FAQ

A replacement part reproduced from the geometry of the factory (OEM) component and manufactured with industrial 3D printing. We measure or 3D-scan the original, rebuild it in CAD, then produce it from PA12 nylon using selective laser sintering (SLS). The result is a brand-new, unused part that replaces the original in size and function.

Our parts are not OEM parts, but premium-quality, precisely engineered aftermarket components — a reliable, long-lasting alternative to discontinued or worn-out originals. Using the OEM reference number you can easily confirm the part is a match for your vehicle.

Exclusively industrial SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) on a Formlabs Fuse system. A laser fuses nylon powder layer by layer in a powder bed, producing a dense, nearly isotropic part (almost equal strength in every direction) with an even surface free of layer lines.

Both are proven manufacturing methods for different jobs. FDM lays down melted filament layer by layer — fast, flexible and perfectly adequate for many parts. SLS sinters powder with a laser, without support structures: it allows complex, enclosed internal geometries, gives an even matte surface, and the part is nearly equally strong in every direction. We chose SLS because for small-series, often thin-walled and intricately shaped replacement parts it delivers the result closest to the factory component — our entire range is SLS-printed.

PA12 (polyamide 12, better known as Nylon 12) industrial nylon — the same material family many factory plastic car parts are made of: impact- and wear-resistant, oil- and fuel-resistant, with low moisture absorption and good tolerance of temperature swings.

Tensile strength around 48–50 MPa with more than 10% elongation at break, so it is not brittle. It melts around ~180 °C, handles 80–100 °C continuously and short peaks above that. More than adequate for interior, trunk, door and dashboard parts; proven in the engine bay away from hot components (heater flap actuators, brackets, clips).

PA12 has good UV resistance compared to most printed plastics, and the black deep-dyed version gains extra protection because the dye absorbs UV. Exterior parts exposed to direct sun for many years (e.g. open convertible trim) may show slight matte fading over time, but the mechanical properties do not degrade the way 30-year-old original ABS does.

The base colour of Formlabs PA12 powder is grey. Most of our products are deep-dyed black — the dye soaks into the nylon instead of sitting on the surface, so it cannot chip off or scratch away. If a product is named "black" it is deep-dyed; if "grey/natural" or "primed", see the product description. In most cases the parts look identical to the factory originals; some details may be subtly reinforced for durability, always noted in the description.

Yes. The sintered nylon's slightly porous, matte surface takes primer and paint very well. Recommended process: degrease with isopropyl alcohol, apply a plastic primer suitable for PA12, then the desired top coat — this lets you match factory interior colours (beige, grey, blue, etc.) precisely.

SLS holds a typical tolerance of ±0.3 mm / ±0.3%. We don't just copy parts — we install and test them in their original location before they enter the range. Based on customer feedback, most products install without tools or with the original fasteners.

The SLS surface is uniformly fine, slightly grainy matte — similar to bead-blasted or matte injection-moulded plastic. Layer lines are practically invisible to the naked eye. It is more matte than glossy factory surfaces; our product photos aim to show this faithfully.

Because these are small-series parts, often long withdrawn from factory distribution. An injection mould costs tens of thousands of euros, which could never pay off at 10–50 units a year — that is exactly why factory supply ended. With SLS even a single unit is economical to produce, making parts available again that the manufacturer no longer offers.

The Original Equipment Manufacturer part number the factory uses for its own component. We list it so you can identify exactly which part ours replaces. Important: our products are not genuine factory parts and are not endorsed or distributed by the vehicle manufacturers; OEM numbers and brand names are used solely to identify compatibility.

Often yes, though that is not the main point. The originals are typically 20–40-year-old ABS or PP that has turned brittle by now — clips snap, tabs break off. Fresh PA12 is tougher and not brittle, and we often reinforce the typical failure points in the design without changing the external dimensions. This is always noted in the product description.

Stated on every product (e.g. "pair", "4 pieces", "left or right – 1 pc"). "Left/Right" in a product name means a selectable side, not a pair — please choose the correct side before adding to cart.