1. Export the right format
We accept STL, OBJ, 3MF and STEP. STL is the most common. 3MF keeps units and colours, and STEP is best if you want us to edit the design.
2. Check your units
A part modelled in millimetres but exported in inches arrives 25 times too big or too small. Tell us the intended size in the project description to be safe.
3. Mind wall thickness
Walls thinner than about 1.2 mm can be fragile or fail to print. Small text and fine details need to be at least 0.8 mm wide.
4. Plan tolerances for parts that fit together
Leave around 0.2 to 0.3 mm of clearance between parts that slide or snap together. Holes for screws usually need to be slightly larger than the screw.
5. Make the mesh watertight
- No holes or missing faces
- No overlapping or intersecting shells
- Normals facing outwards
Downloaded and scanned models often have these issues. We can repair them as part of our CAD service.
No file at all? No problem. Send a sketch, photos and measurements and we will model it for you.
