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Do you have questions about 3D printing?

We have the answers! In our 3D printing FAQs, you’ll find concise, practical answers. As an experienced 3D printing service provider, we explain the key basics and help you make informed decisions about your parts.

About Rapidobject

Rapidobject is your full-service partner for professional 3D printing—from the initial idea to the production-ready product. We support you throughout the entire development process and offer rapid prototypes, functional components, small-batch production, replacement parts, and finished products of the highest quality.
Our range of services includes:

  • 6 industrial 3D printing processes for precise and durable results
  • Consulting & procedural recommendations tailored to your project
  • Material Selection & Optimization
  • Data validation and preparation (optional)
  • Surface Finishing & Post-Processing
  • Fast production right here in Germany
  • Worldwide shipping

Whether it's a single part or a production run—we make 3D printing simple, reliable, and professional.

We are also happy to assist you as consultants. Are you planning to set up an in-house 3D printing department? We would be happy to advise you. 

We are also certified to provide training in additive manufacturing. 

Everything You Need to Know About 3D Printing Materials

Depending on the 3D printing process, Rapidobject offers a wide range of high-quality materials to choose from. Our models are made from plastics, resins, and metals —each selected to suit the intended application.

These include, among other things:

  • Plastics such as PA12, PA11, ABS-like plastics, TPU (flexible)
  • Resins for exceptionally smooth surfaces, high detail accuracy, or technical requirements
  • Metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, or tool steel (depending on the process)

This results in components that are durable, precise, and application-specific —from functional prototypes to the final end product.

At Rapidobject, you can choose from the following biocompatible materials for the production of your 3D-printed models, which are biocompatible in accordance with EN ISO 10993-1 and USP/Level VI/121 °C:

  • PA12

  • PA2200 (based on polyamide 12)

  • Titanium (Ti6Al4V)

  • BIO CL

  • MED610

  • Ceramics

  • PETG XXL

If you'd like to learn more about the materials, please contact us.

You can find individual data sheets for each material on our materials overview page: Go to page

Rapidobject offers a wide range of professional post-processing services to optimize the appearance, functionality, and feel of your 3D-printed parts. Depending on the material and process, the following finish options are available:

Mechanical finishing
  • Dust Removal & Cleaning
    Deep cleaning for a flawless finish.
  • Sanding & Polishing
    For smooth surfaces, fewer visible layers, and a high-quality finish.
  • Milling & Drilling
    Precision finishing for fits, holes, or technical requirements.
Surface finishing
  • Smoothing / Vapor Smoothing (depending on the material)
    Chemical smoothing for surfaces that are nearly injection-molded in appearance.
  • Blasting (e.g., glass bead blasting)
    Fine, uniform, matte finish.

  • Paint Finishes: Custom color options, ranging from matte to high-gloss to special-effect finishes.
Color and functional finish
  • Coloring (e.g., for PA12 models)
    Uniform coloring in various shades.
  • Waterproofing / Sealing
    For increased strength, water resistance, and moisture resistance.
Installation & Other Services
  • Assembly of multiple components
    Upon request, we can handle the assembly for you.
  • Installation of Threaded Inserts & Inserts
    For strong, durable screw connections.
  • Quality Control & Measurement Reports (optional)
    Documented precision for development and production projects.

Everything You Need to Know About 3D Printing Data

To have a part printed at Rapidobject, all you need is a 3D file in a common format (e.g., STL, STEP, or OBJ).
If you want to create 3D models yourself, all you need is:

  • a 3D design program such as Fusion 360, SolidWorks, Blender, Onshape, or similar tools
  • basic knowledge of 3D modeling
  • a model designed for printing (e.g., closed surfaces, correct wall thicknesses)

If you're new to this or need assistance:
We'll review your data, offer design advice, and help with optimization if needed—to ensure your model is print-ready.

To create a print-ready file from a virtual model, the existing 3D data must be carefully processed.

Thanks to our extensive fleet of machines with various build volumes, we can also manufacture large components. In addition, there are different minimum wall thicknesses and layer thicknesses.
You can find an overview of the differences for plastics here and for metals here.

We use the .stl format as our standard, but we can also convert nearly all other 3D formats. Color models can be submitted using the VRML format. In this case, all individual components of a model must be described as complete solids. All solids should be connected without gaps, the normals should not be inverted, and overlapping faces must be avoided. An ideally prepared 3D model thus results in a coherent, literally “watertight” solid.

