CAD, 3D Printing & CO2 Laser Cutting

At PrintSolid we started out designing and manufacturing bespoke parts predominantly for classic car restorers and clubs, bringing no longer available parts back to the market. We design new and updated products to retrofit to older vehicles in response to demand from clubs and classic car associations and individual car owners. 

Today we design and manufacture for a huge range of industries from automotive, aeronautic, medical and private clients. As you'll see from some of our examples below at PrintSolid we take on pretty much anything!

From that elusive trim clip for a Datsun 240z or bespoke induction scoops for a DeLorean Motor Car, to a potter's stamp or a roof vent for a house, PrintSolid can design a solution and manufacture in low-medium volume, extremely cost effectively.

We are located in Colchester, Essex, UK and ship domestically and internationally.

Below you will find a small example of the projects we undertake, as you can see it's quite diverse!

Prototype Aviation Fuel Testing Unit

We were asked to create a show ready prototype casing for a new jet fuel sampling system. The customer supplied the STEP CAD files enabling us to make minor alterations to the design to better suit 3D printing. Heat set threaded inserts allowed easy assembly, with the company logo laser etched into the surface post-print, with a textured black paint finish. 

DeLorean Side Window Scoop

Following extensive on-car tests, we designed and manufactured these window air scoops for the DeLorean. An internal vane ensures that air flow is directed to the driver (not the parcel shelf) and a ribbed element was included for aesthetics to tie in with the front grill with a textured black paint finish. These fit in seconds, slotting into the open window aperture with no modifications required.

Central Storage Unit DJC V-Storm Car

From a customer supplied design file we created a 3D printed central storage unit for the DJC V-Storm car.

The print was then coated with anthracite grey flock, giving a very high quality finish.

Prototype Engine Mounts Honda K24a

We designed and 3D printed prototype engine mounts to allow a Honda K24 engine to be mounted longitudinally in a kit car project. The designs were then manufactured by a 3rd party from laser cut steel.

Motor Bike Amp Holder (under saddle)

We designed a bespoke mount for an amplifier to be fitted beneath the saddle of a touring bike. As the item was completely flat it made sense to laser cut the mount out of thick acrylic and utilise hot seated threaded inserts giving a very smart finish. We also laser cut a rubber gasket to sit behind and prevent moisture ingress.

Light Plinth Kit Car Project

Using a customer supplied original we reproduced the black angled base to sit behind the chrome light ring.

We recreated the design as a 2-peice unit in CAD and then 3D printed, and then painted them to a semi-flat black to match the original injection moulded units.

180 x Display Screen Brackets

When an issue with a client's injection moulding die was going to result in a multi-week delay, PrintSolid was tasked with quickly filling the gap. We had to produce 180 brackets for a special dash-mounted display unit in a very short time frame. With multiple machines running 24-hours a day, we were able to deliver the units ahead of schedule keeping the installation programme on target.

Full Size Air Filtration Display Unit

Due to a production problem this company was unable to ship their new air filtration unit from their factory in the USA to the UK in time for an exhibition. PrintSolid were approached to quickly design and produce a full-size replica. Using a multi-part print, laser cutting and special textured paints, the finished item was indistinguishable from the real product and took centre stage at the exhibition.

Pool Cover Saved!

With no replacement part available from the manufacturer, this entire pool cover roller was destined for the skip! Fortunately the owner had been referred to PrintSolid by a friend and asked if we could design and produce a replacement part. We duly did and the whole unit was salvaged. The customer saved a significant amount of money by not having to buy a whole new roller (they aren't cheap!) 

Replacement Garage Door Roller

A garage door was made un-useable by a couple of roller holders which had become damaged and were no longer available from the manufacture (a common story sadly) . We were able to design and 3D print replacements, a huge saving over replacing the whole door.

BMW E31 Speaker Adaptors

Laser cut from 6mm thick acrylic with hot seated threaded inserts, these adaptor plates enable the customer to upgrade the speakers in his classic BMW E31 to Audison units.

We created 4 different versions allowing new speakers to be fitted throughout the vehicle.

