FAQ

We are located in Mackenzie Towne SE, Calgary. 18min drive south of downtown core.

Currently we are accepting cash and EMT (Electronic Email Transfers). We are working on accepting Visa, Mastercard and Debit in the near future.

There is a ton of websites that cater to developers and designs promoting and sharing their models. We are putting together a comprehensive list in our Resources page, coming soon. For now you can use www.yeggi.com and www.stlfinder.com to search multiple other sites at once.

Any model can be printed as big as you like, the only caveat is that if it does not fit on the printer's build volume then it will need to be in multiple parts and put together after. Our biggest printer is currently a 400x400x450mm cubed.

FDM stands for Fused Deposition Modeling. It's also sometimes called Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). It's the most common type of 3D printing and is the method used by most hobbyist and consumer-grade 3D printers. Here's the process in simple terms: Design: You create a 3D model using computer-aided design (CAD) software. Slicing: The digital model is then "sliced" into thin, two-dimensional layers using specialized software. This software also generates the G-code, which are instructions that the printer understands. Extrusion: The printer uses a heated nozzle called an extruder to melt a thermoplastic filament (like plastic). This filament is a long, thin strand that is fed from a spool into the extruder. Deposition: The melted plastic is then precisely laid down layer by layer onto a build platform according to the G-code instructions. The extruder moves in the X, Y, and Z axes to create the desired shape. Layer-by-layer Building: Each new layer of melted plastic is fused to the previous layer, building the 3D object from the bottom up. Cooling and Solidification: As each layer is deposited, it cools and solidifies, bonding to the previous layer. Final Product: Once all layers are printed, you have your finished 3D object. Key Characteristics of FDM 3D Printing: Material: Uses thermoplastic filaments. Common materials include PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and nylon, among others. Each material has different properties in terms of strength, flexibility, temperature resistance, etc. Layer-Based Process: Objects are built layer by layer, which can sometimes result in visible layer lines on the finished product. Relatively Low Cost: FDM printers are generally more affordable than other 3D printing technologies. Easy to Use: Compared to other methods, FDM is generally considered easier to learn and operate. Wide Availability: FDM printers are widely available for both hobbyists and professionals. Versatile: Can be used for a wide range of applications, from prototyping and tooling to producing functional parts and art pieces.

Unlike FDM, which uses thermoplastic filaments, resin 3D printing utilizes liquid photopolymer resin that is cured (hardened) by light. It's often capable of producing much higher detail and smoother surfaces than FDM printing. There are a few different types of resin printing, but they all share the core principle of using light to solidify the resin. Here are the main types: 1. Stereolithography (SLA): How it works: SLA is the oldest form of resin 3D printing. It uses a UV laser to trace the outline of each layer on the surface of a liquid resin bath. The laser cures the resin, and then the build platform moves up (or down, depending on the printer) to allow the next layer to be cured. Key Characteristics: High precision and detail: Capable of producing extremely fine details and smooth surfaces. Slower print speed: Typically slower than other resin methods. Requires supports: Often requires supports, which must be removed after printing. Larger printers: Often uses larger, more complex machines. Can be more expensive than other resin methods. Common Applications: Prototypes, jewelry, dental models, intricate miniatures. 2. Digital Light Processing (DLP): How it works: DLP is similar to SLA but uses a digital projector to cure an entire layer at once. The projector shines an image of the layer onto the resin, curing the entire layer simultaneously. Key Characteristics: Faster print speed: Generally faster than SLA. High detail: Provides good detail, though perhaps not quite as fine as SLA. Similar requirements to SLA: Requires supports and post-processing. Widely available: More common in desktop machines. Common Applications: Jewelry, dental applications, intricate parts, smaller models. 3. Masked Stereolithography (MSLA) or LCD: How it works: MSLA is a more recent advancement that uses an LCD screen as a mask to block the light, allowing only the desired layer shape to pass through and cure the resin. An array of UV LEDs shines behind the LCD. Key Characteristics: Relatively fast print speed: Often faster than SLA and comparable to DLP. Good detail and surface quality: Offers excellent detail for many applications. More affordable: Usually more affordable than SLA and DLP. Becoming very popular: Due to the combination of speed, detail, and affordability. Common Applications: Miniatures, tabletop gaming figures, intricate parts, functional prototypes. Common Characteristics of Resin 3D Printing (Regardless of the specific method): Material: Uses liquid photopolymer resins that are cured by UV or other forms of light. These resins come in a variety of properties including flexible, rigid, castable, and more. High Detail: Generally capable of producing parts with much finer details and smoother surfaces compared to FDM. Post-Processing: Requires post-processing, including washing the uncured resin off the parts and additional curing to fully harden the material. Support Structures: Typically requires support structures to be printed alongside the object to prevent warping or failure during the build. Specific Safety Concerns: Requires careful handling due to the liquid resin's potential toxicity and the use of UV light. Ventilation and proper PPE (personal protective equipment) are important. More Expensive: Generally more expensive than FDM printers and materials.

