London-based additive manufacturing specialist
3D People has enhanced its threaded insert capability by making inserts available directly through its online quote tool. Customers can now specify and order insert installation as part of a self-service workflow, streamlining the path from CAD to a fully functional end-use part.
Threaded inserts themselves are not new to 3D People, the bureau has offered them for years. What’s new is the ability to configure them at the point of quotation, reducing back-and-forth and making it easier to standardise fastening requirements across multi-part projects and repeat orders.
Alongside the workflow upgrade, 3D People has invested in dedicated installation equipment from Tappex and standardised on Tappex self-tapping inserts. This gives the team far greater control over the installation process, improving accuracy, repeatability and overall consistency across production runs. The result is a stronger, more reliable fastening (particularly in engineering plastics) compared with low-cost alternatives, and more predictable performance when parts are assembled, disassembled and reused.
Threaded inserts are well understood. What’s harder is making them effortless to specify, repeat, and scale across batches, with consistent installation quality every time. Plastic threads alone can wear, strip, or fatigue under repeated use. 3D People has standardised on high-performance self-tapping metal inserts, now selectable directly through the online quote tool, to deliver durable, modular assemblies built for repeated use. Where part geometry limits access around the hole and self-tapping installation isn’t feasible, 3D People can still apply heat-set inserts as a secondary option.
Felix Manley, co-founder of 3D People said: “Threaded inserts are one of those small details that make a huge difference. They elevate a 3D printed part from something functional to something truly fit for end-use production applications. It’s about giving engineers confidence that the part will perform reliably in the real world, not just in a prototype environment.”
The standard option available through the online quote tool is a Tappex self-tapping insert, chosen for strong, repeatable threads and consistent installation in production. When the part’s geometry restricts installation clearance around the hole (for example when surrounding features prevent a self-tapping installation approach) the company can use heat-set inserts as a secondary option. In both cases, the goal is the same, durable fastening that allows polymer AM parts to be assembled, disassembled, and reused with confidence. By integrating this capability directly into its production workflow, 3D People effectively eliminates the need for secondary machining or manual post-processing, streamlining the path from design to deployment. The result is faster lead times, reduced handling, and a higher-quality finished component.
Sasha Bruml, co-founder added: “Additive manufacturing is about more than just printing geometry. It’s about delivering complete, usable parts. By incorporating threaded inserts in-house, we’re removing another barrier between design intent and real-world application.”
The enhancement also complements 3D People’s proprietary online quoting platform, which makes it faster to configure quotes containing large numbers of parts, using bulk and selective configuration tools that streamline order set-up, particularly for multi-part projects and repeat iterations.
As additive manufacturing continues to evolve into a production manufacturing solution, capabilities such as integrated fastening are becoming essential. With this latest development, 3D People reinforces its commitment to delivering industrial-quality parts, end-to-end, and further cements its reputation as a forward-thinking partner for engineering and manufacturing teams across the UK.