Full Size Engine Component

We printed this full size replica sump sandwich plate for a classic race car. This allowed the restorer to test fit it to the engine prior to having the final version milled from aluminium (very expensive if the design is incorrect). At over 80cm long it was large, multi-piece print, but upon fitting it immediately enabled the restorer to identify numerous changes which were required prior to milling.

Can, Phone & Wallet Caddy

We designed a new unit which replaces the ash tray in the centre console of a DeLorean. This tray clamps in place and can take a drinks can and wallet or smartphone. Flocked interior with a smoked acrylic top and embedded threaded inserts in the base. 

BMW Parcel Shelf Pegs

We were contacted by the owner of a BMW who couldn't source any replacement parcel shelf pegs after his had been damaged. Using a broken original as a reference, we were able to reproduce them perfectly.

EV Conversion Coupler

A customer in the process of converting a classic MG to an Electric Vehicle needed some prototypes of a coupler he was designing before spending out to have them machined from metal. 3D printing was a perfect solution

Gymnast Scrunchie Holder

A budding gymnast needs a lot of scrunchies apparently, so we designed this 50 scrunchie capacity holder complete with colour changing illuminated base and the name of the gymnast etched into it.

Car Tail Light Housings

Printed from a customer supplied design, these tail light holders were produced for a bespoke race car. As well as finishing the prints with multiple coats of a special hard wearing, textured black paint we installed brass hot-seated threads so that the lenses could be installed and removed as required. 

Classic Mercedes Benz Sun Visor Trim

A classic Mercedes owner was tearing his hair out as his car was 99.9% perfect apart from two missing trim clips from the sun visors. No longer manufactured, the customer lent us an original (top left in the photo) and we were able to reproduced them, we even colour matched the finish.

More Shower Parts...

It seems there is a real need for replacement shower parts as just after you have a lovely shower installed a hinge breaks and surprise, surprise that part is no longer manufactured! Could you imagine changing a whole shower enclosure for something so trivial. This customer was about to do just that, thankfully we were able to replicate the part using a customer's broken original as a guide.

DeLorean Phone Holder

Designed specifically for the DeLorean Motor Car, this stand has 3 powerful neodymium magnets printed into the base to hold it in place in the vehicle. The top universal clamp is attached to the base via a threaded M5 insert. which has been hot seated into the printed arm. This is then finished with multiple coats of a special hard-wearing, textured black paint.

Wheelchair Wheel Covers

We were approached by a wheelchair user who was unable to source a replacement wheel guard for her specialist chair. Using a damaged original we were able to create both left and right versions. These fitted as per the originals and were finished in textured black paint.

One of out most rewarding projects and the customer was blown away by the end product.

Jukebox Front Panel

A Jukebox restorer needed help replacing a front panel for a classic jukebox which was no longer available.

Using an original damaged one as a guide we were able to reproduce the part which we painted in textured black paint to complete the look.

DeLorean Vanity Mirror

A sun visor vanity mirror designed specifically for the DeLorean car which took inspiration from the vehicles rear number plate surround.

Laser cut from 3mm mirrored acrylic using our in-house laser cutting facilities.

Knee Bolster Vent (DeLorean)

We deigned and produced a clip on vent for a classic car to get much better airflow from the restrictive original A/C system.

Complete with direction air vanes.

LCD Screen Holder

A company approached us about producing a holder for a small screen which had to affix to a large piece of industrial equipment.

This was from a customer supplied STL with a few minor modifications made by PrintSolid to make it more printer friendly.

3 Cell Battery Holder

We were approached by a company who required a holder for 3 x 18/650 cells for a motor sport project. We created an inner wrap for the cells which were potted with silicone and then an outer holder (pictured) with screw-down lid to be mounted to the vehicle.

Battery Pack Holders with Lids

A company which fits data logging equipment to race cars for professional drivers approached us to produce a range of bespoke battery packs. They had to be as compact and lightweight as possible. We subsequently designed and manufactured several version for use across a number of vehicles. 

