Frequently Asked Questions

Can you help me?

Yes.

Can you print this?

Almost definitely, but we’ll also suggest whatever the best production method is for your particular application.

Can you work within my budget? (AKA How much is it going to cost to print my idea?)

Yes. (AKA If you already have a 3D file, upload it or send it to contact@3dphacktory.com with the size, quantity, aesthetic and intended usage you are looking for and we will get back to you with a quote. If you have a 2D sketch or just an idea in mind, one of our industrial designers or engineers can work with you to help design your object for $95 an hour.)

Can you 3D scan an object for me?

Yes. However, more often than not it is quicker, more versatile and economical to have one of our in-house designers recreate it in a 3D model. We charge $95/h for design and we’ll provide you with an estimate for the entire scope up front.

What material can you print my object in?

Yes.. we mean, just about every 3D printing material. We’ll suggest which material is best based on your design and intended usage.

For example, our uPrint Plus FDM printer prints ABS plastic which is great for functional testing. More information about the characteristics of this material can be found here: uPrint Material Specs

For cost effective volume  or batch manufacturing of durable end use parts sls/nylon is often the process/material of choice.

Whereas something like our Stratasys Connex500 Polyjet printer prints a wide variety of materials simultaneously within the same part even in the highest resolution. More information on these materials can be found here: Polyjet Material Specs

Even SLA still holds a strong place as the optimal material for some applications.

What colours can you print in?

Millions if the design calls for it as we use processes capable of CMYK, however there are currently limitations to this technology.

Depending on the application, you have lots of other choices. Our PLA material comes in a huge variety of colours and can be custom ordered if we do not have your colour on hand.

Using FDM you can print in ABSplus thermoplastic in ivory, white, black, dark grey, red, blue, olive green, nectarine and fluorescent yellow.

Clear plastic and black rubbery material tend to be the favourite for Polyjet, however, we also offer post-production and professional finishing services so don’t worry if you don’t see your colour in the materials list, you’ve most likely already seen some of our full colour work in TV and film.

How do the different Polyjet materials compare?

There are many different Polyjet materials available to mimic the properties of many different plastics. For a detailed comparison of Polyjet materials click to download a spec comparison sheet.

What is the minimum thickness to print?

1 mm is the suggested minimum wall thickness, other specific features, like points/corners, can approach 0 but we’d need to look at them first.

What resolution do your printers print at?

Our Polyjet printers provide the highest resolution at 600 DPI and are capable of printing horizontal build layers down to 16 microns (0.0006″), which is the equivalent of 1588 DPI!

What file formats do you accept?

We prefer .stl and .obj files as these are formats that the printer uses and requires no conversion. If you do not have a ready to print .stl file our designers can work with you to help you get your idea into the proper format.

Can 3D Printing be used to create molds or die?

Absolutely, 3D printing can be used to create all kinds of molds. Whether it be jewellery or an injection mold for your prototype we have you covered.

Will 3DPhacktory keep my design confidential? 

Of course! All designs are kept strictly confidential and will not be shared with any 3rd parties unless explicitly requested by the designer.

Does 3DPhacktory ship internationally?

Regularly.

Can I get detailed textures on my prototype?

Yes. Our Polyjet printer can print at a resolution of 16 microns meaning you can impart a wide variety of textures to your prototype. We also offer multi-material printing so you can even have multiple colours/textures/rigidity/glossiness levels/coatings and infil all in a single print. The sky is the limit!

How is the price calculated?

Price is calculated based purely on the amount of material used at the rate of the material type.  You can quickly get a price quote for your order using our instant volumetric pricing tool.

What is the turnaround time for prints?

Orders placed by 5:00pm can be available for pick-up by 5:00pm the next business day upon request. **Please note that this is not a guarantee, items must pass geometry checks and larger more complex prints may require more print time**.  We will notify you immediately if there are any concerns.

What is the maximum size that can be printed at 3DPhacktory?

Unlimited, as we chemically weld jumbo sized parts together in sections and at those sizes we’re likely going to recommend that we use a more traditional manufacturing technique like CNC. Section sizes however would be limited to the following sample of machines.

Polyjet build envelope: 490 × 390 × 200 mm (19.3 × 15.4 × 7.9 in.)
Least Expensive FDM build envelope: 203 x 203 x 152 mm (8 x 8 x 6 in.)
Least Expensive SLS build envelope: 200 x 250 x 330 mm (7.9 x 9.8 x 13 in.)
SLA build envelope: 600 x 900 x 1200 mm (2 x 3 x 4 ft.)
PLA build envelope: 254 x 254 x 317.5 mm (10 x 10 x 12.5 in.)

I have an idea… can you design it for me?

Yes we can! Our in-house designers can help you get your idea from a sketch to a ready to print .stl file.

Where is 3DPhacktory Located? Do I need an appointment to visit the studio?

With manufacturing taking place in both the east and west ends of the city, we have a centrally located PO box for pick-ups and drop-offs. Our PO box is in the “Old Town” neighbourhood of Toronto, at 52 Church Street. You are always welcome to collect your prints and drop-off components as needed; however, appointments are required when looking to meet in-person.