Design for Manufacturing
Technical constraints and best practices to ensure your parts are printed with maximum strength and accuracy.
Walls thinner than 1mm may warp or fail. Use ribs for thin features.
- Z-Axis Weakness: Parts are weakest along the vertical axis (layer adhesion).
- Support Reduction: Orient parts to minimise overhangs and supports.
- Surface Quality: Top-facing surfaces will have the smoothest finish.
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Design FAQs
What file formats do you accept?▾
We accept STL, OBJ, and STEP files. STEP is preferred for mechanical parts because it preserves exact geometry — STL approximates curves with triangles, which can introduce small errors at tight tolerances. Always export in millimetres.
What is the minimum wall thickness for 3D printing?▾
For FDM printing the minimum is 1.2 mm; we recommend 1.6 mm for reliable results. For resin (SLA/DLP) the minimum is 0.8 mm, with 1.0 mm recommended. Walls thinner than these minimums risk collapse during printing or breakage in post-processing.
Do I need to add supports to my model before uploading?▾
No — our team adds and removes support material as part of the standard process. If there are surfaces where support witness marks would be unacceptable, note the critical faces in your order notes and we'll orient the part to minimise contact.
What is the maximum part size you can print?▾
Our standard print bed supports parts up to 256 × 256 × 256 mm. For larger designs, we can split the model into interlocking pieces, print them separately, and bond them to create seamless larger assemblies — contact us via the RFQ form for oversized projects.