Pricing 3D printing services can be tricky, as there are several factors to consider. It's not a one-size-fits-all formula, but here's a breakdown of the common approaches and considerations: 1. Cost-Based Pricing: Material Cost: Filament (FDM): Calculate the cost of the filament used. This involves knowing the cost per spool and estimating the grams/meters used for the specific print job. Weighing the final print is the most accurate way to calculate this. Resin (Resin Printing): Track the volume of resin used for the print job. Knowing the cost of resin per liter/ml and then calculating how much was used is crucial. Machine Cost: Depreciation: Account for the wear and tear on your 3D printer. You can calculate this over the lifespan of the machine based on its initial cost. Maintenance: Include costs associated with replacing nozzles, build plates, cleaning the printer, and other maintenance tasks. Electricity Cost: Factor in the electricity consumed during the printing process. Labor Cost: Pre-Print: Time spent setting up the print, preparing the model, generating supports, slicing. Print Monitoring: Time spent overseeing the printing process (though this can be minimal). Post-Print: Time spent removing supports, cleaning the print, post-curing (resin), smoothing, assembling (if required). Overhead: Rent (if applicable), internet, software subscriptions, other general business expenses. Profit Margin: Add a percentage on top of all the above costs to ensure your business is profitable. Formula Example (Cost-Based): (Material Cost + Machine Cost + Electricity Cost + Labor Cost + Overhead) x (1 + Profit Margin) 2. Time-Based Pricing: Printing Time: Charge based on the estimated or actual printing time of the job. This is typically measured in hours. Post-Processing Time: Include time spent on cleaning, support removal, curing, and any other post-print activities. Hourly Rate: Determine an hourly rate that covers your costs and profit. Formula Example (Time-Based): (Total Printing Hours + Total Post-Processing Hours) x Hourly Rate 3. Per-Part or Per-Project Pricing: Complexity: Factor in the complexity of the design. Intricate models with many features may require more setup time, supports, and printing time. Size: Larger objects will consume more material and time, and thus will be more expensive. Level of Detail: High-detail parts, particularly with resin printing, can also increase costs. Bulk Discount: If a customer wants many of the same object, consider a bulk discount to save them money, and entice their business. Minimum Price: Have a minimum charge to cover the costs of even the smallest print job. Considerations and Best Practices: Market Research: Research the competition in your area to understand the price range for similar services. Material Type: Different materials have different costs and requirements. Factor this into your pricing. Post-Processing Needs: Post-processing, such as sanding, painting, or assembly, should be priced accordingly. Print Quality: Higher quality prints that require more precision may warrant a higher price. Design Services: If you offer design services to help customers create their 3D models, factor in a separate hourly rate for that time. Customer Communication: Be transparent with your clients about pricing and the factors that influence the cost. Software Tools: Utilize slicing software that can estimate material usage and print time. Some business management software can also assist with tracking and quoting. Flexibility: Be willing to adjust your pricing based on the specific circumstances of each job. Value Added: If you offer expertise in materials, design, or specific post-processing techniques, you should charge a premium for this added value. Practical Tips: Use a spreadsheet: Track your costs, labor time, and other factors in a spreadsheet to make pricing easier. Create a price list: Develop a price list for common services, based on common job parameters (time, material). Offer package deals: For example, offer a discount when a client wants print services and design services. Be competitive: Try to be fair and competitive in your pricing, while still ensuring your business is profitable. Key Takeaway: There isn't one "perfect" way to price 3D printing services. The best approach is often a combination of these methods, taking into account your specific costs, labor, and the unique aspects of each print job. Start with a baseline cost-based pricing method and then adjust based on your experience, the market, and the unique requirements of each customer and job.

Yes, we are now offering full 3d scan of people to create you're very own model. Contact for details