Frequently Asked Questions

We offer a comprehensive range of technologies including FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), SLA/DLP (Stereolithography), SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), MJF (Multi Jet Fusion), and metal 3D printing (DMLS/SLM). Each technology has unique advantages depending on your requirements for resolution, material properties, and budget.

Our maximum build volumes vary by technology: FDM up to 1000 x 1000 x 1000mm, SLA up to 335 x 200 x 300mm, SLS up to 380 x 330 x 460mm, and metal printing up to 280 x 280 x 350mm. For larger parts, we can produce multi-part assemblies that are bonded together.

Standard turnaround is 3-5 business days from order confirmation. We also offer Express (24-hour) and Rush (same-day) options for most technologies at additional cost. Metal parts typically require 5-10 business days due to additional post-processing requirements.

Yes! Our engineering team provides free Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) review for every order. We'll check your files for printability and suggest optimizations. For more extensive design work, we offer paid engineering services including 3D modeling, topology optimization, and reverse engineering.

We accept over 30 file formats including STL, OBJ, 3MF, STEP, IGES, Solidworks (.sldprt), Fusion 360, Inventor, and Rhino files. For best results, we recommend STL files with a minimum resolution of 0.01mm for SLA parts, or STEP files for accurate dimensional representation.

Export as binary STL (not ASCII) with units set to millimeters. For high-detail parts (SLA), use a chord deviation of 0.01mm. For FDM parts, 0.1mm is sufficient. Ensure your model is watertight with no holes or inverted normals. Our upload tool will automatically check for common issues.

Yes, we actually prefer STEP files for metal printing as they contain accurate geometry without mesh approximation. This ensures precise dimensional accuracy, especially for functional parts with tight tolerances. We'll convert the STEP to our internal format while preserving all geometric intent.

For functional prototypes, we recommend Nylon PA12 (SLS) for its excellent mechanical properties, or ABS (FDM) for a cost-effective option. If you need heat resistance, try High Temp Resin or Nylon with glass fiber. Our engineers can help recommend the best material based on your specific requirements.

Yes, we offer FDA-compliant food-safe materials including certain PETG formulations and food-safe silicone overmolding. However, note that the printing process itself may introduce porosity that can harbor bacteria. For true food-safe applications, we recommend food-grade coatings or stainless steel 316L metal printing.

We offer Titanium Ti6Al4V (aerospace and medical), Stainless Steel 316L (general purpose), Aluminum AlSi10Mg (lightweight), Inconel 718 (high-temperature), Cobalt Chrome (medical and dental), and Tool Steel H13 (tooling). Custom alloys may be available upon request with minimum order quantities.

Pricing is based on several factors: material volume (cm³), technology type, part complexity, and quantity. Our instant quoting system analyzes your file and calculates price automatically. Volume discounts start at 10+ parts. Custom finishing, inserts, and other post-processing add additional costs.

Yes! We offer tiered discounts: 10-24 parts (5% off), 25-99 parts (10% off), 100-499 parts (15% off), and 500+ parts (20% off). For production quantities exceeding 1000 parts, please contact our sales team for custom pricing and dedicated production capacity.

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), PayPal, wire transfer, and purchase orders with net-30 terms for qualified business accounts. For first-time business accounts, we require prepayment until credit is established.

We ship worldwide! Domestic US orders ship via UPS, FedEx, or USPS. International orders ship via DHL or FedEx International. We handle all customs documentation for international shipments. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on package dimensions and destination.

Yes, you can provide your UPS, FedEx, or DHL account number during checkout and we'll bill shipping directly to your account. This is often more cost-effective for businesses with negotiated shipping rates.

Parts are individually wrapped in foam or bubble wrap, then placed in custom-fit boxes with additional padding. Delicate SLA parts receive extra protection. For multi-part orders, each part is labeled with the filename and part number for easy identification.