Choosing the Right 3D Wax Printing Option
Not every 3D wax printing project has the same production requirements. A straightforward individual model, a production quantity and a complex or unusually delicate design can each require a different approach.
Our ordering options are designed to help customers provide the appropriate project information and receive pricing suited to the work involved.
Ways to Submit Your Project
Our 3D wax printing service offers three ordering paths:
• Standard Printing
• Bulk Printing
• Request a Custom Quote
The appropriate option depends on factors such as the model’s geometry, dimensions, volume, condition, quantity and production requirements.
Standard Printing
Standard Printing is intended for eligible models and straightforward orders.
This option is generally appropriate when:
• The model has relatively straightforward geometry
• The file is complete and ready for production
• The model meets the applicable size and volume requirements
• No specialized preparation or handling is anticipated
• Pricing can be calculated through the online ordering workflow
Standard Printing uses per-print pricing based on the combined quantity across all Standard files in the order. The applicable price tier is applied automatically. Standard orders are limited to 50 combined prints; for quantities over 50, Request a Custom Quote.
Each uploaded model is assessed using the information available through the ordering process. A file that exceeds the Standard requirements or requires additional consideration may need to proceed through a different ordering option.
When Is Bulk Printing Appropriate?
Bulk Printing supports production quantities and projects that require batch planning.
This option may be appropriate when:
• A larger quantity of wax patterns is required
• Multiple copies need to be planned as a production batch
• The project is better evaluated using its combined production requirements
• Additional order review or approval is required before production
Bulk Printing requires a minimum combined finished model weight of 100 g. Pricing consists of US$5.00 per gram plus a post-processing charge for each physical wax pattern. The post-processing rate is based on the combined quantity across all Bulk files.
Bulk orders are reviewed before payment. For quantities over 500 pieces, Request a Custom Quote.
When Should You Request a Custom Quote?
Request a Custom Quote when a model or project requires additional assessment, preparation, production time or handling.
This option is intended for projects involving characteristics such as:
• Complex geometry
• Thin or fragile features
• Unusual structures
• Large models
• Multiple interconnected elements
• Specialized handling requirements
• Other conditions that may affect production
A custom quotation allows us to review the completed STL files and project details before determining the appropriate production approach and pricing.
Choosing a custom quote does not necessarily mean that a model cannot be printed. It means the project requires more information or individual assessment than the standard online workflow provides.
What If Your Model Exceeds the Standard Requirements?
Models submitted through Standard Printing must meet the applicable size and volume requirements.
If a model exceeds either requirement, or if its geometry or condition requires additional assessment, it may need to be submitted for a custom quotation.
An automated measurement can provide useful information about a model’s dimensions and volume, but those measurements do not describe every aspect of its geometry. Delicate features, unusual structures and specialized handling requirements may still require manual review.
Quantity Is Not the Only Consideration
The number of prints is important, but it is not the only factor used when selecting an ordering option.
For example, multiple copies of a straightforward eligible model may be suitable for Standard Printing when the combined quantity does not exceed 50 prints. A quantity over 50, or a single complex or unusually delicate model, requires a custom quote.
The best ordering option therefore depends on the complete project, not solely on the number of pieces.
Prepare Your Information Before Ordering
Regardless of the option selected, customers should prepare:
• Completed STL files
• The intended dimensions and scale
• The quantity required for each model
• Clear filenames that identify the designs
• Relevant project or handling information
• Any timing or delivery requirements that should be considered
Providing complete and accurate information helps us evaluate the project and reduces the likelihood of delays.
What Happens After Submission?
After the project is submitted, the files and order information follow the workflow associated with the selected option. Eligible Standard orders receive automatic quantity pricing and can be submitted through the online ordering process. Bulk orders are reviewed before payment. Request a Custom Quote submissions are manually assessed before personalized pricing is provided.
Straightforward Standard orders can proceed through the online ordering process. Bulk orders may require production review or approval. Custom Quote requests are manually assessed before personalized pricing is provided.
If additional information is required, we will contact the customer before the project proceeds.
Still Unsure Which Option to Choose?
Use the 3D wax printing ordering workflow to upload your completed STL files, review the available options and provide your project information.
If the model requires additional assessment because of its size, condition, geometry, fragility or other unusual requirements, select Request a Custom Quote.