How to Prepare Your File for 3D Printing

A little preparation saves time and money. Here is what to check before you send a file for printing.

File type

Send an STL file for printing. If you also want edits or accurate dimensions, send a STEP file, which keeps the true geometry. A simple drawing with the important dimensions helps.

Units and size

Export in millimetres and check the size in your software before sending.

Wall thickness and small details

Very thin walls and tiny details may not print well. As a rule of thumb, keep walls around a millimetre or more, and tell us if a thin feature matters.

Fit and clearance

If parts must fit together, leave a small clearance, usually a few tenths of a millimetre. We can advise on the right gap for your parts.

Orientation and strength

3D printed parts are weaker between layers. If a part will be loaded, tell us the direction of the load so we can choose how to print it.

What to tell us

The quantity, the material, the colour and your deadline.

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