What is 3D printing?
3D printing is a type of additive manufacturing process. While historically items were made through traditional subtractive manufacturing (think of someone carving wood away to make a shape), additive manufacturing (and specifically 3D printing) builds layers on top of each other into complex shapes that may otherwise have been impossible to make.
What materials can be used for 3D printing?
Almost all 3D printing is done with some type of plastic. While some machines are capable of printing using metallic powder and some can even print in chocolate, these machines typically create a rough item that needs a lot of finish and sanding or just generally doesn’t taste very good. The chocolate part. Don’t eat metal.
Does 3D printing harm the environment?
Yes, but much less than most types of manufacturing. While many 3D printing plastics come from natural resources such as oil, 99% of what we use at Custom Made Fast is a plastic called PLA (polylactic acid). PLA is made from renewable, organic resources such as corn starch and sugarcane. It is also one of the few plastics that is biodegradable.
Additionally, Custom Made Fast is dedicated to reducing plastic waste from all 3D printing, and needs your help to make that a reality! Please check out our recycling initiative to learn what we are doing to help make 3D printing sustainable.
How strong are 3D printed objects?
This is a tough question to answer, since it largely depends on what materials are being used. However, we can proudly say that our objects are often designed and tested to withstand impacts, drops, and other forces which would come about in regular home use.
What are some uses for 3D printed objects?
This is an easy question to answer – there are countless applications for 3D printing. From home goods to toys, from costumes to engineering, from kitchens to the International Space Station, 3D printing is at the forefront of a new wave of technology with no limit in sight. It isn’t the miracle answer for all fabrication, but it’s as close as we can get for now – plus, if we feel that 3D printing won’t exactly suit your needs, we’ll let you know right away. 🙂
Where are your items made?
All of our products are manufactured in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA unless otherwise specified. Note that materials are sourced wherever available – almost all plastic is made overseas, and we source things like metal chains for necklaces from various locations. Rest assured, though, if we sell it then we had a major part in its creation.
More FAQs
Do you design everything you sell from scratch?
It depends. Some of our products are created by designers that we have agreements with and licenses to sell commercially, but most of our designs are either created by us or heavily overhauled from rough base shapes.
Are your products food safe?
Generally, no. While PLA plastic is technically considered food safe (it’s the same family of plastic used in disposable silverware), it is highly recommended that if you intend to use it with any sort of food you coat it with shellac and only hand-wash under warm water. Unless we mention otherwise in the listing, we do not recommend using it for food, pets, etc.
Do you make medical grade products?
Yes, we can! Certain kinds of plastic (typically those with a copper mix) are actually antimicrobial, and we have designed items for medical use. Please note that unless the item was specifically designed using durable, medical-grade materials, it is not considered safe for internal use.
What is your refund policy?
To keep this answer short, we accept refunds up to 14 days after the item has been received. We would send you a return label, and if the item is returned to us in the same unused condition it was sent out in then we will refund you the difference minus the cost of return shipping and fees. This does not apply for personalized items, jewelry, or accessories that may have been worn.
Do you sand and finish your items?
Unless you select for us to finish the item for you, we generally do not sand or finish items, meaning they arrive to you in the condition they came off of the printer. We will remove extra supports – generally this creates a smooth final product, but you may want to finish the product with sanding, filler, or painting at your discretion.
Do your items come painted?
Only certain items, and only if you choose it in the product page.
Do you offer bulk discounts?
We do, depending on the circumstances. Please contact us if you have any specific questions.
Can you create my custom design?
Probably! Send us anything you have on your design and we will work out something to the best of our ability.
How long is your turnaround time?
Generally we try to have extra items on hand, but we may need to print, assemble, or finish your items before sending them to you. Typically, items leave our hands in just a couple of days, but note that it may take 5 to 10 business days depending on how many orders we currently have. We process orders Monday through Friday, 9 AM EST to 5 PM EST.
What are your options for shipping?
We ship exclusively through the United States Postal Service (USPS) and their partner companies for international orders. All orders ship insured and with tracking numbers.
The tracking information says the item was delivered, but I don’t have it. What should I do?
Unfortunately, when the item leaves our hands and goes to USPS, we only have the same information as you do. If this situation occurs (give a few extra days to make sure your delivery driver didn’t accidentally forget to put it out in your mailbox), please contact us.