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Welcome to Hi3DP—your one-stop hub for affordable, reliable online 3D printing services. Whether you’re a hobbyist prototyping a new gadget, a designer creating a one-off piece, or a small business sourcing low-volume parts, Hi3DP connects you with a network of vetted 3D printing suppliers. Instead of scouring multiple websites to compare 3D printing prices and lead times, you simply upload your design, choose materials and finishes, and see real-time quotes from our suppliers.
Hi3DP and Its 3D Printing Services Platform
Many users ask, “How much does 3D printing cost?” and get stuck comparing individual supplier websites. We streamline that process by aggregating quotes from various 3D printing services in Hi3DP—making it easy to find the best 3D printing price based on your budget and specs.
Think of us as your matchmaker for 3D printing needs:
Instant Quotes: Upload your model, choose options, and see real-time 3D printing price estimates from multiple suppliers instantly. No more emailing back and forth!
Supplier Network: Access a curated network of professional 3D printing suppliers specializing in various technologies and materials.
Price Transparency: Compare 3D printing cost side-by-side to find the best value for your specific project.
Simplified Process: Manage everything – quoting, ordering, payment, and tracking – in one seamless online dashboard.
Quality Assurance: Suppliers are vetted, and we provide tools to help ensure your model is print-ready.
With Hi3DP, you save time, reduce uncertainty about 3D printing costs, and can focus on what matters most: perfecting your design.
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Accessing Hi3DP: Sign-Up vs. Guest Mode
Getting started is super easy:
Guest Mode
Just visit [Hi3DP Website Address]. Simply visit Hi3DP, upload your file, and get instant quotes from multiple 3D printing suppliers. Perfect for quick checks or first-time users! (Note: You also don't have to create an account or provide an email to place an actual order).
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Sign-Up (Recommended)
Create a free account in minutes! Benefits include:
1. Save your models and quotes.
2. Track order history easily.
3. Faster checkout next time.
4. Manage your shipping addresses and payment methods securely.
5. Access exclusive features and potential discounts.
How to Register
1. Click “Sign Up” on the Hi3DP homepage.
2. Enter your email and create a password (or sign in via Google/Microsoft).
3. Verify your email address (look for a quick confirmation link).
4. Complete your profile by adding shipping address details—this lets you see accurate shipping costs in your quotes.
Once registered, you’ll be able to track all your orders, save multiple shipping addresses, and manage invoices—all in one place.
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Preparing & Uploading Your 3D Model
A smooth upload starts with a well-prepared file. Follow these steps to avoid common issues and get accurate 3D printing cost estimates.
Supported File Formats
Hi3DP accepts the most popular 3D printing file types, including STL, STP, STEP, GLTF, OBJ, FBX, DAE, 3MF, BREP, GCODE, etc. Make sure each 3D file is smaller than 200M, and a maximum of 50 files can be uploaded at a time.
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Model Preparation Checklist
√ Watertight geometry: Ensure your model is a closed manifold mesh. Holes or non-manifold edges can lead to failed prints or unexpected extra charges.
√ Correct scale and units: Confirm your design is in millimeters (mm) or inches (in) and that dimensions match your intended real-world size.
√ Minimum wall thickness: Check that your thinnest walls meet the supplier’s guidelines (often 0.8–1.0 mm for FDM plastic thinner for resin).
√ Compact orientation: If your part is long or tall, consider rotating it so it fits within typical printer build volumes (to avoid additional fees or rejections).
√ Simple repairs: Use free tools like Meshmixer (Autodesk) or Netfabb (Basic) to automatically fix small holes, flip normals, or merge overlapping faces. If you’re unfamiliar with mesh editing, many suppliers can perform basic repairs.
Step-by-Step Upload Process
1. Login (or continue as a guest) and navigate to the “Upload” button.
2. Drag and drop your file or click “Browse” to select it from your computer.
3. Wait for the thumbnail preview to appear—this confirms your file uploaded correctly.
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Verifying Your Model & Choosing Materials
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Once uploaded, Hi3DP works its magic: Our system quickly checks your model for common issues that could affect printability or 3D printing cost. Review any warnings or suggestions carefully.
