3D printing (FDM)

What it is

FDM (fused deposition modeling) printing builds a part one thin layer at a time from melted plastic filament, following your 3D model. It is a practical way to get a physical part from a digital design without molds or tooling, which makes it a good fit for single pieces, small batches and designs that are still changing.

A few things are true of FDM parts from any shop, and they are worth knowing before you design:

• Fine layer lines are visible on the surface, especially on curves and slopes.
• Parts are usually strongest along the layers and weakest between them, so the direction a part is printed matters for parts that carry load.
• Steep overhangs and bridges may need temporary supports, which can leave marks where they are removed.

If you tell us how the part will be used, we can pick an orientation and settings that suit it.

What to send us

1. Your 3D model. Tell us the file format and the units it was drawn in (millimeters or inches).
2. What the part does. Indoor or outdoor, holds weight, gets hot, fits onto another part.
3. Material or color, if you have a preference.
4. Quantity and overall size.
5. Critical dimensions: holes, snaps or anything that must fit something else.
6. Deadline, and Austin-area meetup or shipping (US only).

Not sure your file is ready? Our file prep guide covers the common problems.

File formats we accept: STL, 3MF, STEP and OBJ. Tell us the units if the file does not say.

Materials and size

We print on Bambu Lab H2D, H2C and X1C printers and work with filaments from PLA all the way up to carbon fiber filled engineering materials: PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PC, nylon (PA), and carbon fiber or glass fiber filled grades.

The largest single piece is up to 325 x 320 x 325 mm (about 12.8 x 12.6 x 12.8 in), the manufacturer's rated build volume for the H2D. Tell us what the part needs to do and we will recommend a material and confirm what fits on your quote. Full specs are on machines and materials.

How quoting works

Every job is quoted individually. The price depends on your file, the material, the size and the quantity. We review what you send, ask about anything unclear and reply with a quote. Nothing is printed until you approve it.