3D Printing FAQs

STL, .IGES (.IGS) or .STEP (.STP). Ultimately, all 3D printed parts are made from .STL files. However, as saving them properly to ensure you get the best quality part, or in order to avoid large files, we also accept .IGES or .STEP files. If you don’t have files in one of these formats, request it from your designer.

We sure can. Whether is a scaled down model for a trade show or for a sales meeting, our 3d printed models can’t be beat! There are some very important things you should quick read first though to better understand what you need to know about 3d printing and your scaled down model. Learn more here

Turnaround can be as quick as 24 hours (dependent on several factors). In order to save you money and still provide you with great parts, the average timing is 3-7 business days. We normally have money-saving group builds on Fridays with an approval by noon, allowing us to ship out early the following week. (Some exceptions may apply.)

We were the first 3D printing service bureau in Canada to offer FDM 3D printing technology in 1996, and continued to upgrade with the latest and improved technology. Our years of experience and focus solely on 3D printing is what allows us to provide you with exceptional quality and service.

SLS nylon or rubber-like parts can be used in place of parts made from traditional methods such as injection molding. SLA and PolyJet have limitations and should be primarily used for visual applications.

It’s pretty rare that our customers actually need to visit our offices as so much can be done over the phone, on-line or with an overnight courier. And, in all honesty, it’s also not as exciting as you’d think as we can’t actually show you the majority of our facilities due to the confidential and sensitive nature of the work we do.

We often recommend a few steps prior to arranging a visit to our offices such as starting with a phone consultation and obtaining a quote for your CAD files.

Absolutely. 100%. We’ve been providing prototypes and parts for new products and projects for over twenty years, so we know how critical confidentiality is to the success of our business and yours. In fact, you will not see any reference to who our existing customers are or projects we are working on in the media or on our website. In fact, even the testimonials on our site do not include full names, company names or addresses.

Yes and no. The question should be “Do you offer parts that function like ABS?” FDM is the only technology that offers ABS material, however this isn’t the best option if you want it to function like an injection-molded ABS part.

As the first company in Canada to own and operate FDM technology, we found the quality both visually and functionally of ABS parts to be poor in comparison to SLS nylon, so we upgraded.

Here’s the thing, SLS nylon parts, while built in nylon actually represent more accurately an ABS injection molded part than one made in ABS with the FDM process. The reason being is that SLS melts one layer of powder to the next making a solid piece, whereas FDM extrudes the material laying one layer on top of the next. If you were to force break the part, it would likely break on a layer, versus SLS which would break randomly. In addition, the ABS part is also not as flexible as the nylon and does not create proper functioning hinges or springs with sufficient flex.

Still uncertain? Give us a call and we can discuss your requirements further.

If you can buy the part somewhere else, you should, regardless of the cost. In addition to the cost of having a 3D CAD file drawing created and the cost of the part, there are many other factors that do not make 3D printing the best option for personal use. In most cases, the part will not aesthetically look like the real-deal, rarely is more economical than the manufactured part and won’t have the same safety and functionality factors taken into consideration.

Replacing a toaster knob will cost too much, might not look right and may not function the same. Automotive companies spend hundreds of thousands of dollars designing, testing and manufacturing parts. Should you design and use your own you could be risking your safety.

Yes, but likely not in the way you think! If you already have a CAD drawing, send it to us and we can give you a quote. If you don’t have a CAD drawing, 3D printing is not your next step. Oftentimes, most inventors think they should look into a prototype (or a patent) for their idea first, which is actually far from where they should start. Since we’ve been helping inventors for over 20 years, we decided to package up all our knowledge, invention information and steps to take so you can quickly and economically get your idea out there.