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Some Features You Can’t Miss
1. Double click the file name to Rename the file:
2. Check these features one by one: scale and change unit; leave a note; duplicate model; delete model:
3. Scale and change unit:
4. Leave a note:
5. Duplicate model:
6. Delete model:
7. Select file (orange widget), deselect file (gray widget):
Material Selection
Choose from a vast range:
√ Resins (SLA/DLP): Standard, Tough, Ultra-Tough, Flexible, Clear, High-Temp, etc. (great for detail).
√ Metals (SLM): Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Titanium, and Inconel (for industrial strength).
√ Nylon (SLS/MJF): PA 6 Glass-filled, PA 12, PA 11, PA 12 Glass-filled (strong, no supports).
√ Other Plastics (SLS): TPU, PC, PP (for special needs).
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Cheat Sheet
|
Material Category |
Example Materials |
Key Properties |
Common Applications |
|
Resins |
Standard Resin, Tough Resin, Dental Resin |
High detail, smooth finish |
Miniatures, jewelry, dental models |
|
SLS Plastics |
Nylon PA 12, Nylon PA 11, TPU, PP |
Strong, flexible, good chemical resistance |
Functional prototypes, end-use parts |
|
MJF Nylon |
Nylon PA 12, TPU |
Strong, durable, and with a better surface finish than SLS printed nylon parts |
Functional prototypes, end-use parts |
|
Metal |
Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Titanium |
Extremely strong, heat-resistant, high performance |
Aerospace, automotive, tooling |
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You can also use the filter to select the purpose and properties for the final part.
Selecting Surface Finish & Post-Processing Options
Available Finishing Types
|
Color |
Function |
Visual |
|
Anodizing |
Bead Blasting |
|
|
Coating |
Sandblasting |
Frosting |
|
Dyeing |
Tumbling |
Electrocoating |
|
Powder Coating |
Tapping |
Electroplating |
|
Spray Painting |
Threading |
Polishing |
|
Translucency |
Brass Insert |
Screen Printing |
|
Transparency |
Fluid Polishing |
Smooth Sanding |
|
/ |
Magnetic Polishing |
Vapor Smoothing |
|
/ |
/ |
Vibratory Smoothing |
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How to Choose Based on End Use
Visual Prototypes: If your goal is a photo-ready model, choose Sanding & Polishing or Vapor Smoothing. The smoother the finish, the higher the 3D printing cost—but also the better the final appearance.
Functional Parts: For jigs, fixtures, or mechanical components, As-printed is often sufficient. You save on finish costs and get usable parts fast.
Display or Retail-Ready Pieces: If you need paintable surfaces or specific colors, Dyeing or Painting is ideal. Factor in a bit more turnaround time.
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Price Comparison & Supplier Selection
Instant Quotes
Based on your model, quantity, material, and finishes, Hi3DP generates real-time quotes from multiple qualified suppliers.
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Compare Side-by-Side
√ Supplier Name & Location (affects shipping cost/time).
√ Total Price (including base 3D printing price, material, finishes, and estimated shipping).
√ Production Lead Time.
√ Estimated Delivery Date.
√ Supplier Rating & Reviews (check reliability!).
Choose Your Supplier
Select the quote that best balances 3D printing cost, speed, location, and supplier reputation for your needs. Click "Select" on your preferred option.
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Checkout & Payment
Almost there! With your supplier chosen:
1. Review Order: Double-check your model, quantity, material, finishes, shipping address, and total cost.
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After clicking ‘Checkout’, you will need to submit your shipping address first. And for U.S. customer, we have dedicated shipping solutions for the tariff policy for worry-free shipping:
You can also choose ‘Add to Cart’ to save your quote:
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2. Shipping: Confirm your shipping address. Shipping costs are usually estimated initially and finalized by the supplier shortly after order placement. You'll be notified if there's a significant change.
