TERMS OF SERVICE

SERVICE AGREEMENT

By using Bicester3D services, you agree to these terms and conditions. These terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Bicester3D for the provision of 3D printing services.

We supply services to both consumers (B2C) and businesses (B2B). Some legal rights and remedies differ depending on whether you are acting as a consumer or in the course of business.

WHO WE ARE (BUSINESS DETAILS)

Bicester3D (“we”, “us”, “our”) provides 3D printing and related services in the UK.

• Contact: legal@bicester3d.co.uk
• Website: bicester3d.co.uk
• Legal entity details: Your invoice/receipt will include our full legal entity name and address. If you need these details in advance (for example for B2B purchasing), email us.

SERVICE DESCRIPTION

Bicester3D provides:

• 3D printing services using FDM/FFF technology
• Material options including PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, and TPU
• Design consultation and file preparation assistance
• Local delivery and collection services
• Custom manufacturing and prototyping
• Key/access system replication services (where offered, subject to authorisation checks)

QUOTES, PRICING, AND ORDER ACCEPTANCE

Prices shown on the website are our standard prices at the time you place an order. Automated quotes are estimates based on the information available (for example: file geometry, selected material/quality, quantity, and delivery options).

• Quote validity: Unless stated otherwise, quotes are valid for 7 days.
• When we may need to revise a quote: if the file is corrupted, non-manifold, requires repair, differs from the description, requires unusual post-processing/finishing, or appears safety‑critical/regulated.
• Order acceptance: Your order is accepted when we confirm it (for example via email confirmation) and/or when production begins.

KEY / ACCESS SYSTEM REPLICATION (KYC & AUTHORISATION)

Where we provide key cutting or access system replication (for example: keys, fobs, cards, tags, or similar), you must be authorised to request a duplicate. We operate “Know Your Customer” (KYC) and authorisation checks to help prevent unauthorised access and fraud. If we are not satisfied that you are authorised, we may refuse the request.

INFORMATION WE MAY REQUIRE

Before we replicate a key or access credential, we may ask for:

• What it opens: cabinet / locker / padlock / equipment / vehicle / other
• Where the lock/access point is located: home / business / site, and who owns or controls it
• Your reason for needing a copy: lost spare / additional user / replacement / other
• Proof of authorisation (see below)

ACCEPTABLE PROOF OF AUTHORISATION (EXAMPLES)

One of the following is usually sufficient. We may request additional information depending on the circumstances.

• Home: a photo of the lock installed, plus something linking you to the address (for example a recent utility bill showing name/address — you may redact amounts)
• Business/site: an email or letter from the owner/facilities manager authorising the duplicate, or a work order/job reference showing you are contracted to access it

We will not knowingly assist with unauthorised access. We may also refuse replication where a key is marked “Do Not Copy”, is part of a restricted system, appears altered/tampered with, or where the request raises safeguarding, fraud, or legal concerns.

ORDER PROCESS AND PAYMENT

Orders are confirmed upon payment. We accept payment via Stripe (cards, PayPal, bank transfer). Prices include VAT where applicable. Payment is required before production begins.

Orders may be cancelled within 2 hours of placement for full refund. Once production begins, orders cannot be cancelled. Custom design work is non-refundable once confirmed.

Chargebacks and payment disputes: If you believe there is an issue with your order, please contact us first so we can resolve it quickly. If a chargeback is raised, we may suspend work on the order until the dispute is resolved.

CANCELLATIONS, RETURNS, AND REFUNDS (B2C & B2B)

Custom-made goods: Most 3D printed items are made to your specification (for example made from your file, to your chosen dimensions/material/quality). Under UK consumer law, the usual 14‑day “change of mind” cancellation right does not apply to bespoke/customised goods once production has begun.

If you are a consumer (B2C): Nothing in these terms affects your statutory rights. If goods are faulty or not as described, you may be entitled to repair/replacement or a refund under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

If you are a business (B2B): you should inspect goods on receipt and notify us promptly of any issues. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, business orders are non-returnable once production has begun, except for defects or non-conformity.

• Reporting a problem: Contact us with your order number and clear photos. For dimensional/tolerance issues, include measurements and the measuring method.
• Our remedies: Where appropriate we may (at our discretion) reprint, repair, offer partial refund, or refund the affected item(s).
• Exclusions: We do not treat normal FDM characteristics as defects (layer lines, minor support marks, slight colour variation, small tolerance drift within stated tolerances).

PROMOTIONAL OFFERS AND DISCOUNTS

Promotional discounts and special offers apply exclusively to direct STL file printing services obtained through our automated quote system. These offers do not apply to:

• Custom design services or CAD modeling work
• Manual design modifications or file repair services
• Projects requiring significant manual labor or hand-finishing
• Custom consultation or technical advisory services
• Orders requiring custom quotes outside the automated system

Discounts are automatically applied at checkout for eligible orders. We reserve the right to modify or terminate promotional offers at any time. Offers cannot be combined unless explicitly stated. For orders involving both automated printing and manual services, discounts apply only to the automated printing component.

