3D Printing in American Fork
Need a part fast? I’d love to help you out! It’s easy here is an overview.
- Finish your design
- Export to STL
- Choose a material
- I’ll email you back with a price and time estimate.
- Come pick up your part.
For small parts, I usually provide same day service. I can also work around larger orders and custom needs to meet your specific requirements.
Here are the details:
Finishing your design
Most 3D Printing software uses STL files natively. You can usually export an STL file from your modeling software. If your having trouble exporting STL files, no worries, send me the file and I can usually take care of it for you.
You’ll want to verify that your STL file looks like the part. You can try an online STL viewer like this one below or there are a number of free STL programs that you may find useful.
What if I don’t have a design yet?
Getting a part into a design is a more time consuming process than printing the design. Luckily, there are a couple options.
- There are a LOT of designs freely available on the internet so far. Thingiverse.com is a great place to start your search.
- I can provide design services. Just send me an idea of what you’d like to do and we’ll start discussing details as to how to get what you need. As a bonus, I usually throw in the cost of the 3d printing at no additional charge when I design a part. (subject to QTY, size etc)
Which material is best?
Most prints are done in either ABS or PLA. They each have their benefits.
- ABS is what Legos are made out of. It’s a durable plastic with the right amount of flex to withstand real life testing of your part. However it’s easy to warp and at larger sized parts can become problematic to print. It can withstand outside usage and direct sunlight.
- PLA is somewhat easier to print but is generally better for testing size/shape without putting into actual usage tests. It’s not that it’s weak by any measure. However, it will get soft in direct sunlight. It’s easier to print large parts with and an excellent choice for many prints. It’s generally cheaper to print than ABS.
- Others? What if you need flexible material or a super strong material?
I can print in TPU variants (creates a rubber-like flexible print).
Depending on the part, I can print with Polycarbonite. It creates quite strong prints.
What colors are available?
I keep a ready supply of black and white. Other colors are available as well and I’m always willing to order something I don’t have based on need.
