated over two shifts.

Tim Rowell, our Quality and Operations Manager, carries out spot checks of parts to ensure the high levels of quality our customers have come to expect are maintained. The part is then carefully packaged up (with a bag of Haribos).

Because the parts are made in the UK, they are shipped from the UK, meaning there are no customs delays or unexpected fees to pay. All parts sent via a courier are tracked so the customer knows when they can expect to take delivery.

After the parts have been delivered, our Sales Team will typically email the customers to check they are happy with their order. Randomly selected customers may also receive an automated email inviting them to rate us on Trustpilot. The feedback we receive enables us to continually perfect our processes thereby delivering the best customer experience possible.

Finally, Shane Lee, our Account Administrator, manages the invoicing side of the process, as well as the payment of the supplies we use, such as powders, metals, packaging, and much more.

As you can see, there are many steps involved in the production of 3D parts but, for us, the process – from quote through to order, production, dispatch and customer care – is streamlined. It’s 3D made, simple.

Talk to us

Whatever your prototyping requirement, talk to us on 01763 249760.