You have a 3D model file. Maybe you designed it yourself, downloaded it from a community library, or had it created by a designer. Now you need it printed — in quality material, at a fair price, by people who know what they are doing.
That is exactly what our custom 3D printing service delivers. 3DCentral operates over 200 FDM printers from our Quebec facility, and we have turned that production capacity into a service anyone can use. Upload a file, get an instant quote, choose your material and color, and receive a professionally printed object shipped to your door.
This guide covers everything: what you can print, what materials are available, how pricing works, what the process looks like step by step, and what to expect in terms of quality and turnaround.
What You Can Print: Decorative, Collectible, and Display Objects
Our custom printing service focuses on the categories where FDM printing excels: decorative objects, figurines, cosplay props, display pieces, home decor, and collectibles. These are the applications where 3D printing delivers results that look impressive, hold up to normal handling, and justify the per-unit cost.
Ideal applications:
- Custom figurines and character models
- Cosplay armor, helmets, weapons, and accessories
- Home decor items: vases, planters, bookends, wall art
- Desk accessories and display pieces
- Custom cake toppers for weddings and events
- Personalized gifts and commemorative items
- Tabletop gaming terrain and miniatures (larger scale)
- Architectural models and concept prototypes
What we do not print:
- Mechanical or engineering parts requiring precision tolerances
- Load-bearing structural components
- Food-contact items (FDM prints are not food-safe without post-processing)
- Medical devices or implants
- Items requiring certifications (CSA, UL, CE)
This focus is deliberate. FDM printing produces outstanding decorative objects but is not the right technology for everything. We would rather be honest about what our process handles well than accept jobs we cannot execute to a professional standard.
Materials and Colors: PLA and PETG
We offer two production-grade materials, each with distinct characteristics:
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
- Colors: 10+ standard colors plus specialty finishes (silk, matte, translucent)
- Best for: Figurines, display pieces, detailed models, gifts
- Surface quality: Excellent layer adhesion and detail reproduction
- Durability: Good for indoor display and normal handling
- Temperature sensitivity: Stable indoors; avoid prolonged exposure above 60 degrees Celsius
- Source: Plant-derived (corn starch / sugarcane), lower environmental impact than petroleum plastics
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
- Colors: 5+ standard colors
- Best for: Items needing enhanced durability, slight flexibility, or outdoor tolerance
- Surface quality: Slightly glossier than PLA with good layer bonding
- Durability: Superior impact resistance and temperature tolerance versus PLA
- Temperature sensitivity: Handles temperatures up to 80 degrees Celsius
- Chemical resistance: Better than PLA for items exposed to moisture or mild chemicals
If you are unsure which material suits your project, the general rule is: PLA for appearance, PETG for function. Most decorative items print beautifully in PLA. Items that may see physical stress, outdoor placement, or temperature exposure benefit from PETG.
How Pricing Works: Transparent Volume-Based Calculation
Our pricing model is straightforward with no hidden costs:
Base calculation: Volume (cubic centimeters) multiplied by material rate
Adjustments:
- Infill percentage: Higher infill (more solid) increases material usage and cost
- Layer height: Finer layers take more time, slightly increasing cost for premium detail
- Quantity discounts: 10+ units receive 10% off, 25+ receive 15%, 100+ receive 20%
- Rush orders: 1.5x standard pricing for 24-48 hour turnaround (subject to availability)
Minimum order: $9.99 CAD
What is included in the price:
- Material cost
- Machine time
- Quality inspection
- Basic packaging for safe shipping
- Replacement of any print that fails quality standards
What is not included:
- Shipping (calculated at checkout based on destination)
- Post-processing (sanding, painting, vapor smoothing — available as add-on services)
- Design modifications (we print files as submitted)
The instant quote system calculates price automatically after you upload your file. You see the exact cost before committing to anything.
The Order Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Upload Your File
Upload an STL, OBJ, or 3MF file through our upload portal. Maximum file size is 200 MB. The system validates your file automatically, checking for manifold geometry (watertight mesh), minimum wall thickness, and printability.
