3D printer finance for UK businesses

Sometimes. Lenders are more cautious with new businesses, but because the printer secures the agreement, asset finance can be easier to obtain than an unsecured loan. A larger deposit, a good personal credit history, a clear business plan and a quote from an established supplier all help. Directors may be asked for a personal guarantee.

Often, yes, depending on its age, condition and resale value. Lenders prefer used equipment from recognised manufacturers bought through established dealers. Terms may be shorter than for new equipment, reflecting the remaining useful life, and some lenders ask for an independent valuation.

Yes, 3D printer finance can usually include associated costs such as software licences, installation, post-processing and curing equipment, powder handling and scanners. Some lenders cap how much of an agreement can be soft costs, because software and installation have little resale value, so the printer itself needs to carry most of the deal. Our guide to soft asset finance explains how lenders treat these items.

It depends on the structure. Hire purchase usually involves an initial deposit followed by fixed monthly payments, while a finance lease typically keeps the initial outlay low. Lenders may ask for a larger deposit where the printer is specialist, the business is newer or the credit record is weaker. VAT-registered businesses should also plan for how VAT on the purchase is handled at the start of the agreement.

Yes, sole traders and partnerships can usually finance a 3D printer through hire purchase or leasing, with the printer supporting the agreement. Lenders look at your trading history, bank statements and personal credit. Finance of £25,000 or less to a sole trader or a partnership of two or three partners can be regulated consumer credit. Our page on sole trader loans explains the wider options.

Not from a mainstream lender: every lender will run a credit check on the business, and usually the directors, before it approves finance. You can see which lenders on our panel are likely to fit your business, with no credit search, using Instant Quotes, and a full credit check only happens when you choose to apply.

Rental suits a short project or a trial, because you can hand the printer back at short notice, but the monthly cost is usually higher. A lease or hire purchase over two to five years usually costs less a month for a printer you will use regularly, and hire purchase means you own it at the end.

Not on the printer itself, because capital expenditure is excluded from R&D tax relief. A printer bought for R&D related to your trade may qualify for research and development allowances at 100% or the annual investment allowance instead, and materials and power used up in the R&D can be included in the claim. Smart Funding Solutions, a whole-of-market commercial finance broker, arranges printer finance and R&D tax credit loans.

Not on an ordinary lease, because you must own the item. GOV.UK makes an exception for hire purchase contracts and long funding leases. Lease rentals are generally treated as a running cost, so ask your accountant which structure suits before you sign.

A bureau suits occasional prototypes, unusual materials and large or metal parts with no capital tied up. Buying starts to make sense when bureau invoices are regular, turnaround times hold up work or designs must stay in house. Compare a year of bureau spend with the monthly finance payment plus running costs. Smart Funding Solutions, a whole-of-market commercial finance broker, finds lenders that fund 3D printers.

Yes. Lenders normally look at the order book, how busy existing machines are and the bureau's trading figures, and several printers can be funded on one agreement. Machines from established manufacturers with a used market are generally easier to fund.