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3D printing questions, answered.
Straight answers to what people ask most about getting something 3D printed: cost, where to get it done, files, materials and timing.
Pricing
How much does it cost to have someone 3D print something?
It depends on three things: whether the part needs to be designed, how big it is, and what material it's printed in. At Print Pros 3D, replacement parts start from $40 and designed prototypes start from $199. If you already have a ready-to-print 3D file, simple prints often cost less. Every quote is free, and you approve the price before anything prints.
How much do custom 3D printed parts cost?
Custom parts cost more than printing a file you already have, because someone has to design the part first. Design time is usually the biggest part of the price. Once a part is designed, extra copies are much cheaper. Our replacement parts start from $40, prototypes from $199, and inventor packages from $595 for a complete first product design. See what drives prototype costs.
Is 3D printing actually cheaper?
For one-off parts, prototypes and small batches, usually yes. Traditional manufacturing like injection molding needs a custom mold first, and molds often cost thousands of dollars. 3D printing has no mold, so you only pay for the parts you need. For very large quantities of the same part, molding becomes cheaper per piece. And when a part is discontinued, 3D printing is often the only way to get one at all.
Getting something printed
Can you hire someone to 3D print something for you?
Yes. That's exactly what we do. Send us a 3D file, a sketch, photos or even the broken part, and we'll design (if needed), print and ship it to you. You don't need your own printer or any 3D design skills. Get a free quote.
Where can I get my 3D printing done?
Your options are online 3D printing services, local print shops and makerspaces, and some libraries and office-supply stores. Most self-serve options expect you to bring a finished, print-ready file. If you need the part designed, measured from a photo, or matched to something that broke, use a service that does design work too. Print Pros 3D handles design and printing and ships anywhere in the U.S.
Where can I order 3D printed parts online?
Right here. Fill out our quote form, upload your file or photos, and we'll reply with a price and timeline. Once you approve, we print the part and ship it to your door anywhere in the U.S.
Is there 3D printing near me?
Print Pros 3D is based in Buffalo, NY, with local pickup available there. For everyone else, we work entirely online: you send your file or photos, approve a quote, and your part ships to you. For most custom jobs, that's faster than finding a local shop that also does design work.
Can I 3D print something at Staples?
Some office-supply stores and libraries have offered 3D printing at certain locations, but availability changes, so call ahead. These services typically need a finished, print-ready file and won't design or measure a part for you. If you don't have a 3D file, or the part has to fit something exactly, a dedicated 3D printing service is the better choice.
Do I need a 3D file to get something printed?
No. Many of our jobs start with a sketch, a few photos with a ruler in the shot, or the broken part itself. We build the 3D model and send it to you for review before printing. If you do have a file, we accept STL, 3MF, STEP and OBJ.
Where can I get things to 3D print?
Free design libraries like Printables, Thingiverse, MakerWorld and Thangs have millions of ready-to-print models. Check each design's license before using it commercially. If you can't find what you need, or it has to fit something specific, we can design it from scratch.
Parts, materials and timing
Can you 3D print replacement parts?
Yes, and it's one of the most common reasons people use 3D printing. Clips, knobs, brackets, battery covers, appliance and vehicle trim parts are all great candidates, especially when the original is discontinued. Learn more about our replacement parts service or read how to replace a discontinued plastic part.
Are 3D printed parts strong?
They can be very strong when the right material and print settings are used. PETG and ASA are tough enough for clips, brackets and mounts, and the way a part is oriented and filled makes a big difference. For safety-critical parts, we'll tell you honestly if 3D printing isn't the right choice.
What materials can you 3D print with?
Our main materials are PLA for detailed and decorative parts, PETG for tough everyday parts, ASA for outdoor and high-heat use, and TPU for flexible, rubber-like parts. Read the full materials guide.
How long does 3D printing take?
Printing itself can take anywhere from under an hour to a day or more, depending on size and detail. Parts that need to be designed take longer, because the design comes first. Your quote includes a timeline before you commit.