Can you accommodate tight tolerances for assemblies?
Yes — but tolerance limits vary by process. Standard tolerances are FDM ±0.5mm, SLA ±0.2mm, Industrial SLA ±0.2mm, MJF…
Can you produce assemblies with moving parts?
Yes — Makelab can produce assemblies, but moving parts usually require special design considerations. Clearances must…
Designing for MJF powder removal
MJF parts are built in a bed of powder. After printing, trapped powder must be removed from internal cavities…
File repair and mesh fixing guide for 3D printing
A 3D printer needs a watertight, clean mesh to produce a good part. Broken files are the most common cause of print…
How accurate is 3D printing? What tolerances can I expect?
Standard tolerances at Makelab depend on the technology: FDM ±0.5mm, SLA ±0.2mm, Industrial SLA ±0.2mm, MJF ±0.3mm, and…
How do I design for threaded inserts or assembly?
Designing parts with threaded inserts or assembly features requires planning for manufacturing and functionality…
How do I know if my file is printable?
Files must meet baseline requirements for 3D printing: watertight geometry, proper wall thickness, and no mesh errors.…
How to design holes, threads, and inserts for 3D printing
Minimum hole diameter: FDM: 2.0mm (smaller holes tend to close up). SLA: 2.0mm (high detail capability). Industrial…
How to design multi-part assemblies for 3D printing
Part exceeds maximum build size. Different sections need different materials or technologies. Easier printing (avoiding…
I want my parts to be 3D printed in a specific orientation. Can you do that?
If you have a preferred print orientation, simply let us know in the notes or messages section of your order. For…
Infill patterns and density guide for 3D printing
Infill is the internal structure inside a 3D printed part. It affects strength, weight, material usage, print time, and…
Overhang and support structure guidelines for 3D printing
Overhangs are surfaces that extend outward without material directly below them. Understanding how your printer handles…
Print orientation best practices for 3D printing
How a part is oriented on the build platform affects strength, surface finish, accuracy, support requirements, and…
Snap fit and living hinge design for 3D printing
Snap fits are one of the most practical features in 3D printed parts — they eliminate the need for fasteners and allow…
Surface finish expectations by 3D printing technology
Every 3D printing technology produces a different surface texture. Understanding what to expect helps you choose the…
Wall thickness guidelines by material and technology
Minimum wall thickness depends on the technology: 1.2mm for FDM, 0.8mm for SLA (1.5mm unsupported), 1.0mm for…
What are design guidelines for 3D printing?
Follow these design best practices to ensure your parts are printable and meet quality expectations: Minimum: 1.2mm for…
What clearance should I give two fitting parts?
Clearance between two fitting parts is influenced by several factors, including material choice, machine calibration…
What should I know before designing a 3D CAD file for 3D printing?
Before designing a 3D CAD file for 3D printing, it's important to consider the technology and material you'll be…
Why does my 3D CAD File need support? What is it?
Support material is added to a 3D print when a feature extends with an overhang greater than 45 degrees. This temporary…
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