3D Printing Service FAQs

Q1. What file formats do you accept?
A: We support STEP/STP, IGES/IGS, STL, 3MF, SLDPRT, OBJ, and other formats.
It is recommended to prioritize STEP files for quotation and DFM (Design for Manufacturability) analysis.
All files should be uniformly converted to STL or 3MF before printing.

Q2. Can you print from 2D drawings only?
A: 3D printing requires a 3D model. While 2D drawings can specify tolerances or assembly intentions, a 3D file (STEP/STL) is still mandatory.

Q3. How is pricing calculated?
A: Pricing is determined based on:

Material type

Part volume or bounding box

Layer height/resolution

Printing process (SLA / SLS / MJF / FDM / Metal 3D Printing)

Post-processing requirements

Lead time and order quantity

Our online platform provides instant pricing and DFM recommendations.

Q4. What’s the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
A: Most online 3D printing services have no MOQ, and orders can start from 1 unit.
However, specific materials or processes may have a minimum order value or minimum charge.

Q5. What are the typical lead times?
A:

Plastic 3D printing: 1–3 working days (excluding post-processing and shipping).

Metal 3D printing or special finishes: Longer lead times are required.

Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFM)

Q6. Do you provide DFM feedback?
A: Yes. Automatic DFM analysis is provided during quotation/order placement, highlighting issues such as thin walls, narrow gaps, and dimension exceedances.

Q7. Does my model need to be watertight/manifold?
A: Yes. Export high-quality STL/3MF files and ensure no gaps, reversed normals, or self-intersections.
We can assist with model repair if necessary.

Q8. What minimum wall thickness and detail sizes are recommended?
A: Reference standards (adjustable per capability):

SLS/MJF (Nylon): 0.6–1.0 mm (recommended ≥0.8 mm); minimum gap ≥0.5–0.75 mm

SLA (Resin): Thin walls ≥0.6 mm with root fillets; finer details possible after evaluation

FDM: Embossed/debossed text ≥0.5 mm height/depth

(Data referenced from Protolabs, Hubs, Shapeways, Stratasys, etc.)

Q9. Do you support multiple parts per file, sprues, or assemblies?
A: Yes. Multiple parts, sprues, or assemblies are supported.
However, note that some finishes (e.g., MJF Smooth) do not allow enclosed or interlocking parts.
Please review material/process-specific guidelines before ordering.

Q10. Does build orientation affect strength?
A:

FDM: Anisotropic; stronger in XY plane, weaker along Z-axis.

SLS/MJF: More isotropic and suitable for functional components.

Processes & Materials

Q11. Which process should I choose: SLA, SLS, MJF, FDM, or metal 3D printing?
A:

SLA: For smooth surfaces and high detail.

SLS/MJF: For functional nylon parts or small-batch production.

FDM: For cost-effective prototypes.

Metal (DMLS/SLM): For high-strength, temperature-resistant parts.

Q12. What materials are available, and what are their typical uses?
A:

Plastics: PA12/PA11, TPU, resins (various formulations).

Metals: Aluminum AlSi10Mg, Titanium Ti-6Al-4V, Stainless Steel.
Nylon (SLS/MJF) offers high toughness and wear resistance, ideal for functional testing and end-use parts.

Q13. What’s the maximum build volume?
A:

HP MJF: 380 × 284 × 380 mm

SLA/SLS: Varies by machine
Oversized parts can be split and bonded post-production.

Q14. What tolerances can you achieve?
A:

SLS/MJF: ±0.3% (minimum ±0.3 mm)

MJF reference: ±0.012" (±0.305 mm) + 0.1% per inch

SLA: ±0.3% (minimum ±0.3 mm); tighter tolerances possible on industrial systems

Critical dimensions can be refined through CNC post-machining (e.g., drilling, tapping).

Finishing & Post-processing

Q15. What is the default surface finish, and what post-processing options are available?
A:
Common options include:

Sandblasting / Tumbling

Black dyeing

Vapor or chemical polishing

Painting / Electroplating

Tapping / Thread inserts

Vapor polishing reduces surface roughness and improves elongation and water-tightness.

Q16. Does finishing affect dimensions?
A: Isotropic finishes have minimal impact.
However, coatings or polishing may slightly change dimensions — critical surfaces should allow tolerance or require post-machining.

Quality & Certifications

Q17. What QA system do you have, and what inspection reports are available?
A:
We comply with ISO 9001 / AS9100 standards.
Reports available upon request:

Dimension Inspection Reports (DIR / CMM / FAI)

Material Certificates of Compliance (CoC)

Q18. Are your products RoHS/REACH compliant?
A: Yes, we can provide compliance statements for specific materials and finishes.
Note: Final product compliance remains the responsibility of the end manufacturer.

Logistics & After-sales

Q19. How are international shipping and duties calculated?
A:
We support global courier services.
Import duties and VAT are paid by the recipient according to local customs policies.

Q20. What about packaging and batch delivery?
A:

Powder-based parts (SLS/MJF): Cleaned and individually packaged.

Fragile or high-surface-quality parts: Extra protective packaging provided.
Batch delivery can align with your assembly schedule.

Q21. What if parts are out of specification?
A: Non-conforming parts are re-inspected, reworked, reprinted, or refunded according to agreed tolerances and AQL levels.

IP Protection & Compliance

Q22. Are my uploaded models confidential? Can you sign an NDA?
A:
Yes. All project files are handled under strict confidentiality, accessible only to authorized personnel.
We can sign bilateral NDAs and delete/destroy files upon request.

Q23. Are there any restrictions on content or use of printed parts?
A:
Yes. Models involving illegal, infringing, or export-controlled content (e.g., ITAR/EAR military applications) require special approval and cannot be printed through standard services.

Prototyping to Production

Q24. Do you support bridge or low-volume production?
A:
Yes. SLS/MJF nylon is ideal for bridge and low-volume production, offering excellent repeatability without mold investment.
We also provide integrated services: painting, plating, tapping, and assembly.

Q25. Can you help optimize designs to reduce costs?
A:
Yes. Our engineers can help lower costs by:

Consolidating part counts

Adjusting wall thickness and build orientation

Selecting more cost-efficient materials or finishes

This helps reduce unit costs and shorten delivery cycles. 

Need More Information or Have Specific Project Requirements?

If your question isn’t covered in the FAQs above, feel free to leave us a message or upload your 3D files for a quick quotation and DFM review.

Our engineering team will get back to you within 24 hours to provide tailored technical support and manufacturing advice.