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3. Payment: Securely pay using Hi3DP's platform. Common methods include credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) and PayPal. Payment is processed safely; funds are released to the supplier once you confirm receipt of acceptable parts.
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4. Place Order: Click the final "Place Order" or "Pay Now" button. You'll receive an order confirmation email.
Tracking Your Order & Delivery
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Sit back (or keep designing!):
1. Order Dashboard: Log into your Hi3DP account to see your order status anytime. Key stages:
Processing: The supplier is preparing your print.
In Production: Your parts are being printed.
Post-Processing: Finishes are being applied (if selected).
Quality Check: Supplier verifies the parts meet standards.
Shipped: Parts are on their way! You'll get tracking info.
Delivered: Your order has arrived.
2. Notifications: Receive email updates at major milestones.
3. Communication: Need to ask the supplier a question? Message them directly through the Hi3DP order page.
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Tips to Lower 3D Printing Costs
|
Area |
Tip |
Why It Saves Money |
|
Design |
Hollow thick parts + add drainage holes |
Reduces material use & print time |
|
Minimize supports/overhangs |
Less labor, material waste & post-processing |
|
|
Use adequate (not excessive) wall thickness |
Avoids unnecessary material |
|
|
Material |
Choose standard plastics/resins (PLA, basic resin) |
Engineering/metal materials cost 2-5X more |
|
Match material to function (not over-spec) |
Avoid paying for unneeded properties |
|
|
Settings |
Layer height (e.g., 0.2mm vs. 0.1mm) |
Faster print = lower labor/machine cost |
|
Infill density (10-20% for non-structural) |
Less material + faster printing |
|
|
Batch multiple parts in 1 job |
Shares setup/shipping costs |
|
|
Finishing |
Skip non-essential post-processing |
Sanding/painting adds 20-50%+ to base cost |
|
Choose "standard" finish (as-printed) |
Most economical starting point |
|
|
Ordering |
COMPARE SUPPLIERS on Hi3DP! |
Prices vary by 30%+ – find the best deal |
|
Check supplier location (closer = cheaper shipping) |
Reduces delivery fees & time |
FAQs
Q: Do I have to create an account to get pricing?
A: No, you can upload your file and get instant quotes as a guest. However, registering saves your projects and gives you access to loyalty discounts.
Q: Can I order the same part in different materials at once?
A: No, this function is not available for now.
Q: How accurate is the instant price estimate?
A: Roughly 95% accurate. Final quotes can change if a supplier finds unfixable errors or if material prices fluctuate.
Q: What happens if my part doesn’t meet specifications?
A: Inspect your part as soon as you receive it. If dimensions or tolerances are off, file a claim in your order details. Most suppliers offer a free reprint or partial refund if they made a production error.
Q: How are shipping costs calculated?
A: Shipping is based on:
Part weight and volume (including packaging).
Shipping destination and courier rates.
Service level (standard vs. expedited).
Hi3DP calculates this automatically so you see an all-in-one total 3D printing cost.
Q: Is there a minimum order quantity or price?
A: Minimums vary by supplier, but most accept single-part orders.
Q: Can I cancel or modify an order after checkout?
A: Yes, you can contact our customer service at hey@hi3dp.com.
Q: How do I know the quality will be good?
A: Hi3DP vets suppliers. Check their ratings and reviews from other users! Suppliers also perform quality checks before shipping.
Q: What happens if my parts arrive damaged or are incorrect?
A: Contact the supplier immediately through your Hi3DP order page and provide photos. Hi3DP has policies and can help mediate disputes to ensure a fair resolution according to the supplier's terms.
Q: How much does 3D printing cost?
A: The 3D printing cost varies widely! It depends on your part's size, complexity, chosen material, quantity, surface finishes, and the supplier. This is exactly why Hi3DP is so useful – you get real, comparable quotes instantly based on your specific project, showing how much 3D printing costs for you.
