3d printing services

[Theo]

Since the pandemic, I don't have as easy access to a 3d printer as I once did. However I still have very occasional things I want to 3d print. I could buy my own printer, but don't really want to invest the space for one. (are there any nice fold flat designs?)

So I wondered if anyone could recommend 3d printing services? There seem to be a lot of people eg on ebay offering to print things on their own printer, but not much guide on price / materials / etc. There are also commercial services like Shapeways, who were once the default option but there are now plenty more fish in that sea. Maybe some of the industrial printing is faster/cheaper/better than the consumer ones.

I'm just looking for basic plastic (PLA/ABS etc), no fancy materials.

Any suggestions?

Thanks Theo

[Richard]

Any makerspaces near you?

[Theo]

Yes, but there's a £40 monthly membership fee (plus the hassle of physically going 10 miles there, starting a print, going back several hours later to collect it, etc). Which is why I'd like a 3d-prints-by-post service.

Theo

[Andy Burns]

This chap *is* sponsored by PCBway, so bear that in mind, but he shows an impressive step-up in quality for professional 3D prints compared to home 3D printed

[Theo]

Thanks. Looks like PCBWay have disabled their online quote tool so all it says is 'RFQ'. But JLCPCB's quoter is working - about $4-5 per part, plus $4 shipping, which is reasonable. But of course they're the wrong side of the slow boat from China. (although as it happens I have a job just shipped out of JLC)

Theo