How to Order a 3D Print in 60 Seconds — Step-by-Step Guide
Polywerk3D
Ask ten shops for a 3D printing price and you'll get ten "about X euros". The reason is simple: until a model is sliced, nobody knows the exact price. Our instant quote does that work right in front of you — your model is sliced with real printer settings, and the price comes from the actual material use and print time, not a guess.
This guide explains what slicing is and which settings affect your price and the final result — so you know what you're choosing.
What is slicing?
A 3D printer doesn't read your 3D model directly. Before printing, software — the slicer — converts the model into hundreds of thin horizontal layers and calculates the printer's travel paths, the amount of material and the time for each layer.
That step determines three things:
- how much material your object uses (in grams),
- how long the print takes,
- and therefore the price.
That's why an "approximate" price is always just a guess about the slicing result. We show you the real one.
The settings that change price and result
Once your model is uploaded, you can adjust four things per file. Each affects price, strength, surface quality or time.
Layer height (quality)
How thin the model is sliced:
- Draft (0.28 mm) — fewer layers, faster and cheaper, layer lines more visible.
- Standard (0.2 mm) — a balance of detail and speed, right for most jobs.
- Fine detail (0.12 mm) — the smoothest surface and finest detail, but more layers means a longer print.
A thinner layer doesn't make the object stronger — it's a choice about surface quality and time.
Infill
3D prints aren't solid inside. Infill is the internal lattice whose density you choose:
- 20% suits most objects — good strength for little material.
- Higher (50–100%) = a stronger, heavier object, but more material, longer time and a higher price.
- Lower (15%) = lighter and cheaper, fine for decorative pieces.
Because infill drives material use directly, it drives the price directly too.
Supports
A print is built layer by layer from the bottom up. If a model has a steep overhang or a part hanging in the air, it needs a temporary support underneath, removed after printing. "Automatic" adds supports only where they're actually needed. Supports use a little extra material, so they can raise the price slightly.
Material
Material sets the object's properties and the starting price: PLA is cheap and easy (decor, prototypes), PETG is tougher, while ABS and ASA handle heat and the outdoors. Each material shows a short note; if in doubt, the "🤔 Not sure? Help me choose a material" button helps.
How to get the exact price
- Open the instant quote and upload your model — STL, OBJ, 3MF or STEP, up to 50 MB. You'll see a 3D preview and dimensions right away.
- Choose material and settings (explained above).
- Click "Calculate exact price".
Your model is sliced and within seconds you see the weight, print time and exact price (incl. VAT) — calculated from the real slice, not a guess. The minimum order is €10.
No 3D model yet? Our 3D designers can create one from an idea, a sketch or a photo.
Ordering
If the price works, choose a delivery method (parcel locker, courier, or pick it up in Tartu) and leave your contact details. This is a request, not an instant purchase — we review it, confirm before anything is printed, and get back to you within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Why is your price more accurate than elsewhere?
Because we actually slice your model with your chosen settings, and the price is based on the real material use and print time — not a rough guess.
Is more infill always better?
No. More infill means a stronger but also heavier, slower and more expensive print. 20% suits most jobs; 100% only when you need maximum strength.
How do the quality options differ?
By layer height. A thinner layer gives a smoother surface and finer detail but lengthens the print. It doesn't meaningfully change strength.
Which files can I upload?
STL, OBJ, 3MF and STEP up to 50 MB. Multiple models at once are allowed.
I don't have a 3D model.
Our 3D designers can create one from an idea, a sketch or a photo.
Ready to try? Upload your model and get an exact price →
