3D printing uses computer-aided design (CAD) to create three-dimensional objects through a layering method. Sometimes referred to as additive manufacturing, 3D printing involves layering materials, like plastics, composites or bio-materials to create objects that range in shape, size, rigidity and color. Imagine a soft serve ice cream machine on a moving head that draws out and squirts molten plastic onto a flat surface into a design that has been programmed into the machine. It does this 1 layer at a time, slowly building the model from the bottom up as seen in the graphic below.

3D printing isn’t always the best solution for every project. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat and/or mechanical stress may possibly reduce the lifespan of your 3D printed item as it is typically made from plastic or resin. We can discuss different materials to suit your needs. More durable materials will increase the overall price of your project.

Yes we can provided that the files fit the following criteria:

*File type must be STL or OBJ format. Any other file type generally isn’t recommended for 3D printing. If you have a STEP file that needs to be printed, we can convert the file for you for an additional fee. Please include this information in the project inquiry form if this is the case

*File type must be designed to be 3D printed. There are certain online companies that sell already existing models but some 3D models were made for visual renderings or video games and cannot be 3D printed. Please double check with the supplier/designer of your model PRIOR to submitting it to us to ensure that it was designed for 3D printing. Any time spent modifying your file to be compatible with 3D printing after it has been submitted to us will incur a service charge depending on how much modification is involved.

*Model must already be the correct size and scale. Any sizing changes or conversion to the file made after submitting to us will incur a service charge. We are not responsible for re-sizing models that are brought to us from the customer. Models will be printed “as is” based on whatever the dimensions the provided file has.

*Models that are larger than 9 x 8 x 8 in will require approx 10 days lead time. If your provided file meets this criteria, please provide those larger dimensions in the project inquiry form

*Certain models that are very large (beyond 9 x 8 x 8) may require extra design modifications to split your model into individual pieces to be printed, then glued together in order to make the final single model. This may or may not be necessary as it is on a case-by-case basis depending on the size and design of the model. 

Durability and longevity of a 3D printed item depends on a few factors:

*Temperature 

Since 3D printed items are made from plastic, it’s widely recommended to store 3D prints in an area that will NOT be exposed to extreme heat. There are certain types of plastic that are more resistant to heat and UV rays if your model is going to be outside and those options can be discussed during the initial consultation.

*Infill 

Example: Most people assume that 3D printing produces completely solid models all the time. This is not the case! It all depends on your application for your model. If you are simply looking for the cheapest and fastest 3D printed model possible, the internal infill will be considerably less than a model designed to take some impact if bumped on a hard surface. The amount of infill will also affect the finished model’s weight. Generally, the more infill, the stronger the part. The less infill, the weaker the part.

Whether there is a small or large amount of infill, the final model will look identical on the OUTSIDE…it’s the INSIDE that will be different. We can discuss your model application to decide how much infill is necessary.

*Application/Expectations

3D printing is amazing technology, however it generally isn’t advised to use plastic 3D printed parts as final working parts for a project unless it is for indoor use and isn’t taking too much of a beating. 3D printed plastic models are great for making display items, gifts, custom housing for electronics, car interior accessories (if made out of heat resistant material), and many more applications.

We do not make 3D printed models that will be used for cookware or consuming food or beverages (like cups and utensils) as bacteria can accumulate over time in between the microscopic layer lines that are inherent with 3D printing technology.

No. All of our 3D prints are a single solid color. The main colors we have on hand are Black, White, Shiny Light Blue, Shiny Red, Basic Red, Silver Grey, Green Glow In The Dark, and Clear Frosted Glow In The Dark. We can also order specified colors and materials for your project keeping in mind this will add to the manufacturing lead time and price of your project.

You are also more than welcome to sand, prime, and paint your model, any color that you like after receiving our model. If this is the case, we recommend going with any of our already available solid basic colors as they won’t be seen once primed and painted.

Keep in mind that if you are requesting a custom design, the time to design the model must be accounted for in the timeline of your project. If you already have an existing 3D model to be printed, then the factors below apply strictly to the 3D printing process.

The 3 main factors that affect print time are:

*Model Size

Example: A 2in x 2in x 3 in model will print faster than a model with dimensions of 7in x 10in x 3in

*Model Complexity

Example: A 2in x 2in cube will print faster than a miniature replica of the Eiffel Tower 2in x 2in due to the Eiffel Tower being a more complex design, thus making the 3D print head move around more to create each detail, which in turn takes more time.

*Model Internal Thickness (Infill)

Example: Most people assume that 3D printing produces completely solid models all the time. This is not the case! It all depends on your application for your model. If you are simply looking for the cheapest and fastest 3D printed model possible, the internal infill will be considerably less than a model designed to take some impact if bumped on a hard surface. The amount of infill will also affect the finished model’s weight.

Whether there is a small or large amount of infill, the final model will look identical on the OUTSIDE…it’s the INSIDE that will be different. We can discuss your model application to decide how much infill is necessary.

Of course! If you happen to have your own 3D printer and want a custom design made that you can print out on your own time, we can definitely help. We can guarantee that all custom designs for 3D printers will be in a format that is printable.

We cannot guarantee results on the final printed model as those results depend on your own slicer, printer, and filament/resin settings.

Please note that the time to create custom designs is directly proportional to the complexity of the design. Please complete the project inquiry form and include as much detail as possible about your project including detailed dimensions. We can work from drawings provided that they are detailed enough.

We can also custom design things around already existing objects (like a custom holder for a remote control). You would simply provide the already existing object and we will create the design around that object. The existing object will be returned to the customer upon completion of the project. We cannot under any circumstances store your provided objects longer than the duration of the project for any reason. If customer is unresponsive after 7 days after completion of project, provided object will be discarded.

We do not store or keep on hand finished designs AFTER they have been delivered to customer. It is the customer’s responsibility to download the delivered files after they have been delivered. They are usually delivered via a download link that expires within 7 days.

If you are requesting a custom design, it depends on the complexity of the design and the end use goal for your project. Simpler designs with less fancy curves and shapes can be done fairly quickly. More complex artistic or mechanical designs (car parts or specific products) that involve tolerances of parts fitting together just right will take longer to complete and will increase the final cost of the project.

If you have an idea for a product, useful item, or gift that doesn’t exist yet, then custom 3D design is exactly what you need for your project!

Yes! We can design 3D models of your product idea or invention that are ready to be sent to an injection molding company. The company would then make a mold using the design we provide.

We can be an important part of your product development team!

Yes we can!

For an additional fee, after we design your model, we can provide a slick “spinaround” animation video that is great for showcasing product invention ideas. It would be similar to any of the clips shown in the demo video on the homepage of this site.