3D NEXT LEVEL
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ

We understand that you may have some questions about our printers, services, and capabilities. To quickly provide you with the necessary information, we have compiled this FAQ section. Here, you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions.

If your question is not answered here or if you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is ready to assist you and provide further clarification.

You can submit your 3D design files to us in various file formats, including high-resolution STL and OBJ, or a STEP file. If you have a different file format in mind, please feel free to contact us, and we can explore the options together.

Don't have a 3D model yet but have an idea? No worries, we also offer design services. Click here to discover how we can assist you in creating the desired 3D model. 

Do you have further questions about what you need to provide or want to learn more about the possibilities? Feel free to contact us here , and we'll be happy to assist you further!

Yes, we can certainly help you with designing your 3D model. We offer three different options for this:

  1. 3D sculpting: This method involves creating a 3D model by essentially "sculpting" in 3D. We base our work on your input, such as photos, specific sketches, or clear instructions. Our 3D designer utilizes "free-form sculpting," meaning we work by hand in 3D, often using programs like ZBrush. With this approach, we have successfully completed various projects, ranging from modeling people and animals to bringing to life original creations and even children's drawings.

  2. 3D drawing: This process is similar to 3D sculpting but is more technically oriented and known as CAD modeling. The model is drawn in technical drawing software, such as Autodesk Inventor or Solidworks. This software is primarily suitable for applications in the engineering industry, as it is less suitable for free-form shapes.

  3. 3D scanning: 3D scanning is the process of creating a digital 3D model on the computer from an existing physical object. This is done using scanning equipment that utilizes light or laser technology to scan an object and convert it into a 3D model. This 3D model can then be further adjusted or edited in our 3D software. For example, the 3D scan can be enhanced with more detail on certain parts, or even completely modified, and the model can be scaled to the correct size. 3D scanning is ideal when you already have an existing object that you want to reproduce in 3D, such as artwork, a person, a technical component, or other objects. It allows us to accurately capture existing objects and create 3D-printed replicas.

If you need assistance with creating a 3D model, please feel free to contact us, and we will work together to choose the right option to bring your idea to life.

The exact delivery time for your 3D-printed product is always determined in consultation, as it depends on various factors, including the complexity of the design and current workload. Generally, the average delivery time for 3D-printed products is approximately 3-4 weeks. However, it's worth noting that for 3D printing alone, the delivery time is often much faster, sometimes within a week.

We understand that there are situations where urgency is required. Just reach out to us, and we can discuss the specific details of your project and your desired delivery time. We are ready to assist you and ensure that you receive your 3D print on time.

We mainly use SLA (Stereolithography) and DLP (Digital Light Processing) printing techniques. With these techniques, a layer is exposed from a liquid bath containing a UV-sensitive liquid polymer (resin), where the liquid hardens precisely where the UV light shines. The light sources can be a UV laser or UV LEDs in combination with an LCD screen or a projector (DLP).

For these processes, we use a light-sensitive resin. In contrast to FDM and SLS, which use thermoplastics, this resin is a thermosetting polymer. Thermosets and thermoplastics are not directly comparable in terms of material properties.

Most of the materials we print have many similarities to ABS, but we also offer options for more flexible or stiffer materials. Generally, thermosetting polymers have much higher chemical resistance.

Additionally, we also offer Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) printing, enabling the printing of thermoplastics. With this addition, we can provide a wider range of materials and applications to meet your specific needs.

For more comprehensive information and details about our materials, we invite you to read the question 'What materials are the 3D prints made of?' If you would like to learn more about our 3D printers, you can find additional information here .

Our 3D prints are created using a wide range of materials, ranging from rigid and strong to durable and flexible, and even include heat-resistant and transparent options. Our team is always ready to provide you with advice on the most suitable material for your specific application. The possibilities are virtually limitless, and we even go beyond the standard by incorporating internal reinforcements such as steel structures or foam and liquid reinforcements when necessary. This enables us to provide solutions for a wide range of projects.

It is important to note that our materials are thermosetting polymers, which may be different from what you are accustomed to. If you have a specific thermoplastic material in mind, we can even offer you a thermosetting polymer material that meets your needs. We are here to provide customized solutions. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information and to discuss your specific requirements.

Our 3D printers deliver excellent finish quality, precision, and overall quality. We aim to deliver products that look as if they were not 3D printed. Our SLA printing technology is known for its excellent precision and level of detail. When a product comes directly out of the printer, there may be very small visible and tactile lines present. However, these lines can be easily sanded away, resulting in a smooth finish.

Our prints are precise and have high resolution, allowing even the smallest details and structures to be visible. During printing, most objects are supported by so-called "supports." After these supports are removed, there may be small dots left on the product. We typically carefully remove these dots as part of our standard finishing process.

