Frequently Asked Questions

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3D printing is a manufacturing process that creates physical objects by building up layers of material, typically plastic or resin, based on a digital 3D model. It’s also known as additive manufacturing, as it adds material layer by layer to create the final object.

The resolution of 3D printing refers to the level of detail and accuracy that can be achieved in the final print. The resolution depends on a range of factors, including the type of 3D printing technology being used, the print settings, and the materials being used. Generally, FDM printing has a lower resolution than SLA printing, but can still achieve high levels of detail with the right settings and materials.

If you have a limited budget, it’s important to keep in mind the limitations of the 3D printing technology and the capabilities of your printer. To optimize your architecture model for 3D printing, we recommend the following steps:

  1. Scale your model to a printable dimension: Check the maximum printable size of your 3D printer and scale your model accordingly. If your model is too large, it may require printing in multiple parts and assembly, which can increase printing time and cost.
  2. Minimize small details and features: Small details and features can be difficult to print, especially if they are thin or delicate. To avoid breakage in handling, simplify or remove small details and features from your model.
  3. Use simple geometries: Complex geometries, such as sharp angles or overhangs, can be difficult to print without support structures, which can add to printing time and cost. To avoid this, use simple geometries in your model.
  4. Optimize your model for printing: Use software tools to optimize your model for 3D printing. For example, you can use a slicer software to generate support structures, optimize the print orientation, and adjust other settings to improve print quality and reduce printing time.

At 3D Print Singapore, we offer design and engineering services to help you optimize your architecture model for 3D printing. Our team of experts can guide you through the design process and help you create a model that meets your requirements while keeping costs low. Contact us at [email protected] for more information on our services.

Designing parts for 3D printing requires some specific considerations to ensure the best quality and performance of the printed object. Here are some tips to help you design for 3D printing:

  1. Orientation: Choose the best orientation for your part on the build plate to minimize overhangs and avoid the need for support structures. The orientation can affect the strength and surface quality of the part, so choose the orientation that best meets your needs.
  2. Wall thickness: Design your part with sufficient wall thickness to ensure its strength and durability. Thin walls may cause the part to be fragile and prone to breakage.
  3. Clearance: Ensure that any moving parts have enough clearance to move freely. This will help avoid binding and ensure proper operation.
  4. Overhangs: Avoid designing parts with large overhangs or steep angles, as this can result in poor surface quality and require support structures that are difficult to remove.
  5. Fillets and chamfers: Adding fillets or chamfers to sharp corners or edges can improve the strength and quality of the part, while reducing the risk of cracking.
  6. Layer height: Choose the right layer height for your part to balance print time and surface quality. A thinner layer height can result in a smoother surface finish but may take longer to print.
  7. Material selection: Choose the right material for your part based on its intended use and environment. Some materials are better suited for high-stress applications, while others may be more suitable for aesthetic or decorative purposes.
  8. Hollowing: Consider hollowing out your part to reduce its weight and material usage, which can result in lower costs. However, be aware that hollowing can reduce the strength and durability of the part.

By considering these factors when designing your parts, you can ensure that your 3D printed parts are of high quality and perform as expected.

We offer delivery through local courier services for 3D print orders. Simply select the delivery option when placing your order on our website at www.3dprintsingapore.com/order. Please note that additional charges will apply for delivery.

For any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

There are many materials available for 3D printing, each with its own unique properties and characteristics. Here are some of the most commonly used materials:

  1. PLA (Polylactic Acid):
  • Biodegradable
  • Easy to use
  • Low shrinkage
  • Low warping
  • Good for producing objects with fine details
  1. PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol):
  • High impact resistance
  • Good for producing objects that require flexibility
  • Low shrinkage and warping
  1. Nylon:
  • High strength and durability
  • Good for producing objects that require flexibility and toughness
  • High shrinkage and warping
  1. TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane):
  • Highly flexible and elastic
  • Good for producing objects that require shock absorption or impact resistance
  • Low shrinkage and warping
  1. Polycarbonate:
  • Very strong and durable
  • Good for producing objects that require high impact resistance and heat resistance
  • High shrinkage and warping
  1. Resin:
  • High strength and toughness
  • Good for producing objects that require high accuracy and detail
  • Resistant to moisture and temperature changes

There are many other materials available for 3D printing, including metals, ceramics, and composites. It’s important to choose the right material for your specific application to ensure the best performance and durability of your 3D printed object.

