Every Makelab order follows the same six steps: you get a quote, place the order, we review your design, resolve any issues with you, then print, finish, and dispatch your parts by your selected lead time.
1. Requesting a quote
- Upload your file to our Instant Quote to get a price right away, or submit an intake form to work with our Service Team.
2. Placing an order
Once you approve the quote and place your order, it enters our queue awaiting confirmation.
You'll receive a confirmation email with a highlighted dispatch date, the day your order is scheduled to leave our facility.
3. Design evaluation
Before production begins, our team reviews your design to make sure it can be made within your chosen lead time.
We check whether the print time exceeds the selected lead time and flag any risks with the geometry, tolerances, or material choice.
4. On-hold orders & risk options
If we find issues, your order is placed on hold and we send you marked-up screenshots of the file, a clear summary of the issue(s), and options for how to proceed (for example design edits, material changes, or orientation adjustments).
In some cases you can choose to proceed at risk. We'll ask you to approve the risk in writing (a risk waiver) acknowledging the potential limitations. Once you approve, we queue your parts for printing. What "At Risk" means
5. Production & post-processing
After confirmation, your order enters the production queue.
We print your parts, then remove supports and clean up surfaces to the best of our ability.
Some scarring or surface marks are inherent to 3D printing, but we minimize them as much as possible.
6. Dispatch & delivery
When your parts are complete, we prepare them for your chosen delivery method: shipping, local courier, or in-person pickup.
You'll receive a notification when your order has been dispatched or is ready for pickup.