FDM — Rapid Prototyping & Functional Plastics (Gold Coast & Brisbane)

The cost of creating your part through 3D printing or CNC machining is highly variable and depends on numerous factors unique to each prototyping project. As a rule of thumb, the overall price is influenced by the 3D printed materials selected, the complexity of the geometry, and the scale of production.

Geometry plays a crucial role because more intricate designs may require advanced 3D printing techniques or additional CNC machining steps. Similarly, the choice of 3D printed materials can dramatically affect the final cost, with specialized polymers or metals having different price points. In prototyping, the material selection is as important as design precision to meet your item's functional requirements.

To provide you with an accurate and fair estimate, we prefer to review the specifics of your design within our software. This allows us to offer guidance on material choice and design adjustments that could streamline the prototyping process and optimize expenses.

For a detailed quote that encompasses all the variables of 3D printing and CNC machining, please reach out to our team. Whether it's through a phone call or via our contact form, we're committed to helping you navigate the prototyping journey smoothly, ensuring you receive a part that meets both quality and budgetary needs.

For 3D printing, the preferred file format is typically an STL (stereolithography) file, which contains the essential geometry information of the 3D model in a format that 3D printers can interpret. However, our advanced capabilities mean we can work with almost any 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) file you may have. Whether it's an OBJ, STEP, or IGES file, our team has the tools and expertise to convert your design into a print-ready STL file.

It's important to note that while we can transform various 3D CAD files for 3D printing, 2D images or drawings such as JPEGs or DWG files require an additional step. These flat representations don't provide the necessary three-dimensional data for printing. Therefore, we need to recreate the object using CAD software to generate a 3D model that can then be converted into an STL file.

If you're unsure what type of file you possess or if you only have 2D representations of your concept, don't worry. Send over what you have, and our team will guide you through the process of converting or developing the appropriate 3D CAD model for your project. We're here to ensure your designs are accurately translated into physical form with our 3D printing services.

By entrusting us with your files, you can rest assured that we will manage the conversion and preparation with utmost care to deliver a precise and high-quality 3D-printed product.

Selecting the ideal material for your 3D printing project is a crucial decision that can impact the functionality, aesthetics, and durability of your final product. With over a decade of expertise in 3D printing and material science, we are well-equipped to assist you in making the right choice for your specific application.

The selection process involves understanding the intended use of the printed part—whether it's a prototype for form and fit testing, a functional component subjected to mechanical stress, or an aesthetic model for display. Each application demands different material properties, such as tensile strength, flexibility, thermal resistance, or surface finish.

Our comprehensive range of 3D printed materials encompasses everything from basic plastics for conceptual models to advanced composites and metals for fully functional engineering components. We consider factors such as the part's required strength, temperature exposure, impact resistance, and regulatory compliance, among others, to pinpoint the material that best matches your intended use.

We encourage you to reach out and discuss your project with us. We'll review your design, application requirements, and any specific constraints or certifications needed to recommend the most suitable material. Our goal is to ensure your 3D printed part performs excellently in its intended environment, and we're committed to leveraging our experience to get you the best results possible.

Based on the scenic Gold Coast of Queensland, Layered3D proudly serves clients across the whole of Australia. Rest assured, regardless of your location, we meticulously package and ship your custom parts directly to your doorstep, ensuring they arrive safe and sound.

We recommend based on strength, cosmetics and budget.Send us your CAD and we’ll advise the most suitable material for your application.