Retail Packaging – 3D Printing Service
Packaging 3D Printing and Prototyping
At Malcolm Nicholls Limited (MNL), we have been producing quality models across all product development stages for over 50 years, helping companies evaluate the effectiveness of their packaging designs. Our extensive experience and diverse range of technologies ensure that your packaging prototypes are not just accurate, but also functional and visually compelling.
Over five decades of expertise
Serving the whole of the UK
Unwavering commitment to quality
Packaging 3D Printing and Prototyping
Packaging is a powerful marketing tool, and creating effective prototypes is essential for success. At Malcolm Nicholls Limited (MNL), we’ve spent over 50 years helping companies bring their packaging designs to life. Our prototypes allow you to test aesthetics and functionality, conduct market research, and create compelling presentations that get your product to market faster.
Our Prototyping Processes
We offer a range of advanced technologies to meet your specific needs.
- SLA (Stereolithography): Ideal for creating highly detailed, clear prototypes with smooth finishes. Perfect for visualising liquids or intricate designs.
- Vacuum Casting: The best solution for small-batch production. We use silicone molds to replicate your master model in a variety of materials, including food-safe resins.
- Vacuum Forming: A cost-effective way to produce custom trays and inserts. This process creates lightweight, custom-fit packaging that protects your product while enhancing its presentation.
Our 3D Printing Services
We have invested in two of the largest 3D printers in the UK. Each one has a build platform of 800 x 800 x 600mm, we have the ability to produce large parts as well as 1000’s of smaller items. This bridges the gap of prototype to mass production.
SLA
Stereolithography (SLA) also often referred to as SLA is the most widely used resin 3D printing technology. it is generally considered to provide the greatest accuracy and best surface finish of any prototyping or 3D printing process.
SLS
SLS can build functional parts, casting patterns and tooling inserts from your 3D CAD data. Our HiQ Sinterstation system (SLS 3D Printing machine) represents the future of Instant Manufacturing Technology.
FDM
Manufacturing FDM known as fused deposition modelling is the most widely available form of 3d printing. It is an additive manufacturing technology that selectively deposits molten plastic to build parts layer by layer.
Large Format
As a leading UK 3D printing service, we provide large format SLA 3D printers with their impressive build platforms of 800 x 800 x 600mm.
Transparent
We can produce large transparent 3D printing without the need for sectioning and fabricating back together, by utilising our large format SLA 3D printers.
Carbon
Carbon has proven itself for its reliability in the toughest of environments, whether your looking to use it in low volume production or rapid prototyping Carbon 3D Printing is a great option.
3D Printed Influencer Mailers
The power of packaging goes beyond the shelf. For brands looking to make a splash on social media, influencer mailers have become a crucial marketing tool. A beautifully designed and well-presented mailer can create a memorable unboxing experience, generating organic content and buzz.
Our work with Page Creative for the beauty brand PLouise is a prime example of this. We utilised vacuum forming to create a custom insert for their influencer mailers. The bespoke insert was designed to perfectly cradle their products, ensuring they were presented in a visually stunning and secure manner. The vacuum-formed tray not only protected the delicate products during transit but also elevated the unboxing experience, making it a shareable moment for influencers and their followers. This case study demonstrates how we can use our technology to create custom packaging solutions that are not only functional but also integral to a brand’s marketing strategy.
Introduce Model Making & 3D printing to your business
Two of the Largest 3D Printers in the UK
Along with our suite of machines, we can produce large parts or multiple small parts at great prices.
Quick turn-around & Delivery
Your 3D printed parts will be delivered to you in Leicester within days.
Advanced 3D Printing Technologies
SLA, SLS, FDM, large format, transparent, carbon and colour 3D printing.
50 years+ Experience
Established quality and reliable service to our customers in Leicester.
How it works
Upload your files
For unfinished, straight-off-the-printer 3D parts, upload your 3D CAD files and get an instant quote.
For larger projects where quotes for multiple parts are needed, get in touch.
Get your quote
Get your online instant quote for straight off the printer 3D printing, or for more intricate/complex projects our technical team will be on hand to quote you.
Printing starts
From our 3D printing facility near Birmingham, we start producing the parts immediately.
Every single item is quality-checked by our engineers before heading out for delivery.
Delivery/ Collection
Our intricate 3D printed parts can be produced in days, even hours for smaller projects and delivered with our secure couriers.
Prefer pickup? Our headquarters are in Bidford-on-Avon, just contact us ahead to arrange a collection time.
More Than Just 3D Printing
Our 50 years of model making experience will ensure your prototype looks and performs just like the real thing, including all graphics and logos, colours, and surface finishes. Our expertise in using CNC machined plastics, injection moulding, SLA, FDM and SLS and a range of rapid prototyping methods means we can provide a ‘single source solution’ for all your new product development requirements.
Typical applications and sectors we serve include:
-
Retail Display models
-
Beverage dispense
-
Wax patterns for investment casting
-
Application of graphics and finishes
-
Closures and lids
-
Speciality and custom packaging
-
Irregular shapes and tactile finishes
-
Speciality metal effects
-
Glass-like prototypes
Case Studies
See how Malcolm Nicholls has helped other businesses like yours
Looking for prices?
Ready to start your vacuum casting project? Share your project details and data with our team of experts, and we’ll be happy to assist you at every step.