Check your 3D data for printability right here using our online 3D printing service.

  • Single-color (monochrome) = *.stl, .step, etc.

  • Colored = *.wrl

  • With textures = additional texture as an image file (If objects are used instead of a texture, the text appears sharper. In practical terms, a 6-point font is the smallest size that can be printed and is still just legible.)

Yes, the minimum size is 5 x 5 x 5 mm. Please contact us regarding smaller components. If you include text, the font size should be at least 6-point to ensure that it is just barely legible.

All anonymously generated data, as well as all 3D data uploaded to our online 3D printing service but not explicitly saved, is stored only for the duration of a single session. We store only 3D data and quotes from registered users. Even then, customers have the option to delete their quotes and data.

In addition, we take the following measures to ensure the security of your 3D data: 

  • Information security certified to ISO 27001:2013
  • Our own dedicated servers in Germany
  • Custom store development
  • HTTPS Encryption for the Online 3D Printing Service

Everything You Need to Know About Our 3D Printing Online Tool

All anonymously generated data, as well as all 3D data uploaded to our online 3D printing service but not explicitly saved, is stored only for the duration of a single session. We store only 3D data and quotes from registered users. Even then, customers have the option to delete their quotes and data.

In addition, we take the following measures to ensure the security of your 3D data: 

  • Our own dedicated servers in Germany
  • Custom store development
  • HTTPS Encryption for the Online 3D Printing Service
  • Information security certified to ISO 27001:2013

Benefits BEFORE registering:

  • Bulk upload of your 3D files

  • Wide selection of materials

  • Instant quotes in seconds for all materials and finishes

Benefits AFTER registration:

  • Free Data Recovery

  • Save your offers for future orders

  • Check the status of current orders

  • Storing multiple shipping and billing addresses

  • Latest information on discounted items

  • 24-Hour Express Production

You can set up your account with our online 3D printing service in just a few steps:

  1. Sign up with your contact information and create a username and password.
  2. Please also indicate whether you are a business customer or a private individual so that we can apply the correct tax rates.
  3. Once you have agreed to our Terms and Conditions,
  4. your account will be created and
  5. You will receive an email containing an activation link.
  6. Clicking the link confirms your order, and you can then order your 3D-printed models directly online.

Having trouble creating your account? We're happy to help at +49 341 23 18 37 30. 

No, creating an account does not, of course, obligate you to purchase a 3D-printed model. Creating an account gives you access to additional benefits, such as free data repair, saving quotes, checking order status, and more.

With our online 3D printing service, you’ll receive an overview of all materials and finishes—along with their corresponding prices—in just a few seconds.

If you contact us via email, you will receive a quote along with expert information within a maximum of 2 business days. Due to the complexity of the project, you will receive your quote for all metal materials within 3 business days at the latest.

The price of a 3D-printed model depends on several factors:

  • 3D Printing Processes and Material Selection

  • Actual material used (volume)

  • Estimated production time

  • Data adjustment

  • Post-processing

In addition to advising you on materials and printing methods, our team will be happy to help you determine the optimal print run to get you the best price. Just get in touch with us.

Questions about the ordering process

The order confirmation, which you will receive by email within a few minutes of placing your order, specifies the delivery date ex works.

If you order your 3D-printed models through the online 3D printing service, your data will automatically be checked and, if necessary, repaired. If your data is in order, production can begin. The production time depends primarily on the material.

Once manufacturing is complete, the part must cure for one day before it is securely packaged and shipped to the specified delivery address.

When you order a 3D-printed model via email, our team of experts will review the 3D data you submit. If any errors are found, we will send you an email. This review process takes up to 2 business days. Production can then begin.

  • PayPal

  • Instant Bank Transfer

  • Prepayment

  • Credit card

  • Invoice (upon request)

Our production lead times range from 2 to 14 days. The duration of production depends on the complexity of the item and the capacity of our machines and production facilities. Large production runs may require correspondingly longer lead times. You can find more detailed information on our materials overview page. 

We carefully and securely package all components. Our shipping partners ensure that your packages arrive safely and quickly. 

Shipping costs within Germany are €9.90 for standard shipping and €23.00 for express shipping. Packaging is charged separately. 

For more information and shipping costs for other countries, please visit our shipping page. 

Please send your complaint, including a detailed description and photos of the affected models, to qm@rapidobject.com.