The maximum size for 3D printing varies depending on the technology used. Here are the maximum dimensions for each technology:

  1. Multi Jet Fusion (HP MJF): Maximum size: 380 x 284 x 380 mm Best for production or engineering usage, and is considered the most premium option.
  2. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): Maximum size: 356 x 356 x 400 mm and 340 x 340 x 600 mm Best for production or engineering usage, and is considered a premium option.
  3. Stereolithography (SLA): Maximum size: 1400 x 700 x 500 mm Best for producing displays, souvenirs, and trophies, and is considered a low-price option.
  4. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM): Maximum size: 250 x 210 x 210 mm Best for hobbyist or standard usage, and is considered the lowest-priced option.

Note that pricing is largely dependent on the printing technology, material usage (size), and model complexity. Additionally, hollowing out a part can help reduce the price of a 3D printed part, but this may also affect the strength of the part.

3D printing offers several benefits over traditional manufacturing methods, including faster turnaround times, greater design flexibility, and the ability to create complex geometries that are difficult or impossible to produce with traditional manufacturing methods. 3D printing can also be more cost-effective for producing small quantities or one-off items.

3D printing can be more environmentally friendly than traditional manufacturing methods because it generates less waste and can use recycled materials. However, the production of plastic filaments and the energy used in 3D printing can still have an environmental impact.

While 3D printing has become more accessible and affordable in recent years, the technology has been around for several decades. It was first developed in the 1980s and has since been used in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and healthcare.

While 3D printing can be used to produce small quantities of items quickly and cost-effectively, it is generally not the best option for mass production. Traditional manufacturing methods are often more efficient and cost-effective for producing large quantities of items.

3D printing materials are the raw materials used by a 3D printer to create a physical object. The most common materials used for 3D printing are plastics, such as PLA and nylon. PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a popular material that is biodegradable and derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugar cane. It is often used for prototypes, toys, and figurines due to its low cost and ease of use. Nylon, on the other hand, is a popular material for its strength, durability, and flexibility, and is often used for functional parts and prototypes. Each material has its own unique properties, such as temperature resistance, stiffness, and color options. It’s important to choose the right material for your specific application to ensure the best results.

Yes, 3D printed objects can be used for functional purposes, depending on the materials being used and the specific application. Some common functional applications for 3D printing include tooling, jigs and fixtures, and end-use parts.

If you don’t have a 3D file for the item you want to print, you have a few options:

  1. Create a 3D file: If you have some experience with 3D modeling software, you can create your own 3D file for the item you want to print. This will require some design skills and time to learn the software, but it can be a rewarding process.
  2. Use a 3D scanning service: Some companies offer 3D scanning services that can create a 3D file from a physical object. You can bring the object to the company or ship it to them, and they will create a 3D file for you. This can be a convenient option, but it can be expensive and the resulting file may not be perfect.
  3. Download a 3D file: You can search for 3D files online on websites such as Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory, and Cults. These websites offer a wide variety of 3D files that you can download for free or for a fee. You may need to make some modifications to the file to fit your specific needs.
  4. Hire a designer: If you have a specific item in mind that you want to print and can’t find a suitable 3D file online, you can hire a designer to create a custom 3D file for you. There are many freelance designers and design firms that can create 3D files for a fee. Be prepared to provide detailed specifications and sketches to ensure that the designer can create the desired result.

By using one of these methods, you can obtain a 3D file for the item you want to print and begin the 3D printing process. Note that our company offers 3D scanning, 3D modeling, and 3D printing services that can help you create a 3D file from a physical object, design a custom 3D file, or print your 3D file. Contact us for more information.

The fastest way to get a quotation for 3D printing services is to use our online quotation system. At 3DPrintingSingapore, we offer an online ordering platform that allows you to upload your 3D file, choose your printing technology and material, and receive an instant pricing and quotation. Our online ordering platform is available 24/7 and can be accessed via our website at www.3dprintsingapore.com/order.

If you have any questions about our online quotation system or need further assistance with your order, our team of experts is available to help. You can contact us via email, phone, or our website’s chat function, and we’ll be happy to provide you with the support you need to ensure a successful 3D printing project.

