Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to our frequently asked questions section. Here you’ll find answers to common questions about our 3D printing services, materials, pricing, and more.

General Questions

What is 3D printing?

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process that creates three-dimensional objects by building them layer by layer from digital files. It allows for the creation of complex shapes and customized products that would be difficult or impossible to make with traditional manufacturing methods.

What materials do you use?

We work with a variety of high-quality materials:

• PLA - Biodegradable, great for decorative items and prototypes
• PLA+ - Enhanced strength and durability over standard PLA
• PETG - Food-safe, durable, and chemical-resistant
• ABS - Strong, heat-resistant, ideal for functional parts
• ASA - UV-resistant and weatherproof, perfect for outdoor applications
• TPU - Flexible, rubber-like material for gaskets and grips
• Specialty Filaments - Wood-fill, carbon fiber, glow-in-the-dark, and more

Contact us if you need a specific material for your project.

How accurate are your prints?

Our FDM printers achieve dimensional accuracy of ±0.2mm for most prints. For higher precision needs, we can discuss resin printing options which offer even tighter tolerances.

Ordering & Custom Projects

How do I place a custom order?

1. Visit our Contact page to submit your project inquiry
2. Include as much detail as possible about your project
3. Attach or link to any design files (STL, OBJ, 3MF) or reference images
4. We’ll review your request and send a quote within 24-48 hours
5. Once approved, we’ll begin production

What file formats do you accept?

We accept the following 3D file formats:

• STL (preferred)
• OBJ
• 3MF
• STEP/STP (for engineering projects)

We also accept concept images and reference photos (JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, WEBP, SVG). Our design team can create a 3D model from your images, sketches, or detailed descriptions.

Can you help me design something?

Yes! We offer design assistance services:

• Converting sketches or images to 3D models
• Modifying existing designs
• Creating custom designs from scratch
• Optimizing designs for 3D printing

Design fees vary based on complexity. Contact us for a quote.

What’s the minimum order quantity?

There’s no minimum order quantity. We’re happy to print a single item or thousands. Bulk orders receive volume discounts.

How long does a custom order take?

Typical turnaround times:

• Simple projects: 3-5 business days
• Complex projects: 5-10 business days
• Large batches: Quoted individually

Rush orders may be available for an additional fee.

Pricing

How is pricing determined?

Pricing is based on several factors:

• Material type and quantity used
• Print time (complexity and size)
• Post-processing requirements (sanding, painting, assembly)
• Order quantity (bulk discounts available)

Do you offer volume discounts?

Yes! We offer tiered pricing for bulk orders:

• 10-24 units: 10% discount
• 25-49 units: 15% discount
• 50-99 units: 20% discount
• 100+ units: Contact us for custom pricing

Are quotes free?

Yes, all quotes are free with no obligation. We’ll provide a detailed breakdown of costs before you commit.

Shipping & Delivery

Where do you ship?

We ship worldwide! See our Shipping page for detailed information on delivery times and costs.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on:

• Destination
• Package weight and dimensions
• Shipping speed selected

Free shipping is available on orders over $75 CAD (Canada) or $100 USD (US).

How do I track my order?

Once your order ships, you’ll receive an email with tracking information.

Returns & Quality

What if my item arrives damaged?

Contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos of the damage. We’ll arrange a replacement or refund at no additional cost.

Do you offer refunds?

• Ready-made products: Refundable within 14 days if unused and in original condition
• Custom orders: Non-refundable once production begins, but we’ll fix any defects

See our Terms of Service for complete details.

What’s your quality guarantee?

We inspect every item before shipping. If you receive a defective product, we’ll make it right—guaranteed. Contact us within 7 days of delivery to report any issues.

Technical Questions

What’s the maximum print size?

Our current capabilities:

• FDM Printing: Up to 250mm x 250mm x 250mm
• Resin Printing: Coming soon

Larger items can be printed in sections and assembled.

Can you print moving parts or assemblies?

Yes! We can print:

• Print-in-place mechanisms (hinges, gears)
• Multi-part assemblies
• Snap-fit components

Some assemblies may require minimal post-processing.

What colors are available?

We stock a wide range of colors including:

• Standard colors (black, white, grey, red, blue, green, yellow, orange)
• Specialty finishes (metallic, matte, silk, transparent)
• Custom colors available upon request

Can 3D printed items be used outdoors?

It depends on the material:

• PETG and ABS: Good UV and weather resistance
• ASA: Excellent for outdoor use
• PLA: Not recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure

We can recommend the best material for your application.

Is 3D printing expensive?

Not necessarily! 3D printing is cost-effective for:

• Prototypes - Test before committing to expensive tooling
• Custom parts - No minimum order quantities required
• Small batches - No setup costs like traditional manufacturing
• Complex designs - Create shapes impossible with other methods

For mass production of simple items, traditional manufacturing may be cheaper. We’ll advise on the best approach for your needs.

What industries use 3D printing?

3D printing serves many industries:

• Product design - Rapid prototyping and testing
• Medical - Custom prosthetics, surgical guides, models
• Architecture - Scale models and mockups
• Education - Teaching aids and lab equipment
• Entertainment - Props, costumes, figurines
• Manufacturing - Jigs, fixtures, end-use parts
• Automotive - Custom parts and restoration
• Consumer products - Personalized items and gifts

How strong are 3D printed parts?

Strength depends on material and design:

• ABS/ASA - Very strong, impact-resistant
• PETG - Excellent strength and flexibility balance
• PLA+ - Good strength for decorative items
• TPU - Flexible but durable

We can optimize layer orientation and infill for maximum strength. Many 3D printed parts are suitable for functional use, not just prototypes.

Can you print food-safe items?

Yes! We use PETG which is food-safe when properly printed and finished. However, standard FDM printing creates micro-gaps that can harbor bacteria, so we recommend:

• Single-use items (cookie cutters, molds)
• Items with food-safe coatings
• Non-contact applications (containers, organizers)

Contact us to discuss food-safe options for your specific application.

Do you offer design services?

Absolutely! Our design services include:

• 3D modeling from sketches - Turn your drawings into printable files
• Design modifications - Adjust existing STL files
• Optimization - Improve designs for better printing and strength
• Reverse engineering - Create models from physical objects
• Custom creation - Complete design from concept to file

Design fees start at $50/hour. Get a custom design quote.

What’s the difference between PLA and PETG?

PLA (Polylactic Acid):

• Biodegradable and eco-friendly
• Easy to print, great surface finish
• Best for decorative items, prototypes
• Not suitable for high temperatures or outdoor use

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol):

• More durable and impact-resistant
• Food-safe and chemical-resistant
• Good for functional parts and containers
• Better UV and moisture resistance

We’ll recommend the best material for your specific application.

Still Have Questions?

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Ask us your question and we’ll be happy to help!