If your file has issues, you receive specific feedback: which problems were detected and how to fix them. Common issues include non-manifold edges, zero-thickness walls, and inverted normals — all fixable in most 3D modeling software.
Step 2: Configure Your Print
Select your material (PLA or PETG), color, infill percentage, and quantity. The quote updates in real time as you adjust options. A 3D preview shows your model with rotation and zoom so you can verify the design before ordering.
Step 3: Review and Order
Review the total quote including all options selected. Add to your WooCommerce cart alongside any catalog products you want. Proceed through standard checkout with Stripe payment processing.
Step 4: Production
Your order enters our production queue. Standard turnaround is three to seven business days depending on size, complexity, and current queue depth. Rush options are available for time-sensitive projects. Each print receives quality inspection covering layer adhesion, dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and visual appearance.
Step 5: Shipping
Completed prints are packaged in protective recycled cardboard packaging and shipped via Canadian carriers. You receive tracking information via email. Standard shipping reaches most Canadian addresses within two to five business days after production completes.
Quality Standards: What to Expect
FDM printing produces visible layer lines. This is inherent to the technology and is not a defect. Layer lines are part of the 3D printed aesthetic that many customers specifically prefer.
Our quality commitments:
- Dimensional accuracy: Within +/- 0.3mm for features above 2mm
- Layer adhesion: No delamination or separation between layers
- Surface consistency: Even layer lines without blobs, stringing, or under-extrusion
- Color accuracy: Consistent with material manufacturer specifications
- Structural integrity: No weak points, voids, or incomplete sections
Replacement policy: If a print arrives with quality issues that fall below our standards, we replace it at no charge. Send a photo of the issue and we will reprint and reship.
File Requirements and Tips
To get the best results from our service:
- File formats: STL, OBJ, or 3MF
- Maximum file size: 200 MB
- Minimum wall thickness: 1.2mm for PLA, 1.5mm for PETG
- Recommended orientation: The system auto-orients for optimal print quality, but you can specify preferred orientation in order notes
- Scale verification: Double-check your model dimensions before uploading. The most common issue is models scaled in millimeters when the designer intended centimeters, or vice versa.
- Support structures: Our team determines optimal support placement. You do not need to add supports to your file.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the turnaround time for custom prints?
Standard turnaround is three to seven business days from order confirmation, depending on print size, complexity, and current production queue. Rush service is available at 1.5x standard pricing for 24-48 hour turnaround. Shipping time is additional — standard Canadian shipping adds two to five business days.
What file formats do you accept?
We accept STL, OBJ, and 3MF files up to 200 MB. The upload system validates geometry automatically and provides feedback if issues are detected. Most 3D modeling software (Blender, Fusion 360, TinkerCAD, ZBrush) can export in at least one of these formats.
Can I order multiple copies of the same design?
Yes. Quantity is configurable during the order process with volume discounts: 10+ units at 10% off, 25+ at 15% off, and 100+ at 20% off. For orders exceeding 100 units, contact our wholesale team for custom pricing and dedicated production scheduling.
Do you offer post-processing services?
Basic printing is our standard service. Post-processing options including sanding, priming, and painting are available as add-on services for an additional fee. Contact us with your specific requirements for a post-processing quote.
Is my file kept confidential?
Uploaded files are stored securely with UUID naming (not your original filename) in a protected directory. Files are automatically purged 30 days after upload if no order is placed. We do not share, resell, or display customer files. Your designs remain your intellectual property.
Ready to bring your 3D model to life? Upload your file and get an instant quote from our Quebec print farm. PLA and PETG materials, professional quality, shipped across Canada. Start Your Custom Print Order | Browse Ready-Made Collectibles
Internal Links Used:
- /on-demand/ – Custom printing landing page
- /shop/ – Product catalog for ready-made items
- /wholesale/ – Wholesale for bulk orders
- /license/ – Commercial License for print farm operators
- /about/ – About 3DCentral
- /custom-3d-printing-events-weddings-parties-corporate/ – Event printing post
- /file-formats-3d-printing-stl-obj-3mf/ – File formats guide
Enhanced Word Count: ~1,820
