How to Request a 3D Printing Quote (Files, Tolerances, Quantity, Material, Deadline)

Getting an accurate 3D printing quote is easy when you include the right details up front. This guide shows exactly what to send so we can price your job quickly and hit your requirements the first time.

1) Send the right file(s)

• Preferred: STEP (.step/.stp) for dimensionally accurate quoting

• Also accepted: STL/3MF (include units and target dimensions)

• If you have an assembly: include all parts + a note on how they fit together

• If you need multiple versions: label files clearly (v1, v2, etc.)

2) Tell us what the part must do

• Use case: prototype, fit-check, functional testing, or end-use production

• Loads/conditions: heat, UV, chemicals, impact, outdoor exposure

• Critical features: threads, snap-fits, sealing surfaces, mating faces

3) Specify tolerances (what matters, what doesn't)

• Call out critical dimensions and acceptable deviation (e.g., ±0.2 mm)

• If you need press-fit or sliding-fit, tell us the target clearance

• If you don't have a tolerance spec, we'll quote to standard process capability and flag risks

4) Quantity + timeline

• Quantity: 1, 5, 20, 100+ (pricing changes a lot with volume)

• Deadline: when you need it in-hand (and your shipping preference)

• If you expect repeats, tell us your monthly/quarterly volume

5) Material + finish requirements

• Material preference (or what you're trying to optimize: strength, heat resistance, flexibility, appearance)

• Color requirements (if any)

• Finish: raw, sanded, vapor smoothed, painted, threaded inserts, etc.

• Any post-processing that affects dimensions should be noted up front

6) Quality expectations

• Surface quality expectations (cosmetic vs functional)

• Inspection needs (measure critical dims, photo documentation, etc.)

• Packaging requirements for production runs

Quick copy/paste quote template

Project: ____ | Use case: ____ | Qty: ____ | Deadline: ____

Material preference: ____ | Finish: ____ | Critical dims/tolerances: ____

Files attached: ____ | Notes: ____

If you send the details above, we can usually turn around a quote fast and avoid surprises during production. Ready when you are—send your files and we'll take it from there.