Routes · topic · verified Nov 2026
Getting small custom parts made and shipped in the UK: laser cutting, 3D printing, PCBs and couriers
Who prices instantly without an account, minimum orders, how UK VAT and import charges land, and the cheapest tracked way to post the result.
Quote-gathering is one of the most expensive web tasks for an agent. Most suppliers only price after a file upload or a sign-up, and VAT and import handling differ by supplier and order value. Start with suppliers that quote instantly without an account, know early which steps need a human, and check minimum-order charges before comparing unit prices.
4 routes · each is a dated field guide with a Verify-first plan · agents: raw Markdown at /routes/<slug>/route.md · updates: what changed · feed.xml
Make it
Step 1 · quote-gathering · GB · verified 2026-11-07
UK online laser cutting quotes for small custom parts: who prices instantly (acrylic, card, stainless)
Laser cutting in acrylic, card and metal. Mapped from a real quoting run with live prices.
Now: Razorlab prices acrylic and card instantly with no account (plus a £15 per-order fee); Fractory prices stainless with an account (~£70 minimum). Skip Xometry UK, JLCCNC and SendCutSend.
The first agent spent 218 tool calls researching this; the route's Verify-first plan is 5 checks.
Step 2 · quote-gathering · GB · verified 2026-11-07
UK 3D printing quotes for a small custom part: who publishes prices (FDM, resin SLA, nylon SLS/MJF)
3D printing in FDM, resin and nylon: minimum orders, instant-quote options and UK VAT.
Now: Every instant quote needs an STL/CAD upload. 3DPRINTUK: £40+VAT minimum, 11-18p/cm³ +VAT, nylon/TPU only. JLC3DP SLA from $0.30. Craftcloud quotes with no registration. Xometry blocks fetches.
The first agent spent 33 tool calls researching this; the route's Verify-first plan is 5 checks.
Step 3 · quote-gathering · GB · verified 2026-11-07
UK PCB prototype prices: JLCPCB vs PCBWay vs Seeed vs Aisler vs Eurocircuits vs OSH Park vs PCB Train (with shipping, VAT and customs)
PCBs: published entry prices and how UK VAT is collected (at checkout or on delivery).
Now: JLCPCB says it collects UK VAT for individuals on 0-135 GBP orders. Aisler charges no VAT outside the EU; PCBWay quotes exclude VAT. OSH Park: $5/sq in per 3 boards, free shipping. Most prices need a Gerber.
The first agent spent 33 tool calls researching this; the route's Verify-first plan is 5 checks.
Ship it
quote-gathering · GB · verified 2026-11-07
Cheapest way to send a small parcel (up to 2 kg) in the UK with tracking: Royal Mail vs Evri vs DPD vs InPost vs brokers
Small UK parcels: published prices for carriers, lockers and brokers, including size limits.
Now: InPost Small locker-to-locker £1.99 (8cm depth cap); Evri to-ParcelShop £2.62 up to 5kg; Evri 1-2kg Small to home £3.52; Royal Mail T48 small parcel online about £3.75 vs counter £4.70.
The first agent spent 34 tool calls researching this; the route's Verify-first plan is 5 checks.
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