A broken clip, knob, hinge or bracket can make an otherwise good appliance useless. Often a 3D-printed replacement can be made quickly and cheaply. The key is giving the designer enough information. Here's how.
Step 1: keep the broken pieces
Don't throw anything away, even tiny fragments. Broken pieces show where the part fits and how it was shaped. If the original is in two halves, send both.
Step 2: take useful photos
- Shoot from the top, bottom and both sides, plus a close-up of the broken area.
- Put a ruler or tape measure in the shot, flat next to the part, for scale.
- Use daylight or bright light on a plain background so the edges are clear.
- Photograph the place the part fits, such as the appliance or the mating piece.
Step 3: measure the key dimensions
A cheap digital caliper is the best tool: it measures hole sizes, thicknesses and spacing to a fraction of a millimetre. Measure the things that must fit something else, such as hole diameters, slot widths and distances between holes, and write them down.
Step 4: tell us how it's used
Is it under load, near heat, outdoors, or in contact with water or chemicals? That decides the material. PLA is fine for light indoor use. PETG is better outdoors and for parts that flex. ABS suits heat, such as near engines or in a hot car.
What we can't make
We don't make parts where failure could cause injury, such as brakes, steering and suspension parts, safety harnesses, helmets, gas or pressure fittings, or electrical safety components. For those, please use genuine or certified parts. We're happy to make covers, knobs, clips, trims, brackets and holders for everyday items.
How much will it cost?
Most replacement parts are modelled and printed for a modest fee. See our 3D design page for current prices, including a flat fee for simple file repairs. We'll quote it before starting.
Send it to us
Fill in our quote form with your photos link, measurements and a short description, or drop the part off in Logan by appointment.
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