Your Guide to 3D Printing

Whether youre new to 3D printing or an experienced designer, this guide covers everything you need to know to get the best results from your 3D printing projects.

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing (additive manufacturing) creates physical objects layer by layer from digital files. Unlike traditional manufacturing that removes material, 3D printing adds material only where needed, reducing waste and enabling complex geometries.

How to Prepare Your Files

STL Format: The most common 3D printing file format
Wall Thickness: Minimum 1-2mm for structural integrity
Resolution: Higher polygon count = smoother surfaces
Orientation: Consider print orientation for best results

Materials Comparison

🌿 PLA

Eco-friendly, easy printing, great for prototypes.

✓ Biodegradable
✓ Low cost
✓ Many colors

💪 ABS

Strong, heat-resistant, for functional parts.

✓ Durable
✓ Heat stable
✓ Paintable

💎 Resin

Ultra-fine detail for miniatures, jewelry.

✓ 25-50 microns
✓ Smooth
✓ Precise

🧴 PETG

Chemical resistant, semi-flexible.

✓ Food safe
✓ Strong
✓ Clear options

🏀 TPU

Flexible, rubber-like material.

✓ Flexible
✓ Durable
✓ Impact absorbing

Frequently Asked Questions

What file format do you need?

We accept STL, OBJ, 3MF, and STEP files. STL is most common. If you only have sketches, we can help with design.

How is pricing calculated?

Pricing depends on material, print time, and post-processing. We provide quotes based on your specific files.

How long does 3D printing take?

Print time varies by size and quality. Small items take hours, large items take days. We quote delivery time with each project.

Complete 3D Printing Guide