Design to these rules and your parts print and machine right the first time, with more accurate quotes.
Values are typical references; our engineers review every order. For tighter requirements, add a note when ordering or attach a 2D drawing.
Whatever the process, make sure your files meet these first.
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| File formats | 3D printing: STL, OBJ, STEP. CNC machining: STEP only (.stp / .step) |
| Units | STL and OBJ files carry no units and are read as millimeters. If you modeled in cm or inches, change the model unit after uploading |
| File size | Up to 20MB per file. Simplify very dense STL meshes first |
| Watertight mesh | Meshes must be closed, with no holes, flipped normals, self-intersections or overlapping faces |
| Multiple parts | Export each part as its own file. Do not upload a whole assembly as one file |
| Max size | 3D printing: 600 × 600 × 400 mm per part. Larger parts are printed in sections and bonded or assembled |
Each process resolves a different level of detail. Check your material against this table.
| Item | SLA resin | SLS / MJF nylon | FDM filament | Metal AlSi10Mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min. wall thickness | 0.8 mm | 1.0 mm | 1.2 mm | 1.0 mm |
| Min. detail (embossing, text) | 0.3 mm | 0.5 mm | 0.8 mm | 0.4 mm |
| Accuracy | ±0.1 mm or ±0.2% | ±0.2 mm or ±0.3% | ±0.3 mm | ±0.1 mm or ±0.2% |
| Min. hole diameter | 1.0 mm | 1.5 mm | 2.0 mm | 1.0 mm |
| Fit clearance | 0.2 mm | 0.3 mm | 0.4 mm | 0.2 mm |
| Overhangs & supports | Supports above 30°, leaving marks | No supports needed | Supports above 45° | Supports above 45°, removed in post-processing |
| Hollow parts | 2+ drain holes of Ø3 mm | Powder escape holes, Ø5 mm+ | Infill can be set | Powder escape holes, Ø5 mm+ |
CNC cuts from the outside in with round tools, which shapes what inner corners, deep pockets and holes can look like.
| Item | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Inner corners | Sharp inner corners are impossible; add a radius at least the tool radius, ideally 1/3 of the pocket depth |
| Pocket depth | No more than 4× the tool diameter. Deeper pockets need long tools and cost more |
| Min. wall thickness | Metal 0.8 mm, plastic 1.5 mm. Tall thin walls chatter and deform |
| Holes | Depth up to 4× the diameter. Use standard drill sizes (e.g. Ø3, Ø4, Ø5 mm) |
| Threads | Select threads in the configuration and state the size (e.g. M4×0.7) in the note or drawing. Thread depth up to 3× the diameter |
| Tolerances | ±0.1 mm by default. For tighter tolerances, attach a 2D drawing with callouts |
| Text | Engraved (recessed) text 0.3–0.5 mm deep, at least 2 mm tall, in a sans-serif font |
Run through this before uploading to save a round of revisions.
Usually units. STL and OBJ files store no units and are read as millimeters. If you modeled in cm or inches, change the model unit on the configuration page and the size and price are recalculated.
The max 3D printing size is 600 × 600 × 400 mm per part. Split larger models into sections with locating features, then bond or bolt them together after printing, or contact us for a review.
Yes. SLS / MJF nylon needs no supports, so print-in-place hinges and chains work. Leave at least 0.3 mm between moving parts.
SLA, FDM and metal prints show marks where supports touched, which can be sanded. Orient cosmetic faces upward or mention them in your note.
Use the mesh repair in your CAD software, or a free tool such as Meshmixer or Microsoft 3D Builder, then export again.
Milling cannot. If you need a square corner, add a dog-bone relief or ask for wire EDM, and say so in your note.
Upload a 3D drawing and get a 3D printing or CNC quote in 20 seconds.