The 3D printing guide
Technologies, materials, file preparation, AI modelling, industrial production, and parts for boats, cars, motorhomes or motorcycles: our workshop's advice for designing and manufacturing parts that work first time.
3D printing basics
Technologies, materials, file preparation and tolerances: everything you need to know before starting a print.
Basics3D printing technologies: FDM, SLA resin, SLS and MJFFDM, SLA resin, SLS or MJF sintering: how each works, precision, materials and uses of each 3D printing technology to help you choose the right one.Read the guide 
BasicsWhich material should you choose for 3D printing? PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, nylon, resinPLA, PETG, ABS/ASA, TPU, nylon, carbon fibre or resin: properties, strength, temperature and uses to help you choose the right 3D printing material.Read the guide 
BasicsPreparing an STL or 3MF file for 3D printingWall thickness, watertight mesh, orientation, overhangs, STL or 3MF: the checklist for preparing a 3D file that's ready to print on the first try.Read the guide 
BasicsTolerances and fits in 3D printing: clearances, joints and insertsWhat clearance should you plan for a joint, a shaft or a clip? Realistic tolerances in FDM and resin, drilling, threaded inserts and assembled parts.Read the guide AI 3D modelling
How artificial intelligence turns a description or a photo into a printable 3D model, and how to get the best out of it.
AI modellingAI 3D modelling: creating a printable part from textHow an AI turns a description into a printable parametric 3D model: principle, possibilities, limits and real workshop use cases.Read the guide 
AI modellingDescribing your part to an AI: the guide to a perfect 3D briefDimensions, function, fasteners, printing constraints: how to write a clear brief to get a usable AI-generated 3D part right the first time.Read the guide 
AI modellingFrom photo to 3D figurine: how AI sculpts an objectTurning a photo into a printable 3D figurine: which photos to provide, what AI can and can't reproduce, colours, base and tips for printing figurines.Read the guide 
AI modellingParametric model or mesh: what's the difference for 3D printing?Parametric model (CAD, OpenSCAD) or mesh (STL, sculpting): differences, advantages, possible modifications, and which format to choose for your project.Read the guide AI modellingAI 3D generator or CAD software : lequel choisir ?3D generator by AI or CAD software: skills, precision, shapes, assemblies and formats. Comparison to choose the right tool for your part, or combine both.Read the guide AI modellingPreparing an AI-generated model for printingScale, thin walls, mesh, orientation, supports and STL or 3MF format: the checklist to print the first time a 3D model generated by AI.Read the guide AI modellingWin 3D generations (STL, 3MF) by playing Tetris : le pari fou de Timelapse StudioConcours Tetris hebdomadaire du AI 3D Studio : 1 000, 500 ou 100 crédits pour générer des modèles 3D en STL ou 3MF. Règles, classement et conseils.Read the guide Industrial 3D printing
3D printing for production: prototyping, small runs, spare parts and tooling.
IndustryIndustrial 3D printing: rapid prototyping and small batchesFunctional prototypes, pre-production runs and small batches in 3D printing: lead times, technical materials, costs, and the method for turning an idea into a finished part.Read the guide 
Industry3D-printed spare parts: 3D scanning and reverse engineering3D scanning and 3D printing: method, accuracy, materials and the limits of reverse engineering for reproducing a broken or unavailable part.Read the guide 
Industry3D-printed jigs, fixtures and workshop tooling3D-printed drilling jigs, assembly fixtures, mounts and inspection tooling: examples, materials and concrete gains for the workshop.Read the guide 
Industry3D printing or plastic injection moulding: how to choose?Costs, lead times, volumes, geometries and materials: a comparison between 3D printing and plastic injection moulding, and at what quantity to switch.Read the guide Parts by industry: boat, car, motorhome, motorcycle
Boating, yachting, automotive, classic cars, motorhomes, motorcycles: recreate a part you can no longer find by 3D scan, from its dimensions, or with AI.
IndustriesBoat parts in 3D printing: recreating a part you can no longer findHatches, vents, mounts, covers, cockpit parts: recreate a boat part you can no longer find via 3D scan, from your own measurements, or with AI, in a material that resists salt and UV.Read the guide 
Industries3D printing for yachting: refit, fit-out and custom partsRefit, interior fit-out, unobtainable parts on older vessels, small batches for a fleet: how 3D printing and 3D scanning serve the yachting industry.Read the guide 
IndustriesAutomotive parts in 3D printing: clips, mounts, covers and trimTrim clips, mounts, covers, buttons, grilles: remake a plastic automotive part via 3D scan, from its measurements or with AI, and the limits to respect.Read the guide 
IndustriesClassic and collector cars: reproducing unobtainable parts in 3DButtons, handles, trim, emblems, interior parts: reproducing an unobtainable classic car part via 3D scanning and 3D printing, with a faithful finish.Read the guide 
IndustriesMotorhome, van and caravan parts in 3D printingCupboard latches, hinges, covers, grilles, mounts and van fittings: recreate a motorhome or caravan part you can no longer find via 3D scan, measurements or AI.Read the guide 
IndustriesMotorcycle parts in 3D printing: covers, mounts and accessoriesSide covers, GPS mounts, plugs, cable glands, custom accessories: recreate or create a motorcycle or scooter part in 3D printing, and what not to print.Read the guide Tips and best practices
Finishing, cost, multicolour: our workshop's tips to get your parts right.
TipsFinishing and post-processing 3D-printed partsSupport removal, sanding, priming, painting, smoothing, inserts: finishing techniques to give a 3D-printed part a professional look.Read the guide 
TipsHow much does a 3D print cost? The factors that set the priceVolume, material, machine time, infill, finish and quantity: understanding what sets the price of a 3D print and how to reduce it.Read the guide 
Tips3D printing en ligne fabriquée en France : comment vérifier où votre pièce est produiteWhere is your 3D part really made? Verification method, comparison of 8 French departments and Timelapse-3D workshop in the Var.Read the guide 
TipsMulticolour 3D printing: how does it work?Automatic filament changing, painted 3MF files, purging, limitations and design tips for successful multi-coloured printed parts and figurines.Read the guide