How to prepare your files for successful printing. Formats, tolerances, and design tips.
Preferred
Standard format for 3D printing
Accepted
With material info if needed
Accepted
CAD format, editable
Accepted
Modern format with metadata
Most dimensions will be within ±0.2mm of designed size. First layer may have slight variation.
For parts that fit together, add clearance. Tight fit: 0.1-0.2mm. Loose fit: 0.3-0.5mm.
Printed holes tend to be slightly smaller. Add 0.2mm to diameter for accurate sizing.
FDM printing builds layer by layer. Each layer needs something below it to print on.
Overhangs up to 45° from vertical print without supports. Design angles accordingly.
Steeper overhangs require supports. These leave marks and add print time/cost.
For complex geometry with internal supports, we offer PVA supports that dissolve in water.
Holes, inverted normals, or self-intersecting faces. Fix with mesh repair tools before uploading.
Surfaces with no thickness can't be printed. Extrude all surfaces to at least 0.8mm.
Check units. Common error: model designed in inches but exported as mm. We'll confirm dimensions before printing.
Layer lines are weakest points. Orient parts so layers align with load direction, not across it.
Sharp internal corners create stress concentrations. Add fillets (rounded corners) for strength.
For threaded holes, design for heat-set inserts rather than printing threads directly.
Flat bottom surfaces are best. We can advise on optimal orientation for your part.
Upload it anyway. We check every file and will let you know if there are issues before printing.