Makelab performs multiple quality control (QC) checks throughout production, and every order gets a final check by a second team member before it leaves our facility.
Our QC process
1. Pre-production file review — Our engineering team reviews your file for printability, structural integrity, and potential issues before production begins.
2. In-process monitoring — Parts are monitored during printing to catch issues like layer shifts, material inconsistencies, or print failures early.
3. Inspection at harvest — As each part comes off the printer, we confirm all details and features came out accurately before post-processing.
4. Post-processing inspection — After post-processing, each part is inspected for:
Dimensional accuracy
Surface quality
Support removal quality
Material defects
Correct quantity and specifications
We photograph parts to document their quality before dispatch.
5. Final check before dispatch — A second team member, not the person who made the part, checks the finished order against what you ordered and makes sure it's securely packaged.
Expanded QC
For projects that need more documentation or batch-level quality assurance, we can add steps like dimensional checks, surface review, or stress testing. Submit the intake form and specify your requirements, and our team will scope and confirm options.
Important note
Parts marked as "At Risk" have limited QC due to known file issues or expedited timelines. Quality is not guaranteed for At Risk orders.
👉 If you receive a part that doesn't meet quality standards, submit a support ticket through the Jarvis chatbot on this page.
What are your quality standards and certifications?
Makelab is committed to delivering high-quality 3D printed parts through rigorous processes and continuous improvement.
Quality standards
Multi-Stage Quality Control — We check your parts at multiple points:
Pre-production file review and DFM analysis
In-process monitoring during printing
Post-production dimensional and visual inspection
Final packaging verification before dispatch
Process Controls — We maintain consistent quality through:
Calibrated equipment and regular maintenance schedules
Material certification and traceability
Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all processes
Continuous operator training
Quality Metrics — Our targets:
Target: <2% defect rate on shipped parts
Customer satisfaction tracking
Root cause analysis for any quality escapes
Certifications
Currently, Makelab does not hold ISO 9001 or other formal quality certifications. We serve primarily prototyping and low-to-medium volume production, where flexibility and speed are priorities.
For customers requiring certified quality management systems, we can provide material certifications from our suppliers or refer you to certified manufacturing partners for regulated industries.
Industry applications
Our quality processes support customers in:
Product development and prototyping
Functional testing and validation
Marketing and presentation models
Tooling and fixtures
Low-to-medium volume production
Documentation available
Material data sheets (TDS, SDS)
Dimensional inspection reports (by request)
First article inspection (FAI) for production runs by request
Not suitable for
Medical devices requiring FDA/ISO 13485 compliance
Aerospace parts requiring AS9100 certification
Regulated industries requiring certified QMS
For these applications, we can refer you to specialized certified manufacturers.
👉 For specific quality documentation requests, submit a support ticket.
🆘 Submit a support ticket through the Jarvis chatbot if you have questions about your order's status.
Do you offer batch QC for multi-unit orders?
Yes — Makelab can perform QC checks on batch orders to ensure consistency across units.
This process includes reviewing dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and part-to-part repeatability. Batch QC is especially useful for clients scaling into production runs or validating multiple units for testing.
What happens if my part fails quality inspection?
If your part fails our internal quality inspection, we will not ship it. Instead:
Our process
1. Identify the Issue — Our QC team documents the specific problem:
Dimensional inaccuracy
Print failure (layer shifts, delamination)
Surface defects or poor finish
Incorrect specifications
2. Determine root cause
File/design issue
Material problem
Machine error
Support removal damage
3. Resolution optionsIf it's our fault (machine error, material defect):
We reprint at no additional cost
No change to your dispatch date (we expedite the reprint)
You're notified of the delay
If it's a design/file issue:
We contact you to explain the problem
Provide recommendations for design changes
Offer option to proceed "At Risk" if you accept the limitations
You decide whether to modify the file or proceed as-is
4. Communicate with You — We reach out immediately if your order is affected, explaining:
What went wrong
Recommended next steps
Impact on timeline
Any cost implications (if design changes are needed)
Your order won't leave until it's right
We don't ship parts that don't meet standards — your satisfaction and the quality of your parts matter more than hitting a dispatch date.