Replacement Glovebox Insert (DeLorean)

We designed a new, improved glovebox insert for a classic car which was printed and the flock finished. We also added a 30mm hole so that a twin USB charging port could be installed and included a push in blanking cover. It was a large print but the result was fantastic

Flocked Coin Tray (DeLorean)

We designed this flocked coin tray with smart phone holder slot for a classic vehicle. Finished in a soft, black flock, it clips in place of the original ashtray and make much better use of the available space. Completely reversible so owners can easily return their vehicle to original specification should they wish.

Replacement Roof Vent Cover

We were contacted by a home owner who's roof vent cover had been damaged and was leaking water. This model was no longer available but from the damaged original we were able to re-design and print a replacement within 48-hours.

Maserati Heater Knobs

We were contacted by the owner of a classic Maserati who's heater control knobs had become brittle and failed. Using his original as a reference we re-created the knobs with clips on the rear for an exact push in replacement.

Motor Bike Chain Guard

We were contacted by a classic bike restorer who had a broken chain guard which was no longer available. We were able to use the broken one as a pattern and within 24hours a replacement was produced, ready for painting.

Switch Alignment Frame (DeLorean)

The centre console switches in this classic car were often wonky and could easily be knocked and activated. Print Solid designed a frame which aligned the switches perfectly and added extra protection from accidental activation.

Renault 5 Blank Switches

These blanking switches had long been out of production and we were approached to remanufacture them. The use of special textured paint makes them almost indistinguishable from the original injection moulded version.
Could you tell these were 3D printed?

Sensor Mount Go-Kart

A company which fits data logging equipment to race cars for professional drivers approached us to produce a range of bespoke sensor holders which would affix to the tubular chassis of a go-kart

DeLorean Cup & Smartphone Holder

Print Solid designed and manufactured a cup and smartphone holder for the DeLorean motor car. Completely reversible and extremely popular.

Full Size Front Grill (DeLorean)

We reproduced a full sized front grill for a DeLorean owner, we also designed and printed a bespoke version with 'Knight-Rider' style strobe light embedded behind the grill.

Datsun 240z Trim Clips

A local car trimming company approached us to assist with a Datsun 240z which they were re-trimming. These clips lock with a 1/4 turn and when painted look as the original.

Camaro Z/28 Trim Clips

A contact at a local car club was short of 3 clips for his spare wheel cover in his 2002 Chevrolet Camaro. His only option was buying tatty looking used ones at great expense but Print Solid were happy to reproduce them

HVAC Link Arm

A small link arm in the air conditioning system of a 1980's classic car had become brittle and failed, we improved on the design to make it stronger and printed them for the client.

House Boat Solar Panel Brackets

Owner of a houseboat required brackets to mount solar panels to the curved roof of his boat. Using a rough, wooden prototype supplied by the customer we reproduced left and right hand versions.

PPE Face Shields

Print Solid joined forces with thousands of UK printers to manufacture face shields during the start of the COVID19 Pandemic. These were donated free of charge to front line health workers, care homes and schools. Over 2000 units were dispatched from our Colchester hub.

Laser Engraved Promotional Wine Boxes

Working with local wine merchant Mr.Wheeler and prestigious wine producer Domaine de Mourchon, we were commissioned to design and produce a limited edition wooden wine box for their finest 'Family Reserve' wines.

Everyone was very pleased with the result and using in-house laser engraving enabled us to individually number each box to make them extra special.

Laser Engraved Wine Box

A bespoke wine box for our friend's at Mr.Wheeler, a Colchester based wine merchant.

This design was for a mixed case of fine red wines known as 'Lady May' from the Glenelly Estate in South Africa.

Each box was individually numbered 1-30 for this exclusive promotion. We understand that these cases sold out in next to no time, so we hope some of that was down to the boxes!

Engraved Mini Surfboard (Breitling Watches)

We designed and engraved this mini display surfboard for Breitling Watches for a publicity event and launch of a new chronograph.

Branded Wine Box Lids (Chance Hospitality)

We designed and produced hundreds of box lids to be used as corporate gifts.

Breitling Watches Keyrings

We designed and produced these mini wooden surfboard keyrings for an official Breitling Owners event.

Branded Wine Box Lids (Mr.Wheeler Wine)

We laser engrave all of the box lids for Mr.Wheeler wine, an independent wine merchant based in Colchester.