How to Commission a Custom 3D Print: What to Send, What to Expect & How to Get It Right

Want to commission a custom 3D print but not sure how it works? Services like ours exist to make things that don't come off a shelf, but if you've never used one, the process can feel a little opaque. What do you send? What do you need to know up front? What happens between "I have an idea" and "here's your finished part"? This guide walks through it from the first message to the part in your hands.

How Do You Commission a Custom 3D Print?

1. Describe what you need. Tell us what the part has to do. Where will it live, what does it attach to, and does it need to flex, take load, handle heat, or live outdoors? The more context you give, the better the material recommendation and the less back-and-forth.
2. Send your files or references. A 3D file is ideal, but it isn't required. See below for what helps either way.
3. Confirm the material and color. We'll recommend a material for the job and ask about color. If you need something specific, tell us and we'll check what's available.
4. Get your quote. We'll come back with a quote for the printing, the material, and any design work involved, and we'll explain what's in it.
5. Approve and we print. Once you're happy with the quote, we print your part. For a complex first-time part, we may suggest a test print to confirm fit and function before the final version.
6. Pick up or receive your part. Collect it locally in Spokane or have it shipped. If something isn't right, get in touch and we'll talk it through.

If You Have a 3D File

Great. We can work with the common formats: STL, 3MF, STEP, and OBJ, plus Fusion 360 files. If your file is ready to print, we'll check it for common problems like thin walls and missing surfaces, then come back with a quote. If something needs fixing, we'll tell you and either fix it or walk you through what to change.

If You Don't Have a File

No problem at all. Here's what helps instead:

• Photos or sketches. Even a rough hand drawing with dimensions on it is a great starting point.
• Reference images. Show us something similar to what you want, even if it isn't exact.
• Measurements. Dimensions matter a lot, especially if the part has to fit onto or into something.
• The object it needs to fit. If you can share it with us, or send it for scanning, we can take measurements directly.

From there, we can design the file ourselves with our CAD design services, or capture an existing object with our 3D scanning in Spokane.

What Information Helps Us Most?

Here's what makes the biggest difference to getting a good result quickly:

• Exact dimensions if the part needs to fit something. Even ballpark measurements are better than nothing, and we can ask follow-up questions.
• What it connects to. Tolerances on snap-fits, sliding parts, and holes depend on what they're mating with, so tell us what the other side looks like.
• Any deal-breakers. Color restrictions, surface finish requirements, weight limits, anything that would make the part unacceptable if we got it wrong.
• Your deadline. If you're working to a date, tell us up front and we'll let you know what's realistic.

What Is Custom 3D Printing Great For?

• Replacement parts for things that are discontinued or too expensive to replace from the manufacturer
• Prototypes you can test in your hands before committing to production
• Custom brackets, mounts, adapters, and enclosures that don't exist off the shelf
• Props, costume pieces, and accessories made to your exact scale
• Small batches of items you design or download

Is It the Right Fit for Your Part?

For most custom parts, yes. We check every print for accuracy before it leaves the shop, and where the finish matters we use ironing, a final pass of the hot nozzle that smooths away visible print lines on top surfaces. We take pride in every part, and nothing ships until it's right.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to get started? Send us a message or use the quote form and tell us what you're working on.

Keep Reading

• What Filament Should I Use?
• Large Format 3D Printing: When You Need It