FILE REQUIREMENTS AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

You must provide:

• Valid STL, 3MF, or OBJ files up to 50MB
• Watertight, manifold geometry
• Appropriate scaling and dimensions
• Legal right to manufacture the design

You retain all intellectual property rights to your designs. We do not share or reproduce your files without permission. Files are stored securely and deleted after our retention period.

Your responsibility: You confirm you have the legal right to submit the file and request manufacture (including any rights in the design, trademarks, patents, or other protected materials). If a third party alleges infringement, you agree to reasonably cooperate with us and you may be responsible for losses arising from unlawful instructions or materials you provided.

PROHIBITED ITEMS

QUALITY AND TOLERANCES

Standard dimensional tolerance is ±0.2mm for external dimensions. Layer heights range from 0.1-0.3mm depending on selected quality. FDM printing characteristics include visible layer lines and potential support marks. We guarantee structural integrity but not cosmetic perfection.

HOLES AND INTERNAL FEATURES

We cannot guarantee precise tolerances on holes, threads, or internal features due to material shrinkage and FDM process limitations. Holes typically print 0.1-0.3mm undersized and may require reaming or drilling to final dimension. We strongly recommend:

• Holes: Design 0.2-0.3mm oversized, then redrill to final size
• Threads: Print pilot holes and tap threads post-print for best results
• Press-fits: Test fit first; material compression varies by type
• Clearances: Add minimum 0.3mm clearance for moving parts

MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS

All thermoplastic materials exhibit some degree of warping, shrinkage, and layer adhesion variability. Part orientation affects strength significantly - parts are weakest along layer lines. First-layer elephant foot (slight bulging) is normal and typically 0.2-0.4mm. Colors may vary slightly between batches.

SURFACE FINISH

Layer lines are inherent to FDM printing and will be visible. Support removal may leave marks or scarring. Overhangs steeper than 45° require supports and may have reduced surface quality. Bottom surfaces (on build plate) will be smoother than top surfaces. We do not provide post-processing unless specifically requested and quoted.

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITY

Customer is responsible for verifying that printed parts meet their application requirements. We recommend prototype testing before ordering multiple units. Design for manufacturability issues (thin walls, unsupported overhangs, excessive bridging) may result in quality compromises. Consult our design guides or contact us for design review before ordering critical parts.

Regulated / safety-critical uses: Unless we expressly agree in writing, our products and services are not intended for use as medical devices, safety‑critical systems, or applications where failure could cause injury, loss of life, or significant property damage. You are responsible for validation, testing, and compliance with any applicable standards and laws.

DELIVERY AND COLLECTION

Standard turnaround is 2-3 business days. Express service available for additional cost. We offer free collection from Bicester, local delivery throughout Oxfordshire, and UK-wide shipping. Risk transfers to customer upon delivery or collection.

Delivery times are estimates unless we have agreed a specific deadline in writing. If courier delivery is selected, you are responsible for providing accurate address and contact details. If an item is returned to us due to incorrect details or failed delivery attempts, we may charge for re-delivery.

WARRANTY AND LIABILITY

We warrant parts against manufacturing defects for 30 days. Replacement parts will be provided for verified defects. Our liability is limited to the order value. We are not liable for consequential, indirect, or special damages.

Customer is responsible for design suitability, material selection appropriateness, and end-use safety. We provide guidance but final responsibility rests with the customer.

Important legal notes: Nothing in these terms limits or excludes liability which cannot be limited or excluded under applicable law (including liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, or for fraud).

B2B: If you are acting in the course of business, to the maximum extent permitted by law we exclude all implied conditions, warranties, representations, or other terms which may apply to our services or products. Our total aggregate liability to you for any claim arising out of or in connection with an order is limited to the amount paid for that order.

FORCE MAJEURE

We are not responsible for delay or failure to perform caused by events outside our reasonable control (for example: supplier failures, material shortages, courier disruption, power outages, internet/service interruption, extreme weather, fire, flood, or governmental actions). We will keep you informed and resume performance as soon as reasonably possible.

COMPLAINTS AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

If you have a complaint, contact us first with your order number and details of the issue. We aim to respond within 2 business days and resolve matters as quickly as possible. If we cannot resolve a dispute informally, disputes will be handled in accordance with the Governing Law section below.

DATA PROTECTION

We process personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and our Privacy Policy. Customer data is used solely for order fulfilment, service improvement, and fraud prevention. Where KYC/authorisation checks are required for key/access replication requests, we may process the information you provide (including documents and photos) to verify you are authorised. We recommend you redact non-essential information (for example billing amounts). We keep such information only as long as reasonably necessary for verification, record-keeping, and legal compliance.

GOVERNING LAW

These terms are governed by English law. Disputes will be resolved through English courts. We aim to resolve issues amicably through direct communication before formal proceedings.

CHANGES TO TERMS

We may update these terms periodically. Significant changes will be communicated via email or website notice. Continued use constitutes acceptance of updated terms.