We receive models of every quality daily — and often a few tweaks make a part a third cheaper or noticeably stronger. Here are five rules we recommend to everyone.
1. Think about print orientation
Layers are like grain in wood: a part is strongest perpendicular to the load. If you know which way your part will be stressed, tell us — we'll orient it accordingly.
2. Round your corners
Sharp internal corners concentrate stress and crack. A 2–3 mm radius can double the life of a part and costs nothing.
3. Walls to match the nozzle
The ideal wall thickness is a multiple of 0.4 mm (nozzle width): 1.2 / 1.6 / 2.0 mm. A 1.5 mm wall prints worse and slower than 1.6 mm.
4. Make holes slightly smaller
A printed hole always comes out a tenth or two smaller — plan for it, or tell us which holes are functional. Precision holes can be drilled to size afterwards.
5. Don't send supports
We handle supports and orientation — send a clean model of the part as it should look. STL or 3MF, ideally straight through the calculator on our site, which estimates the price for you.
Bonus: not sure about the material? Our site has a material wizard and a technology comparison. And if you're stuck — just write to us, advice is free.