The final level of finishing is flexible and can be adjusted to your preferences. Some technical clients prefer unsanded models directly from the printer, while other projects require perfectly finished 3D prints. Our goal is to deliver 3D prints of the highest quality, seamlessly fitting your project needs.

The color of our 3D prints is usually dependent on the chosen material and often cannot be customized. However, we offer various finishing options to make your 3D prints look fantastic. Our in-house painter is capable of providing your 3D prints with a professional and stylish finish. The options are virtually limitless, whether you're looking for bold colors, glossy metallic tones, matte textures, or other luxurious finishes, we have plenty to choose from! Some of the options we offer include:
• VeroMetal coating
• Chrome finish
• Metallic paint
• Bronze casting
• Airbrush
• Decals
• Various specialty finishes

It is important to note that the chrome plating process is currently outsourced to other parties, and for this, there are no rush options available. However, we are working hard to bring these processes in-house in the future. If you have another specific finish in mind that is not listed here, or if you need advice on which finish best suits your idea, we are ready to brainstorm with you. 3D-printed objects are also regularly finished by the artist themselves, and this is certainly an option. Contact us and discover the endless possibilities. Click here for more information. 

We prefer the use of RAL or NCS codes to specify the desired colors for finishing your 3D printed objects. These standard color codes ensure clear and precise color matching. However, we understand that there may be situations where other color indicators better suit your needs. In such cases, we are open to discussion and will do our best to meet your specific color requirements. 

We have various 3D printers, each with their own specialties. The maximum size of objects we can 3D print depends on the printer we use: Our high-resolution printer, suitable for detailed prints, has a maximum build volume of 100 x 100 x 60 cm. For low-resolution prints, we can print objects up to 120 x 130 x 180 cm. If your intended product doesn't fit within the limits of a single print, we are creative and can divide the design into multiple parts to later carefully assemble them. This way, we can bring even the largest projects to life. Do you have further questions about size or want to learn more about the possibilities? Click here to contact us, and we'll be happy to assist you further!

If a 3D print model is too large to print in one piece, we print it in separate parts. Then, we use a powerful two-component epoxy to seamlessly bond these parts together. This method ensures that the detail of the print is preserved and that the end result is sturdy. If you'd like to learn more about this technique or have questions about the printing process, feel free to contact us. We're here to make your project a success! 💡🛠️

It is certainly possible to place a 3D print outside, but it is important to note that this requires customization. The choice of materials for the 3D print depends on various factors, including the duration of exposure to weather conditions and the specific location, considering potential risks of misuse. The specific location determines the required level of robustness (vandal resistance) for the 3D print. In some cases, we may need to take additional reinforcement measures. We are happy to advise on the best approach for your specific situation.Click here to contact us, and we'll be happy to assist you further!

Yes, we can definitely 3D print transparent objects. However, the maximum size for transparent 3D prints is 750 x 650 x 550 mm. Would you like to know more about the possibilities? Click here to contact us, and we'll be happy to assist you further! 

Our team aims to provide a suitable quote within 1 to 3 days. This may vary depending on the complexity of the request and our current workload. Have you provided us with all the necessary information? We have prepared a questionnaire with all the details we need to prepare an accurate quote. Click here for the questionnaire and answer as many questions as possible to facilitate the process smoothly.

Yes, we can send your 3D print. You can choose to pick up your 3D print at our location in Schipluiden, or we can ship packages to destinations within the Netherlands and, upon consultation, abroad. When you opt for a large 3D print with us, we can provide it with a custom-made transport crate. This crate is specially designed to protect your valuable 3D object during transportation. We understand how important it is for your creation to arrive at its destination undamaged, so we take all necessary measures to ensure this happens. If you need assistance with the assembly or placement of your 3D print on-site, our assembly team is at your disposal. We strive to ensure that you are completely satisfied with the final outcome of your 3D print project.

Certainly, we offer 3D scanning services and are ready to assist you with scanning your product. Our experienced team has expertise in converting physical objects into accurate 3D models. Just reach out to us, and we'll be happy to discuss the details and options for 3D scanning your product.

Yes, 3D printing is considered a sustainable manufacturing method. It offers several environmental benefits compared to traditional manufacturing methods. In 3D printing, only the material that is actually needed is often used, resulting in less waste. Additionally, 3D-printed products can be manufactured locally, reducing the need for global transportation and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, 3D printing can save materials and energy compared to subtractive manufacturing methods. Finally, 3D printing opens up new possibilities for recycling and reusing materials. Therefore, it contributes to sustainability and reduced environmental impact.