The most common file formats for 3D printing are STL and STEP. STL stands for Standard Tessellation Language, which is a simple mesh format that represents 3D geometry as a collection of connected triangles. It is widely used and supported by most 3D printing software and services. STEP (or STP) stands for Standard for the Exchange of Product Data and is a more complex format that can represent not only geometry, but also features, tolerances, and other product data. It is often used in engineering and manufacturing applications.

At 3DPrintSingapore, we support a wide range of file formats for 3D printing, including STL, STEP, OBJ, 3DS, and more. However, we recommend using STL or STEP if possible, as these are the most widely accepted formats and ensure compatibility with most 3D printing systems. You can upload your 3D model in any of these formats to our online ordering system at www.3dprintsingapore.com/order and receive an instant quotation for your 3D print job.

We do have a minimum order value of $10 for our 3D printing services. However, there is no minimum quantity required. This means that even if you need just one small part or prototype, you can still take advantage of our services. At 3D Print Singapore, we believe in making high-quality 3D printing services accessible to everyone, regardless of the size of the project. For more information, please visit our website at www.3dprintsingapore.com/order.

The technology you choose for 3D printing will depend on your specific needs and requirements. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of the most common 3D printing technologies:

  1. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM):

Advantages:

  • Easy to use
  • Affordable
  • Wide range of materials
  • Good for producing large objects

Disadvantages:

  • Lower resolution than other technologies
  • Limited strength and durability
  • Not ideal for producing objects with fine details
  1. Stereolithography (SLA):Advantages:
  • High resolution
  • Good for producing objects with fine details
  • Offers smooth surface finish
  • Good for producing objects with high complexity

Disadvantages:

  • More expensive than FDM
  • Limited material selection
  • Not ideal for producing large objects
  1. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS):Advantages:
  • High resolution
  • Good for producing objects with high complexity
  • Strong and durable
  • Wide range of materials

Disadvantages:

  • More expensive than FDM and SLA
  • Limited surface finish options
  • Not ideal for producing large objects
  1. Multi Jet Fusion (MJF):Advantages:
  • High resolution
  • Good for producing objects with high complexity
  • Wide range of materials
  • Good for producing large objects

Disadvantages:

  • More expensive than FDM and SLA
  • Limited surface finish options

It’s important to consider your budget, the level of detail and complexity you need, and the materials you plan to use when choosing a 3D printing technology. Additionally, each technology has its own unique pros and cons, so it’s important to research and compare different options before making a decision.

In addition to 3D printing, we also offer CNC and laser cutting services for various materials such as acrylic, wood, and metal. We also provide design and engineering services to help you create custom models for your specific needs. For more information on these services, please visit our website or contact us at [email protected].

Our CNC machining services use computer-controlled cutting tools to precisely shape a wide variety of materials, including metals, plastics, and woods. This allows us to create highly accurate and complex parts with tight tolerances.

Our laser cutting services use high-powered lasers to cut and engrave materials such as acrylic, wood, paper, and fabrics. We can create intricate designs and patterns, and even 3D objects by layering cut pieces.

Yes, you can self-collect your 3D print order. Our address for self-collection is 970 Toa Payoh North #01-18. Simply select the self-collection option when placing your order on our website at www.3dprintsingapore.com/order.

We accept multiple payment methods to make it easy for our customers to pay for their orders. Currently, we accept payments through PayPal, bank transfer, and PayNow. For more information on our payment options, please visit our website or contact us at [email protected].

At 3DPrintingSingapore, we do not offer materials that are specifically certified for food safety. While some 3D printing materials may be listed as “food safe” or “FDA compliant,” the reality is that there is no official certification process for 3D printed objects that come into contact with food or beverages. This means that it is important to exercise caution when using 3D printed objects for food or beverage applications.

It is important to note that existing commercially available 3D printing technology is not certified for food safety. This means that while some materials may be labeled as “food safe” or “FDA compliant,” this does not necessarily mean that they are safe for use with food or beverages. If you need to create 3D printed objects that will come into contact with food or beverages, it is recommended that you consult with a food safety expert or seek out materials that have been specifically certified for food safety.

In summary, while we do not offer food safe materials for 3D printing, we are committed to providing high-quality 3D printing services using the best available materials. If you have any questions about the safety or suitability of our materials for your specific application, please do not hesitate to contact us for further guidance and advice.