What we do:
We are a rapid prototyping, design & 3D printing consultancy based in Norwich. Our mission is to support businesses and individuals turn concepts into reality. We specialise in the production of high performance FDM parts across a broad range of materials including TPU/TPE, PETG, ABS, PC, ASA, PLA+, Carbon and Nylon-reinforced polymers.
How it works:
We work to support your process, assisting with design, engineering, analysis and manufacture of both prototypes and functional parts. We provide free consultation and transparent advice on the best solution. Whether it's innovating a new product altogether or refining an existing design, we'd love to hear from you.
About
Katana 3D was established in 2026. With 10+ years experience prior in engineering, design and product development, we have completed hundreds of projects from our purpose-built space in Norwich.
The studio is also home to our sibling company, Solemate, a manufacturer of custom insoles for sports, everyday and corrective uses. Having built that business from scratch, we understand the messy process of creation, testing, refinement, failure and ultimately, success. As a young and dynamic consultancy in the fast moving world of 3D printing and materials, we keep our finger firmly on the pulse to deliver the very best to our clients.
Process
Consider design and development as a circular process, where you can start at any point:
Concept · Design · Test · Refine · Execute
Rapid prototyping helps bridge the creative gap and accelerate 3-dimensional understanding of a solution.
Beginning with a consultation to establish the scope of the project, we create a plan. This could cover design and engineering, CAD modelling, manufacturing (in our print farm) or any combination of the above. If you have a model, upload it through the Contact Form and we will take a look. If you don't, provide a description and we can help create this.
Materials
We produce parts from a broad range of FDM materials. Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is a form of 3D printing that creates an object by building layers of material. The orientation and density of those layers (slicing) define certain properties of the part, along with the choice of material. We can create anything from soft/flexible parts to extremely stiff engineering plastics. If your project requires something specific, let us know.
Build Volume:
300x300x300mm
(larger parts can be split)
PLA / PLA+
A bioplastic which is quick, easy and affordable to 3D print with. Limited strength, excellent for testing form and concept.
PETG / ABS / PC / ASA
Thermoplastics balancing properties of functional strength, compliance, durability and heat resistance.
50-95A TPU + Foaming TPU
Soft, flexible, resistant to abrasion and highly configurable. Ideal for human/machine interfaces, gaskets, grips, insoles etc.
Carbon-Reinforced Polymers
Industrial-grade materials suitable for the most demanding operating environments, maximising precision and stiffness.
