Yes — Parts on Demand regularly reproduces replacement parts for machines, classic cars, white goods and industrial installations. Send us a STEP file, a drawing or even a photo with dimensions, and we will print it in a suitable SLS material. Lead time from 3 working days, no minimum order: single parts are welcome too.
From physical part to print
The ideal starting point is a STEP file. If that’s not available we work from:
- A 2D drawing with dimensions — our engineers then model in CAD
- A physical defective part — we scan it on-site or refer you to a scan bureau
- Photos with measurements — suitable for simple geometries (clips, knobs, brackets)
- The old part including any markings — type/serial number where possible
3D scanning produces a mesh (STL) that we often re-engineer into parametric CAD to make it printable — features deformed by wear are corrected. Allow 0.5-2 working days for reverse engineering, plus standard print time.
Which materials resemble the original?
For most replacement parts we default to PA12: it visually and mechanically fits 80% of cases. For specific substitutions:
- Nylon parts in older machines: PA12 or PA11 (PA11 is slightly tougher)
- ABS parts (older consumer electronics, hobby machines): PA12 visually and mechanically matches well, though UV resistance differs
- Rubber/TPE seals, covers, guides: TPU (Shore 88A, 9 MPa)
- Food-contact parts: PA12 Blue MD with EC1935/2004 + FDA documentation
- High-load machine parts: PA802CF or Carbon LW for metal substitution
For parts exposed to heat or chemicals, we advise on material based on the use case. For extreme conditions (>100 °C continuous, aggressive chemicals) metals or PEEK printing may be needed — we can refer.
How does the legal side work with third-party parts?
For your own designs: no issues, you own the IP. For third-party parts — for example, a gear from a manufacturer X machine — it’s more nuanced:
- Purely mechanical parts (assembly clips, brackets, machine elements) without specific design features can typically be reproduced
- For parts with design patents, copyright (decorative), or trademark markings, you as the requestor are responsible for verifying IP rights
- We don’t reproduce parts for functional safety systems without end-user validation
When in doubt: tell us where the part comes from and what the application is. We help you with a go/no-go assessment.