3D Print Service

Why would this be a “boutique” service that differs from other 3D print services such as Shapeways?

1. I will work with you to custom prep your STLs to consume minimum resin by hollowing them out and eliminating parts that are not desired by you (example: a space craft interior that won’t be seen in the final model).
2. Parts will be printed at whatever scale you select, even if the original STL files are smaller or larger than what you want. You’ll be advised of any challenges associated with scaling the files, including impacts on detail, resolution and costs.
3. You will receive a full estimate of all costs up front, so no surprises. We’ll also agree to a written contract before proceeding with any actions to ensure that you get exactly what you want.
4. Your parts will be printed, cleaned and UV cured using professional equipment – no swishing the parts around in a plastic tub of isopropyl alcohol or putting the parts on a window sill to irregularly and randomly cure in the sunlight. Here at DSR we only use FormLabs printers (currently the Form 3), wash stations and UV cure stations.
5. All parts will have printing supports trimmed away so that you’re only paying shipping costs for the parts, not for the supports.
6. Each step of the way you’ll receive updates by email including photos and – sometimes – videos of progress and tips for building your model.
7. If appropriate, you’ll receive customized assembly instructions highlighting quirks or deviations from the instructions you may have received (if any) from the STL designer

Please recognize that 3D printing using stereolithography (SLA) is not inexpensive, but it does result in the highest possible printing resolution outside of industry machines costing tens of thousands of dollars. Our resolution with the FormLabs Form3 is 50 microns per layer. Some minor sanding may be required to remove faint print lines, but 320 – 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper easily removes such artifacts.

Costs will be directly related to the amount of resin required to print the parts plus the cost of a rough trim / parts cleanup.

Contact us and we'll work through a transparent estimate of your total costs - no surprises!

And recall that you, the customer, will also be responsible for shipping. We typically use US Postal Service Priority Mail since it is insured and tracked, for your protection. Contact us for international shipping rates (which can get pricy).

If you need to scale the STLs and are having difficulty with the math, we can help. And remember that volume scales as the cube of the linear scale! So if you double the linear scale, you need to increase the volume of resin required by 8 times! (2*2*2=8)