What to Expect When Working with a 3D Printing Farm: A Guide for New Clients

As manufacturing capabilities continues to evolve, many businesses and individuals are turning to 3D printing farms for their manufacturing needs.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur developing a prototype, a hobbyist creating a unique design, or a company scaling production, working with a 3D printing farm can often be an efficient, cost-effective solution.

But if it’s your first time partnering with a printing farm, you might wonder what to expect. This guide will walk you through the process, from initial design to receiving the finished product.

1. Understanding What a 3D Printing Farm Offers

3D Printing Farms are facilities equipped with multiple 3D printers that manufacture one-off products, small-scale batches or large scale projects.

Depending on the product, they can achieve high production volumes (thousands of parts) and faster turnaround times compared to traditional manufacturing (like injection molding: several months of wait time is the norm) or access to specialized materials hard to obtain elsewhere.

 

The first step in the process is submitting your 3D design file, typically in a format like .STL, .OBJ, or .STEP. If you don’t have a design yet, we have the expertise to create one for you based on your input.

 

Key Points to Consider When Submitting Your Design:

 

• Accuracy of the Model: Ensure your file is free of errors, such as non-manifold edges or gaps. These issues can cause printing failures or delays. Flying Horse has the expertise to solve and repair digital files, but it may take additional time and delay the project.

• Scale and Dimensions: Confirm that your design’s size matches the intended scale. Any discrepancies could lead to resizing costs or material waste. There are some features (like thin surfaces) that pose challenges during production. In these cases, it is best to talk to a 3D Printing Expert and book a consultation. And with us, it is free if you apply on this form!

• Material Selection: Different materials have unique properties. Be clear about whether you need flexibility, strength, heat resistance, or a specific finish. Most 3D Print Farms chose to use cheaper materials, that are easier to print. The majority of our work is made with glass fiber infused polymers, known for their outstanding mechanical properties and unparalleled surface finish.
  
  

 

Many will tell you “we can print anything” to win your business. But allow us to be blantatly honest: not everything is 3D printable, and certain geometries might not be suitable for 3D Printing. This is why you need an expert eye to analyze your project and recommend best practices. You will be better off relying on an expert from the start than having your product fail in the final application.

 

Once you’ve submitted your design and desired properties, the 3D Printing Farm will usually provide a quote. Pricing typically depends on:

• The amount of material required;
• The type of material used;
• The complexity of the design;
• Post-processing needs;
• QC inspections;
• Shipping;
• Warranty and guarantees;

Some farms also charge for setup, design review, or additional finishing services. Be sure to review the quote for transparency and ask questions about any unclear fees.
Here at Flying Horse we provide written, easy to understand proposals with no technical jargon or hidden fees. We offer phone and in-person consultation to address your questions. We even offer warranty on our parts...and almost nobody does!

Before printing begins, it is good practice to conduct a pre-print review. This step ensures that the design is optimized for the chosen printing method and material.

Does everybody does this review? Well, in our decade long experience, no. Most printing farms skip this phase, addressing it as a waste of time and an additional expense.
Their tought: The part comes out as trash? Eh, client’s problem.

We do not skim on approvals and transparency. It is your project, and we make it exactly as you want it. We may offer recommendations and suggestions to enhance final results and part strength, all for your benefit.

 

6. Production Process and Timelines

 

The actual printing time depends on several factors, including the size of the part, the material, and quantity. While small parts may take just a few hours, larger or more complex items could require several days.

 

• Real-time updates: project start, progress updates, finalization.
• Batch processing: most of our orders are composed of hundreds of parts. From the start we provide a production timeline and when to expect your parts. We can have your product ready the incoming day, but our clients understand that a 500-piece project can take several days.
• Mid production quality control: it is our duty to ensure that all parts match the agreed specifications. We inspect every printed part and write a production report for your records when needed.
  
  

7. Post-Processing and Finishing

After the printing is complete, parts may require post-processing to achieve the desired finish or functionality. Common post-processing steps include:

• Support removal: Necessary for designs printed with support structures.
• Sanding and polishing: To create a smoother surface or improve aesthetics.
• Painting or coating: For additional durability or customization.
• Heat treatment: some materials are enhanced by heat treatment, relieving stresses created during the printing process. This can get a bit technical, and we do not want to bore you to death. If you want to know more, feel free to book a consultation with our engineers.
  
  

8. Quality Assurance and Testing

 

Quality control is a crucial step to ensure that your parts meet project specifications. Reputable 3D printing farms often have rigorous quality assurance processes, including:

• Dimensional checks using calipers or 3D scanners.
• Visual inspection for defects like layer shifts or warping.
• Functional testing for parts with moving components.

Testing components prior to releasing on the market is a key aspect of prototyping. Stress cycles, load tests and heat resistance tests can be performed on eligible parts to understand limits. Some companies perform these test in-house, but others rely on the manufacturer to release documentation of the performed test. if you want to learn more, you can speak with one of our engineers here.

 

9. Packaging and Shipping

 

Once the parts pass quality checks, it is time to pack and ship the final parts to your location. Depending on your needs, you may opt for special packaging or a crate. Expedited shipping is a must: we want you to get your parts fast.

 

10. What If Something Goes Wrong?

Despite best efforts, occasional issues can arise with most 3D Printing Farms. Common problems may include:

• Dimensional inaccuracies: If parts don’t meet specifications;
• Surface defects: Post-processing may resolve minor issues, but major defects may require reprinting;
• Delayed delivery: Discuss timelines upfront and choose a farm with a good track record for meeting deadlines; 

We avoid all the above thanks to our dedicated teams. From the start, we insure we have all the details and we continually inspect parts for compliance with the project. Our timelines are based on our printing schedule and we always have backup machines to handle potential delays. Our goal is to complete all our project prior of the committed date, and proceed to the next printing project. we currently stand at a 98.4% on-time completion rate for 2024 with almost ten thousand parts delivered. 

 

Tips for a Smooth Experience

 

To get the most out of your collaboration with a 3D printing farm, consider these tips:

• Communicate Clearly: Provide as much detail as possible about your project’s requirements.
• Ask Questions: If you’re unsure about material or design choices, the farm’s experts can guide you.
• Plan Ahead: Build extra time into your schedule for unexpected delays.
• Start Small: If you’re new to 3D printing, start with a smaller project to familiarize yourself with the process.

 

To recap, relying on a 3D printing farm can be an winning partnership for your business. But the devil is in the details and choosing the right partner is key for your success. if you are pondering to get an estimate on our project, write us: our dedicated team is active from 8am to 8pm EST, 6 days a week. 

Need a faster contact? Reach us at: +1 830 402 0623

Book your free consultation HERE