Have any questions about how it all works? Hopefully these should help!
If not, feel free to email me with any remaining queries or concerns.
If not, feel free to email me with any remaining queries or concerns.
What exactly is 3D printing and how does it work?
The basis of 3D printing involves extruding hot melted plastic in extremely thin layers. A thin strand of plastic filament is fed in through the top of the printer, then using a hot nozzle, it is melted and purged in programed layers. Over a long time, these layers (thinner than a millimeter) eventually produce almost anything you can think of!
How sustainable is 3D printing?
Because 3D printing enables you to replace niche parts, it can be more sustainable than throwing out and entirely replacing something. For original prints, 3D printing can also use significantly less plastic than traditional methods of creating plastic parts (injection molding) due a 3D printer's ability to print hollow or semi-hollow plastic shapes. Additionally, supporting local is less carbon-intensive than ordering the same part from across the world.
How do you handle shipping and delivery of 3D printed parts?
If you're local in Penticton, the delivery is free. If your located in Summerland, Naramata, or Okanagan Falls, I can deliver them for $5. Orders placed outside of the South Okanagan, B.C. are subject to standard shipping fees.
What are the advantages of 3D printing compared to traditional manufacturing ?
3D printing is not only faster for small batch production, but allows for more complicated geometry than standard injection molded parts. Whether you're trying to prototype something or only need a small batch rather than a few thousand, 3D printing will be faster. Due to the nature of the layering process, you can also create hollow objects or interlocked objects that would otherwise be impossible.
Are there limitations to what can be 3D printed?
The print has to be made out of plastic, and other than that, there's not really any limitations. Strength should not be an issue as plastic is surprisingly strong. For example, I have made replacement parts for gym equipment that have carried 100's of kgs. Size also isn't much of an issue. The printer is only so big, however because the prints are plastic, they can be melted and/or glued together. In some cases, the parts can even be designed like large Lego bricks, allowing large objects to simply snap together.
How long does it typically take to 3D print a part?
The printing time is dependent on the size of the piece. It can range anywhere from 10 minutes for something the size of a toonie, up to multiple days for something as large as a basketball. I also have multiple printers so I print multiple things at once.
What factors affect the pricing of custom 3D printed parts?
Cost depends on the size, complexity, and material. Regular and Reinforced Plastic are cheaper than Flexible plastic, though Reinforced has fewer color choices. My original designs cost less as the parts have already been modelled and are ready to go at the click of a button. If you need something custom designed, I charge $20/h to model it, minimum half hour. Usually, simpler designs take 15-30 minutes, while larger more complicated designs will probably require multiple hours.
Can I send you my own designs to be printed?
Yes! As long as the design is your own or doesn't have commercial copyright attached to it, I can print any model you have in any color and material.
What happens if my printed part doesn't fit or work as it should?
I put a lot of care into making sure the measurements are accurate and precise. For larger pieces, I also prototype components in stages to not waste plastic free of charge. If the print fails part way through or your printed part requires adjusted printer settings to function properly, I also absorb those costs. However, if we need to remodel your print to function properly I charge for the additional modelling time.
