Help & FAQ
Plain answers to the questions people ask most often. Click a question to open the answer.
Ordering and price
How do I order?
Upload your file on the home page, choose the options (or keep the defaults) and press “Order now”. Your email app opens with the order ready; attach your file and send it. We check your part and confirm the final price and dispatch date by email. You pay only after that.
How is the price worked out?
The calculator measures your part’s size and volume and combines them with the process, material, finish, precision, quantity and speed you choose. See How it works for details. All prices include VAT.
Is the price on the site final?
No — it is an estimate. An engineer checks your file and confirms the final price by email, usually within 24 hours on working days. If the price changes, we explain why, and you are free to cancel before paying.
Is there a minimum order?
No. You can order a single part. The price per part falls as you order more, because set-up costs are shared.
How do I pay?
Online card payment is coming soon. For now, after we confirm your order by email, we send you payment details. Production starts after payment.
Do prices include VAT?
Yes. All prices on the site include VAT at 20%.
Files
Which files can I upload?
We accept 3D models, CAD files and flat drawings — not photos or pictures.
- Instant price and 3D preview: STL, 3MF, OBJ (common for 3D printing), STEP/STP and IGES/IGS (common in engineering CAD).
- Also accepted, checked by hand: Parasolid (X_T, X_B), ACIS (SAT), JT, 3DXML, SolidWorks (SLDPRT), Inventor (IPT), Fusion (F3D), CATIA (CATPART), Creo/NX (PRT), Solid Edge (PAR, PSM), Rhino (3DM), SketchUp (SKP), FreeCAD (FCSTD), AMF, PLY, GLB/GLTF, FBX and Blender (BLEND). For an instant price, export a STEP or STL from your CAD software.
- Flat drawings for laser cutting and sheet metal: DXF, DWG, AI and EPS. PDF drawings are accepted and checked by hand.
Up to 200 MB per file. Please draw parts in millimetres.
I don’t have a 3D file. Can you still help?
Yes. Email us a sketch, a photo with measurements, a PDF drawing or the part you want copied, and we will tell you what is possible.
Are my files kept confidential?
Yes. In the price calculator your file is processed in your own browser and not uploaded. When you order, we share your file only with the workshop that makes your part, under confidentiality terms. A signed NDA (confidentiality agreement) is available on request. See our privacy policy.
When should I send a drawing?
Send a PDF drawing if some sizes must be very exact, or if the part has threads, special tolerances or surface requirements that a 3D file does not show. Tick “I have a drawing (PDF)” and attach it to your order email.
Materials, finish and precision
Which material should I choose?
If you are unsure, keep the first option in the calculator — it suits most parts. Our materials guide explains each option in plain words.
What is a surface finish?
How the surface looks and feels: as made, matte, coated or painted. It changes the look and protection, not the shape.
What does “precision” (tolerance) mean?
Tolerance is how far a real size may differ from the size in your file. “Standard” (ISO 2768-m) suits almost all parts — for a 50 mm size that is about ±0.3 mm. Choose “High” (ISO 2768-f) when parts must fit tightly, such as a bearing in a hole. “Very high” (±0.025 mm) is for precision engineering parts and costs more. Achievable precision also depends on the process: 3D printing is about ±0.2 mm, laser cutting and sheet metal about ±0.1 mm.
What is the engineer check?
A person looks at your file before production and tells you if anything could cause problems, such as walls that are too thin. It is free and switched on by default.
What is a measurement report?
We measure the finished part and send you a short report with the results. It costs £15 per part line and is mainly needed for engineering and business orders.
Delivery and lead times
How long does it take?
You choose the speed in the calculator: Economy (about 10 working days), Standard (about 6) or Express (about 3). The calculator shows the expected dispatch date. Simple 3D prints and laser-cut parts can be faster; complex parts may take longer — we confirm the date by email.
How much is delivery?
We deliver anywhere in the UK by DPD next-day courier: £9.95 per order, free for orders of £150 or more (including VAT).
Why do you ask for my postcode?
Only to deliver your parts and to check the delivery cost. We do not use it for marketing.
Do you deliver outside the UK?
At the moment we deliver within the UK only. If you need parts sent abroad, contact us and we will see what is possible.
How do I track my order?
You will receive tracking details by email when your parts are dispatched. You can also use our order status form.
Quality and terms
What if a part is wrong?
If a part doesn’t match your approved quote, contact us within 30 days and we’ll remake it or refund you. See our quality guarantee.
Do you check parts before shipping?
Yes. Every part is inspected before dispatch. A measurement report is available for £15.
Can I cancel an order?
Yes, free of charge until you have accepted the confirmed price and paid. After production starts, cancellation may not be possible because parts are made to your design. See our terms.
Where are your terms and conditions?
Read our terms of service and privacy policy.
Still have a question?
Email [email protected] or use our contact form. We reply on working days, usually within 24 hours.
Ready to see a price?
Upload your file and get an estimate in seconds. No sign-up needed.