3D printing FAQ: your questions answered

Ordering and quotes

Two ways to order: with a 3D file or without one.

With a ready 3D file, upload it on the online order page for an instant quote (delivery addresses in France). If your project needs modelling, advice, a batch price or shipping to another country, describe it through the contact form. Prices are explained in our 3D printing cost guide, and you can track your order at any time.

You can also reach us on WhatsApp or by phone at +33 7 59 72 51 81, or by email at contact@toulouse3dprint.fr. We are happy to answer in English.

Files and 3D modelling

Send us a file, find one, or let us draw it.

Before exporting, read our guide to preparing an STL file for 3D printing. No model yet? Our 3D model search covers Printables, Thingiverse, Cults3D and Sketchfab, and our guide explains how to download a 3D model and have it printed. For a model drawn to your needs, see our 3D printing service.

Materials and quality

Three filaments, each with its own strengths.

PLA suits figurines, models and decorative objects; PETG suits car and motorbike parts, enclosures and outdoor use; TPU suits anything that has to flex. The details are in our 3D printing materials guide.

Lead times and delivery

Collected in Toulouse, posted in France, or shipped abroad.

Our workshop is in Toulouse, at 64 boulevard Silvio Trentin, 31200. You can collect your order there by appointment, or we ship it anywhere in France by Mondial Relay or Colissimo. We also ship abroad, by Mondial Relay or the carrier of your choice: the online order only accepts French addresses, so contact us and we will give you the shipping cost. More on ordering from outside Toulouse.

Technical capabilities

What our FDM printers can and can't do.

The workshop prints in FDM, with plastic filament. To understand the technology, read how FDM 3D printing works and FDM vs SLA. For functional parts, look through our work and our guide to replacing a broken part with 3D printing; for costumes, see cosplay props.

Frequently asked questions

How do I order from Toulouse3DPrint?

Go to our order page, upload your 3D file (STL, OBJ, STEP or 3MF), and choose the material, colour and quantity: you get an instant quote. If your project needs modelling or advice, or the delivery address is outside France, use our contact form for a tailored quote.

How do you work out the price of a 3D print?

The price depends on the volume of material used (in cm³), the estimated print time, the complexity of the part (supports needed), the material chosen (PLA, PETG or TPU) and any finishing. Our online calculator gives you an instant estimate, and our 3D printing cost guide explains the prices in detail.

Which payment methods do you accept?

Bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) through Stripe, our secure payment provider. Payment is made online when you confirm your order.

Can I get a quote for a batch of parts?

Yes, batch orders get lower prices. Contact us through the quote form with the number of parts you need, and we send you a tailored quote within 24 hours.

Can I cancel or change my order?

If your order hasn't gone into production yet, you can change or cancel it by contacting us. Once printing has started, cancelling is no longer possible because the material is already committed. You can follow the status of your order at any time on the order tracking page.

Which file formats do you accept?

STL, the most common format and the one we recommend because it is the simplest to process; 3MF, a modern format that carries colours and metadata; OBJ, for textured models; and STEP, for precise mechanical parts. Our guide explains how to prepare your STL file.

Where can I find free 3D models to print?

Our search engine covers four platforms: Printables (by Prusa, a large free catalogue with an active community), Thingiverse (the largest long-standing library of 3D models), Cults3D (a French-born international marketplace with free and paid models) and Sketchfab (high-quality models with a preview). Search from our 3D models page, download the STL file, then upload it on our order page.

I don't have a 3D file. Can you create my model?

Yes. Our CAD (computer-aided design) modelling service can create a 3D model from technical drawings or sketches, photos of the object to reproduce, or a simple description of what you need. Contact us with as much detail as possible for a modelling quote.

How do I prepare my STL file for printing?

Check that the model is watertight (no holes in the mesh), export in millimetres rather than inches, make sure the scale is right, and keep a mesh resolution of at least 0.1 mm. Our STL preparation guide goes into more detail.

What is the largest file I can upload?

Up to 50 MB on our order page. For bigger files, contact us directly and we will find a solution, such as a transfer link or a simplified mesh.

Which materials do you offer?

Three main materials. PLA is versatile and precise, ideal for prototypes, figurines, models and decorative objects, with a wide choice of colours, but it does not withstand heat above 60°C. PETG is tough and durable, copes with knocks and heat up to 80°C, and suits car and motorbike parts, enclosures and outdoor use. TPU is flexible and soft, for seals, protective cases, shock absorbers and any part that needs to stretch.

Which colours are available?

A wide range for each material: white, black, grey, red, blue, green, yellow, orange and many more. Availability can vary, so contact us to check which colours are in stock or to ask for a specific one.

How strong are 3D printed parts?

It depends on the material and the print orientation. PLA is rigid with good compressive strength but brittle under impact. PETG resists impacts, flexes under load and copes well with heat. TPU is very flexible, absorbs shocks and resists wear. We orient each print to make your parts as strong as possible.

Can I see my part before it is printed?

Yes. After analysing your file, we send you a 3D preview of the part, our material and orientation recommendations, the detailed quote and any optimisation suggestions. You approve before we start printing.

Are the parts water-resistant?

PETG handles moisture well and can be used outdoors. PLA is sensitive to prolonged moisture. For full waterproofing, a sealing coat of varnish or resin can be applied to the printed part on request.

How long does production take?

Production is quick, depending on the complexity and size of your project, and delivery by Mondial Relay is too. We give you a precise timescale before production starts; upload your file to get an estimate.

Do you deliver across France?

Yes, anywhere in France by Mondial Relay or Colissimo, carefully packed with suitable protection. We also ship abroad by Mondial Relay or the carrier of your choice: the online order only accepts French addresses, so contact us and we will give you the shipping cost.

How can I track my order?

Once your order has shipped, you receive a tracking number by email. You can also check its status on our order tracking page by entering your order number.

Can I collect my order in Toulouse?

Yes, from our workshop at 64 boulevard Silvio Trentin, 31200 Toulouse, by appointment. It saves the delivery cost. Mention it when you order and we will agree on a time.

What if my part arrives damaged?

Contact us within 48 hours of receiving it, with photos. We will reprint it and send it again at our expense.

What is the maximum print size?

Our maximum print volume is 256 × 256 × 256 mm per part. Larger objects are split into several parts that fit together, without giving up strength. Contact us for oversized projects.

How accurate are your prints?

Our FDM printers reach an accuracy of ±0.2 mm, with a minimum layer height of 0.12 mm. For parts that fit into each other, we recommend allowing a 0.3 mm tolerance. Our file preparation guide helps you optimise your model.

What is FDM 3D printing?

FDM (fused deposition modelling) is the most widespread 3D printing technology: a plastic filament is melted and laid down layer by layer to build the object. It is the most economical and versatile method. Our guides explain how FDM works and how it compares with SLA.

Can you print functional mechanical parts?

Yes, it is one of our strengths. In PETG we print strong mechanical parts: brackets, fixings, gears, enclosures, cable guides and more, with the orientation and infill chosen for strength. Have a broken part to reproduce? We can recreate it.

Do you offer finishing or post-processing?

Yes: deburring and support removal, sanding for a smoother surface, painting on request and assembly of multi-part pieces. Tell us the finish you need when you order, or contact us to talk about your project.

Can you print a cosplay accessory or a figurine?

Absolutely. Cosplay props and collectible figurines are among our specialities: PLA for detailed figurines, PETG for tough armour parts. You can search for 3D models on our site or send us your own file through the order page.