STL is ideal, and our instant quote tool reads it directly. We also accept STEP, OBJ and 3MF by email. No file at all? Send photos and measurements of the part — we can model simple items for you (design time is quoted separately).
The quote tool measures your model's volume and size, then estimates material and machine time for your chosen settings. It's accurate for most jobs, but it's an estimate: we review every order and confirm the final price by email before printing anything. If our confirmed price differs from the estimate, you're free to walk away at no cost.
FDM (filament) is best for strong, functional and larger parts: brackets, enclosures, props, replacement parts. Resin is best for fine detail and smooth surfaces: miniatures, figurines, jewellery masters, intricate small parts. If you're not sure, pick "Not sure" on the quote form and we'll recommend the right process.
Most single-item orders are ready within 3–5 working days of the confirmed quote. Large parts, big batches or heavily finished items take longer — we'll give you a date with your confirmation. Need it urgently? Say so in the notes and we'll tell you honestly whether it's possible.
50% off for customers whose home or business address is in the M1, M2, M3, M4 or M5 postcode districts (central Manchester and Salford). Enter your postcode on the quote form and it applies automatically. The offer is confirmed against your delivery or collection address — for collection, please bring proof of address (utility bill, council tax letter, student accommodation letter or business card). One redemption per household or business. Full terms in section 8 below.
Collection in Manchester is free, arranged by email once your print is ready. We also post UK-wide using tracked delivery, charged at cost and added to your confirmed quote.
FDM parts are typically within ±0.5% of nominal dimensions (minimum ±0.3 mm); resin parts are usually tighter. Visible layer lines on FDM prints are a normal characteristic of the process, not a defect. If your part needs precise fits or tight tolerances, tell us in the notes and we'll advise before printing.
Every print is made to order for you, so the usual 14-day online-shopping cancellation right doesn't apply to custom items (this is standard under UK law). You can cancel free of charge any time before we start printing. If a print is faulty or doesn't match what we agreed, we'll reprint or refund it — see the Terms below.
Yes: weapons or weapon components, items that infringe someone else's designs or trademarks, and anything illegal or unsafe. We also don't certify parts for safety-critical, medical, load-bearing or food-contact use unless explicitly agreed in writing.
You do, always. We don't reuse, share or sell customer files, and we delete them after your order unless you ask us to keep them for reprints. We sometimes photograph finished prints for our website and social media — tell us in your order notes if you'd rather we didn't, and we won't. NDAs welcome for commercial work.
No payment is taken online. Once we confirm your quote, payment is by bank transfer or card/cash on collection. Business customers can request an invoice.
Last updated: 7 July 2026
Hive 3D ("we", "us") is a 3D printing service operated by [your name / registered business name], based in Manchester, United Kingdom. Contact: info@hive3d.co.uk. These terms apply to all quotes and orders. By placing an order you agree to them.
Prices shown by our instant quote tool are estimates. A binding contract is formed only when we confirm your order and final price by email. We may decline any job at our discretion (for example, unprintable geometry or prohibited items, see section 5). If our confirmed price differs from your estimate, you may cancel at no cost before accepting it.
3D printing has inherent characteristics that are not defects: visible layer lines (FDM), small support-contact marks, minor colour variation between batches, and dimensional tolerances of approximately ±0.5% (minimum ±0.3 mm) for FDM and ±0.2% for resin. Unless agreed in writing, parts are not tested or certified for safety-critical, structural, load-bearing, medical, electrical or food-contact applications, and you must not use them for such purposes.
We will not print: firearms or firearm components, weapons or weapon parts, items designed to cause injury, items that infringe third-party rights, or anything unlawful. We may refuse and cancel any such order at any point, refunding sums paid for work not done.
Payment is due as stated in your order confirmation — normally in full before printing begins for new customers, or on collection/delivery for established customers. We accept bank transfer and [card / cash / other methods]. Prices include materials and standard finishing as quoted; delivery is charged additionally at cost.
Turnaround estimates are given in good faith but are not guaranteed unless agreed in writing. Risk in the goods passes to you on collection or delivery. Uncollected items may be disposed of after 60 days' notice.
Nothing in these terms excludes or limits our liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, for fraud, or for anything else that cannot lawfully be excluded. Subject to that, we are not liable for loss of profit, business or indirect losses, and our total liability for any order is limited to the price paid for that order. Parts used contrary to section 4 are used entirely at your own risk.
These terms are governed by the law of England and Wales, and the courts of England and Wales have jurisdiction. If any part of these terms is found unenforceable, the rest still applies. We may update these terms; the version in force when you order is the one that applies to that order.
Last updated: 7 July 2026 · Applies under UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018
The data controller is [your name / registered business name], trading as Hive 3D, Manchester, UK. Contact for anything data-related: info@hive3d.co.uk.
| Data | Why we collect it | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Name and email address | To respond to enquiries, confirm quotes and manage your order | Performance of a contract |
| Postcode and address | To apply local offers, verify offer eligibility, and arrange delivery or collection | Performance of a contract; legitimate interests (preventing offer misuse) |
| Order details (model dimensions, materials, price, notes) | To produce your order and keep sales records | Performance of a contract; legal obligation (accounting records) |
| Design files you send us | Solely to produce your order | Performance of a contract |
| Correspondence | Customer service and record of what was agreed | Legitimate interests |
We do not use your data for marketing unless you explicitly opt in, and we never sell it. Our instant quote tool calculates prices automatically, but no order proceeds without human review — no decision with legal or similar effect is made solely by automated means.
We use no analytics or advertising trackers and set no marketing cookies. The website itself sets no cookies at all.
Under UK GDPR you have the right to access the personal data we hold about you, correct it, have it erased, restrict or object to its processing, and receive a copy in a portable format. To exercise any of these, email info@hive3d.co.uk — we'll respond within one month. If you're unhappy with how we handle your data, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk or on 0303 123 1113.
If we change this policy we'll update the date at the top; significant changes will be flagged on the website.