What goes into your 3D print quote?

Why two similar-sized parts can cost differently

• Material consumption. A solid-looking model is not priced from its outside dimensions alone. The slicer calculates the filament needed for its walls, internal structure and any supports or colour-change waste.
• Machine time. Geometry and the approved print settings affect how long the printer runs. Thin features, detailed shapes and colour changes can take longer than a simpler shape. An hourly machine rate alone is not the total customer price.
• Supports and multiple colours. Overhangs may need support material. Colour changes can add flushing waste and printing time. The number of selected colours alone does not tell you how much extra work a design requires.
• Quantity and preparation. The Studio currently quotes each copy as a separate print run; it does not assume several parts will fit on one plate or apply an automatic bulk discount. Setup and finishing also contribute to the print charge.
• Design effort. Creating or adjusting a model from your references is a separate discussion. The owner agrees any design fee and scope with you before that work begins; it is not automatically included in a Studio print quote.
• Packaging and delivery. These are shown separately from the print charge in the quote, along with any applicable tax. Check the final SGD total for your saved design and quantity before confirming.

A small simple part and a multicolour part of the same size may therefore have different totals. Rather than rely on a price per gram or a guessed starting price, save and quote the actual model. Changing its size, colours or quantity requires a new quote.

Current material and colour choices

The current online quoting setup supports PLA with the standard-detail profile. The Studio lists 16 configured PLA colour options. This is a catalogue of available choices, not a live count of remaining filament: the owner checks stock and suitability before confirming production. Screen colours are approximate, so discuss any colour-critical requirement first.

Use the current Studio palette when preparing your model. A colour/material combination must be available in the approved setup for an automatic quote. Other materials or detail profiles are not currently offered through automatic quoting.

Tell the owner where the print will be used: indoors or outdoors, near heat or sunlight, in contact with water, under load, or with repeated movement. Material, geometry, fit and intended use need review together. Do not assume a part is waterproof, food-safe, structurally certified or suitable for a safety-critical job. We do not offer those certifications.

Size, files and fit

The configured quoting envelope is 305 × 320 × 325 mm. Those limits are a software check, not a guarantee that every model within them is printable. Full-size and difficult geometry still need individual review; support requirements, orientation, thin walls and how the part fits can affect feasibility.

The Studio accepts STL and supported flat-colour 3MF models, subject to its file and geometry checks. It does not automatically repair every mesh or prove strength and fit. Check the dimensions in millimetres before saving. For a fitted replacement, send measurements of the mating part, hole spacing, clearances and surrounding space—not just a photograph.

The shower knob adapter and cabinet insert show two actual custom-fit projects. They illustrate the value of measuring the existing object; they do not establish suitability for every bathroom or wet-use application.

Have a photo or sketch instead of a model?

You can enquire without an account or a ready-to-print file. Send several views, a rough sketch if useful, overall dimensions and any critical opening, shaft, hole or contact surface. Include the quantity, preferred colour, intended use and any date you are working towards. Show where you measured; a photo alone cannot establish exact size or hidden geometry.

The owner reviews feasibility, asks for missing measurements and agrees the design scope and any fee upfront. Design discussion, modelling and revisions take additional time; there is no fixed design turnaround promised. See what to send for design assistance.

From quote to dispatch

1. Review the quote. Check your saved model, dimensions, colours, quantity and delivery details. A quote is not a production booking.
2. Request owner confirmation. The website prepares a WhatsApp draft for you to review and send. The owner checks the request and provides manual payment instructions. Opening WhatsApp does not automatically send your message or attach a file.
3. Payment verification and printing. Production is scheduled only after the owner verifies receipt of payment. The owner manages progress in the order dashboard and sends customer updates manually on WhatsApp.
4. Dispatch, then delivery. We aim to dispatch within one week after payment verification. This is a target for sending the parcel, not a guaranteed arrival date. Design work and carrier transit take additional time. Current delivery coverage is Singapore.

Discuss an essential deadline before confirming. Read the print terms, cancellation and defect-remedy information and privacy information before ordering.