common questions

- GOOD TO KNOW ABOUT 3D PRINTING -

Frequently asked questions about 3d printing

Common to all 3D printing processes is that details are always built up layer by layer. This is done by sectioning the part to be manufactured into a number of cross-sections, called layers, with a tenth of a millimeter. These layers form the basis for 3d printing, both in plastic and metal.

With 3D printing, there is no start-up cost and is therefore often cheaper than traditional manufacturing when it comes to small-piece production and smaller series. The cost of 3D printing is calculated based on the 3D file available of the component and it is mainly the size of the detail that determines the price. High complexity rarely costs anything extra, which is not the case in traditional manufacturing. Minimum order value with us is SEK 2,000 excluding VAT and shipping.

In order for us to calculate prices for manufacturing, you need to provide us with:

  1. 3D file – one file per part to be manufactured and not as an assembly.
  2. Number of details desired by each model.
  3. The request for material, process and finishing and/or a description of what requirements you have so that we can recommend a combination that suits you.

If you don't have a 3d file, one must be produced, which we are happy to help with. Contact us for more info if you need help with this.

Our delivery times are usually between 0-12 days for plastic and 5-15 days for metal. This depends on the choice of process and material and whether you want some kind of finishing process or not. 

We always try our best to meet the delivery time communicated by us, but always have a margin of a few days when you choose a delivery time and plan for a delivery from us as the manufacture of your details is in most cases done for the first time and it may happen that complications arise during the manufacture that we could not foresee and components need to be reprinted, although this happens quite rarely . This can then affect the delivery time negatively so that it becomes a few days longer. We recommend that you choose a delivery time that gives you a 2 day margin as it is very rare that it takes us longer than that for us to fix this kind of problem, although in some cases it may take longer. 

TOP3D is not liable for compensation or obliged to adjust the price if this occurs. In many cases, the customer can eliminate this type of problem arising by constructing articles according to the design guidelines available on and off our website for the respective process and material.

You can 3D print in almost any material, everything from plastic and metal to wood and concrete. We offer manufacturing in a variety of thermoplastics, thermosets, metals and composites. Read more about our processes and materials for 3d printing in here.

Absolutely! 3D printing in metal is a good and cost-effective alternative to traditional manufacturing of metal. We offer a range of different alloys such as stainless steel, aluminium, titanium, copper and many more. Read more about our processes and materials for 3d printing in metal here.

The durability for 3d printing is generally very good. 3D printed aluminum has about the same strength as cast and steel on par with infection. There is an opinion among some that 3d-printed parts do not last, but in these cases the wrong material or the wrong process has usually been used for that purpose.

These processes produce very similar results and material properties, but the processes are very different. Both processes build geometries by melting a powder. In SLS, the powder is fused together with a laser, while in MJF, the powder is fused using a heat lamp and a form of heat-attracting ink. If we are talking about PA12 (nylon12), details made with SLS will be white and details made with MJF will be grey. Both can be colored in.

Not sure which material is best for your 3D printing? The choices are many, but don't worry – we at TOP3D are here to help you through the process. We've developed a smart material selector to make your choice easier and more efficient.

If you want to know more about which process may be relevant, we also have a process map that guides you to the right process for your project. Let's turn your vision into reality with the right materials!

This question is not as easy to answer as many people think. The maximum building volume for each process you can read about under the respective process but that information doesn't always answer the question. Some parts must be divided in order to be printed, not as is usually the case because of size, but because they can simply be 3D printed much more cost-effectively that way. Some parts must be divided because quality and tolerance require it. Often a certain type of finishing is desired and then other dimensions apply than the maximum build volume of the 3D printer in question. 

So, the answer depends on many different parameters. Send us your request and we will look at how we can best manufacture your part and whether it should be manufactured in one piece or in parts that are assembled before delivery.

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