Why should I register?

Registration provides a mechanism for you to securely view your quote and order history. The only information we require for registration is your email address, so that we have some means of contacting you. Your email will never be shared with any third parties. We may send information about new services or capabilities via our newsletter, but no more frequently than once a month, and you may opt out at any time.

What types of part files can I upload?

Internally, all of your part files are eventually converted to STL format for running on our machines. If you upload an STL file directly, the part metadata will be automatically read from the file allowing you to receive instant pricing.

We also allow the following types to be uploaded, but we will need to manually convert your file to STL before you can received prices for your parts:

• Solidworks (.sldprt, .sldasm)
• IGES (.igs, .iges)
• STEP (.stp, .step)
• Alias Wavefront (.obj)
• Collada (.dae)
• Object (.off)
• Polygon (.ply)

Can I upload zip files?

Absolutely! In fact, zipping up your files is a good way to speed the upload process, as STL files in particular compress by 50% or more. You can add as many parts as you like to the archive. After upload, the files will be automatically extracted and processed.

We currently support the following archive formats:

• ZIP (.zip, .zipx)
• RAR (.rar)
• 7-Zip (.7z)
• GZIP (.gz)
• BZIP2 (.bz2)

Why do I need to set units? / The units aren't correct

Unfortunately, the STL file format is dimensionless, in that it provides no information as to the relative size of your part. When we read the file, we can display the extents of the part, but we need you to tell us what units those numbers represent. When you set or change the units with the pull-down next to each part, the part is not being changed … rather you are changing how we should interpret the numbers in the file.

Defining the units can be further complicated, by the fact that some CAD systems may export the STL file in different units than you used for the design. SolidWorks, for example, lets you define the units on export, but if you’ve never set it otherwise, it will export in millimeters by default. If you are not aware the STL file is in millimeters, and set the units to inches, you may get messages that the parts are too large. Simply change the units to mm, and the pricing should start working.

As always, if you are not sure how to proceed, you can click on the “Request Quote Review” and we’re happy to help out.

What are Builds?

We use the term “Build” to denote a group of parts in the same material. By grouping parts together, you get a better price, as the groups are usually built together on our machine. Each build is under a Tab in the quoting interface, and you can as many Builds as you like on one quote.

What is Build Direction, and do I need to set it?

Build direction is how your parts are oriented on the machine during the build process. All of our prototyping technologies build parts in layers, and the build direction represents the “stacking” direction, or what we consider “up.”

Most users won’t have to worry about selecting a Build Direction. Simply leave all the parts as “FineLine Selected” and we will select a build direction that will achieve the best combination of price and quality. If we see potential issues with build direction, we will contact you before building any parts.

However, if you have a preference as to how we orient the parts, so you may select a build direction during the quoting process. Just click on the edit button, choose custom, and you will see a graphical depiction of the part which allows you to select a build direction.

I'm not seeing a price ... what do I do?

There are a number of situations were you might not see a price. Some common cases are:

• Non-STL CAD files were uploaded
• Custom Finishing was requested
• SLArmor was requested

In any of those cases, simply click on the “Request a Quote Review,” and we will update your quote, and notify you when the prices are updated.

I'm getting a message that I cannot make changes -- What's going on?

There may be cases that we make changes to your quote that require manual pricing. Examples might include custom finishing, or special build options beyond the capability of the online system. In those cases you will see the price generated by our quoting staff, but you won’t be able to make further changes. In the event you want further modifications, you can select the “Request Quote Review” and let us know the changes you need.

How can I get help?

If at any time during the quoting process you are unsure what to do, or want us to review what you have so far, you can click on the “Request Quote Review” button. That will notify us that you would like assistance. After you click on the button, you will have opportunity to send us a message, and we’ll be happy to provide help or guidance.

Can I have a single part finished in multiple ways?

Absolutely! After you have added the build and uploaded your part, set the Finish for that part and the Quantity you want with that Finish. Then click Add From Uploaded, and select that part again. This creates another row for the part where you can set a different Finish and Quantity.

Can I pay with a purchase order?

Before paying with a purchase order, we have to associate your account with a company that has been approved for purchase orders. Please contact us to start the approval process.

What if I need to make changes to my order?

You can submit an order change request through the website by clicking the pencil icon next to the order on your dashboard, or you can always contact us to request changes to your order.