+ Are there size limitations for 3D Printing?

The maximum build volumes vary depending on the printing technology. We have different minimums and maximums for every technology we offer through our 3D printing service. You can find more information in our design guide or on a specific technology page

+ What is 3D printed support material?

Some 3D printing technologies use support material to hold a part in place while it is being 3D printed. FDM requires support material but powder bed fusion technologies such as SLS and MJF do not, this is a significant advantage when printing complex geometries.

The need for support material is largely based on the geometry of the design. For FDM parts with large overhangs will require support material.

Supports are printed at the same time as the part and are positioned as to have minimal effect on the surface quality. We remove support material as part of our standard service.

+ Which file types can I upload?

You can upload STL, OBJ or STEP files, these are the standard files used in the 3D printing industry.

Note: As STL files don’t contain information on what measurement unit was used to create the model, it is important that you know which measurement unit your 3D program uses in mm, cm or inches before you export it.

Once you’re done with the export, you can upload a 3D design for printing and specify the measurement units in mm, cm or inches within the instant quote tool.

+ What material/technology should I pick for my project?

You can learn about our 3D printing materials and technologies on our materials page.

If you are unsure of what material to use, submit an enquiry with your project details and we can advise a suitable material.

+ Can 3D People repair 3D files for me?

Yes, we offer a file fixing service to optimise your 3D file for printing. Once you have ordered your parts, we will analyse the files and let you know of any major problems. If your file is broken and requires more than 10 mins file fixing, we will offer to fix it and inform you of any costs involved before proceeding with the repair.

+ I don’t have a 3D computer model, can 3D People still give me a price?

We offer a full CAD design service and can create 3D files from descriptions, drawings and reference images. Our CAD design service starts at £500+VAT. Please submit an enquiry with your project details, hopes, dreams and desires, and we will get back to you with a quote.

+ Can I 3D print proprietary, confidential designs under NDA?

Yes, you can. We do not 3D print or distribute copies of customer’s designs unless these have been requested by the customer, and we will sign an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) if it is required by you.

For signing an NDA, please submit an enquiry describing your project and the NDA requirement in PDF format.

+ Can I cancel once I have placed my order?

If we have not already carried out any processing of your parts then cancellation may be possible free of charge. If we have started to produce the item or we have started repairing your mesh then cancellation may incur a charge. Please email print@3dpeople.uk as soon as possible if you need to cancel.

+ How do I know if my 3D design is suitable for printing?

When you upload your 3D design for printing, we check each file for holes (non-manifold geometry) before production. This initial check is to ensure that your model is a so-called solid mesh – a model where all the edges of the polygons that build up the model are connected to one-another (manifold geometry). We also look out for issues with the design and will get back to you if any amendments are necessary.

Nevertheless, we highly recommend ensuring that your file meets the basic design requirements for 3D printing beforehand. If you’re unsure, visit our guide for detailed information.

+ Can I get a VAT invoice for my order?

Yes, we automatically attach VAT invoices to your order receipt after the payment is completed through our instant quote gateway. You can include your billing address and accounts details in the gateway.

+ Do 3D People have a minimum charge?

We have a minimum order charge for both 3D Printing and CAD design services. This is to cover the technician time required to analyse the order and set up the machines.

Our minimum order cost:

• 3D Printing is £30+VAT
• CAD Design is £500+VAT

+ Are there discounts for batch production runs?

We offer bulk discounts on orders that have large quantities of parts. This discount is automatically added when you order through our website. Add more quantities of parts to see the discount system in action.

+ Do 3D People offer trade accounts to business customers?

We offer 30-day terms to approved businesses customers. Email print@3dpeople.uk to apply.

+ Do You Offer Student Discounts?

Yes, we offer a 20% discount for students.

Please send us an email to print@3dpeople.uk from your student email account and we will set you up with a student account. Make sure to include your billing address in the email to us