3D Printed Replacement Parts that Keep Projects on Track
- Tamara Arkhangelskaya
- Mar 25
- 3 min read
One of the most common requests we receive as a professional 3D printing service is the production of 3d printed replacement parts. It’s one of the most practical and immediate applications of additive manufacturing, and it makes perfect sense to our clients.
The ability to quickly produce a part that’s missing, broken, or no longer manufactured is not just convenient – it can be a game changer for businesses that rely on uptime and speed.
Recently, we faced exactly this kind of situation in our own company. We had just received a new piece of equipment that was essential for ongoing production, but during delivery, the supplier forgot to include a small yet important part – a handle that lifts the printer platform.
Without it, we couldn't properly clean out the material under the platform and switch out certain material types. We were told the missing part would arrive in about two weeks. But waiting wasn’t an option.
Instead of delaying operations, we did what we also help our clients do – we made the part ourselves.
Turning a Delay Into a Same-Day Fix with 3D Printed Replacement Parts
Luckily, the supplier had experience with this kind of mishap and quickly provided us with a verified 3D model of the handle. That saved us half an hour of 3D modelling, so we could jump straight into material selection and printing.
We chose to use PETG filament with FDM 3D printing. While PLA is a common material for prototypes, it tends to be more brittle and can crack under pressure. ABS was another option, but from our experience, PETG offers a better combination of toughness and slight flexibility. We printed the handle with 100 percent infill to ensure maximum strength.
The print took around two hours. As soon as it was ready, we installed the handle onto the platform using standard screws. It fit perfectly and functioned just like the original part. We were able to lift the platform, clean out the old material, and prepare the machine for a new job – all within the same day.
Why 3D Printing Replacement Parts Makes Sense
This experience reminded us once again why 3D printing is such a powerful tool. With access to the right materials, tools, and a bit of planning, it’s possible to solve real-world problems fast. In this case, we didn’t just avoid a two-week delay – we were able to deliver on time for a client because we kept production running.
When done properly, 3d printed replacement parts are not just stopgaps or temporary fixes. They can be strong, reliable, and long-lasting solutions, especially when printed with the right materials and techniques.
We often help customers who are dealing with discontinued hardware, broken mounts, lost knobs, snapped brackets, and dozens of other small but essential parts. Even better, when original parts are hard to find or come with long lead times, 3D printing can offer an affordable and rapid solution – sometimes even same day.
Choosing the Right Materials
As with any functional print, the choice of material makes a big difference. In our case, PETG was perfect – durable, slightly flexible, and resistant to cracking. It also holds up well under mechanical stress, which is exactly what our handle needed.
When you’re looking for a fast and dependable solution, it helps to have a team that understands material science, printer capabilities, and how to match them to your specific needs. That’s exactly what we bring to every project.
If you're interested in 3d printing in Boston MA, our team is here to help. We offer full-service support from 3D design to expedited delivery.
