Supported File Formats
Design note:
STEP files allow geometry validation before slicing and are recommended for production parts.
Dimensional Accuracy & Tolerances
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Typical tolerance: ±0.2 mm
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Larger parts may require additional allowance
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Holes should be designed 0.2–0.4 mm oversized
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Press-fit and sliding parts require clearance
Orientation matters: Accuracy varies by axis due to layer stacking.
PETG — tough, flexible, practical
Recommended minimums:
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PLA / PETG: 1.2–1.6 mm
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ABS / Nylon: 1.6–2.0 mm
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Carbon-filled: 2.0 mm+
Design for strength using geometry, not infill alone.
Avoid thin unsupported walls and long cantilevers.
Wall Thickness & Structural Design
Recommended minimums:
PLA / PETG: 1.2–1.6 mm
ABS / Nylon: 1.6–2.0 mm
Carbon-filled: 2.0 mm+
Design for strength using geometry, not infill alone.
Avoid thin unsupported walls and long cantilevers.
Orientation, Layers & Strength
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Strength is highest within layers
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Weakest point is between layers
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Load-bearing parts must be oriented correctly
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Cosmetic surfaces should face upward where possible
Overhangs & Supports
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Unsupported overhangs up to 45°
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Bridges depend on span length and material
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Supports may affect surface finish
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Enclosed voids that trap supports should be avoided
Threads, Inserts & Fasteners
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Printed threads are suitable for light use
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Heat-set inserts recommended for repeated assembly
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Self-tapping screws work best in PETG and ABS
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Design bosses thicker than surrounding walls
Material selection help
Pick the right material for your job
Every filament behaves differently. We quote by material, print profile, and part requirements — so you get predictable outcomes across one-offs and repeat runs. Use the guide below to choose a material, or upload your model and we’ll advise.
Accurate. Repeatable. Production-ready.
Design & File Preparation FAQs
We accept STL and STEP files. STEP files are preferred for complex or tolerance-critical parts as they retain true geometry.
No. Printed holes typically print slightly undersized. We recommend allowing clearance or post-processing where precision is required.
As a general guide, walls should be no thinner than 1.2–1.6 mm depending on material. Thicker walls improve strength and print reliability.
Yes. We provide in-house CAD design and modification services, including design for additive manufacturing (DfAM).
Orientation affects strength, surface finish, and accuracy. Parts should be designed with load direction and layer adhesion in mind.
Accurate. Repeatable. Production-ready.
what people are saying
Feedback from customers choosing materials for performance-critical parts.
Edinburgh Banners handled the full CAD design and prototyping of a custom reeler system for a racing yacht. Initial prototypes were printed in PLA to validate geometry, followed by carbon-filled prints for strength testing. The final designs were then used to produce moulds, with no dimensional issues between prototype and production.
Project Lead — High-Performance Racing Yacht
We needed custom electrical enclosures and connector housings for a high-performance racing car, with tight space constraints and heat considerations. The parts were printed accurately first time, fitted exactly as intended, and held up under testing. Being able to iterate quickly without tooling saved significant time on the install.
Robert Dryden – Motorsport / electrical enclosures
