JC3DDesign Blog // Top Questions to Ask Before Choosing a 3D Printing Partner

Whether you’re printing a one-off prototype or gearing up for a low-volume production run, the supplier you choose matters. A lot. The right partner helps you avoid failed parts, wasted budget, or missed deadlines. The wrong one? They leave you with confusion, delays, or worse parts that don’t fit or function. So, before you commit to a 3D printing service, ask these 7 questions from JC3DDesign. They’ll help you find someone you can trust with your design, your deadlines, and your bottom line.

1. Do You Review My Design Files Before Printing?

Many suppliers will take whatever .STL file you send and just hit print.

But great partners review your file first to check for:

• Proper tolerances
• Printability (no open meshes or bad normal)
• Overhangs or unsupported areas
• Potential weak points

At JC3DDesign, we offer a free design file check to catch problems before they become failed prints.

Why this matters: A quick review can save hours of rework, reprints, and frustration, especially if your part needs to fit or function perfectly.

2. What Materials and Technologies Do You Offer?

Not all 3D printing services are created equal. Some are limited to desktop PLA printers. Others offer industrial-grade options.

Ask:

• What materials are available (PLA, PETG, Nylon, Carbon-Fibre, Resin)?
• Can I get advice on which material suits my part?
• Do you offer both FDM and resin-based printing?

Why this matters: The right material affects strength, finish, flexibility, and cost. You want a partner who knows the difference — and explains it clearly.

3. What’s Your Typical Lead Time?

Speed matters, especially if you’re prototyping on a deadline.

Ask:

• What’s the usual turnaround for one-off prints?
• What if I need 10 or 20 parts?
• Can you accommodate urgent jobs?

At JC3DDesign, our standard lead time is around 2 weeks, depending on part complexity, but we also offer express options when needed.

Why this matters: Clear expectations avoid last-minute surprises. And if your supplier can’t give a confident answer, that’s a red flag.

4. What Happens if the Part Doesn’t Fit or Work?

This is the big one. If your part arrives and doesn’t do what it’s supposed to, will your supplier help or blame your file?

Ask:

• Do you offer reprints if something goes wrong?
• Will you explain what caused the issue?
• Is there support for tweaking or redesigning the file?

Why this matters: Problems happen. The real test of a partner is how they handle them. You want someone who’ll work with you, not leave you hanging.

5. Do You Offer CAD Design or Help if I Don’t Have a File?

Not every customer has access to CAD software and not every print shop has a design team.

Ask:

• Can you create a 3D file from a sketch, photo, or physical object?
• Will I get to approve the design before printing?
• Is design work charged separately?

Why this matters: If you’re starting from an idea or drawing, your supplier needs to guide you — not just send you away. At JC3DDesign, we have an in-house CAD team ready to help.

6. How Do You Handle Confidential Designs?

This one’s critical if your part is:

• A prototype or IP-sensitive
• Intended for resale
• Covered under a non-disclosure agreement

Ask:

• Will you sign an NDA?
• How long do you store my files?
• Can I request my data be deleted?

Why this matters: Trust and confidentiality should be a given. We’re happy to sign NDAs and treat your data with care and professionalism.

7. Can I See Examples of Your Work?

A credible 3D printing partner should be able to show:

• Previous parts or client case studies
• Testimonials or reviews
• Sample prints or photos of complex jobs

If all they offer is a checkout form and no proof, be cautious.

Why this matters: You’re not buying a commodity — you’re buying skill, attention to detail, and care. Ask for proof.

Bonus Tip: Ask Them to Explain Their Quote

If you don’t understand what you’re paying for, that’s on them — not you. Any decent partner should break down:

• Material and print time costs
• Any file prep or design time
• Optional finishing costs
• Batch or volume discounts

Transparency builds trust.

Final Word: Choose a Partner, Not Just a Print Service

There are hundreds of places to upload a file and get a print. But most won’t ask the right questions, check your file, or care if your part works. JC3DDesign is different. We treat every job like it matters because it does.

Read more additive manufacturing news here.

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