How to Spot a Transparent 3D Printing Quote—and Avoid Hidden Costs

How to Evaluate a 3D Printing Quote for Transparency

With multiple providers offering seemingly similar 3D printing quotes, how can you determine if you’re getting a fair and accurate price? Not all quotes are created equal, and hidden variables—such as undisclosed build parameters, material reuse policies, or post-processing omissions—can significantly impact the final outcome. 

By asking the right questions and understanding the key cost drivers, you can avoid costly surprises and ensure your parts are built right the first time. 

1. What’s Included in the Quote? 

A 3D printing quote is not just about material and print time—it reflects choices in build strategy, part orientation, and finishing processes. A lower quote may not always provide the full picture. Here are some factors that can impact costs: 

• Material Selection & Processing – Does the provider maintain quality control over materials? For PBF technologies like SLS, SAF, and MJF, factors such as powder handling, environmental controls, and reuse policies can influence both part consistency and mechanical properties. 
• Layer Height & Resolution – Thicker layers may lower costs but can impact surface finish, accuracy, and fine details. A quote should clarify what level of resolution is included. 
• Post-Processing & Finishing – Some materials require additional work, such as dyeing for SLS/MJF parts or smoothing for SLA and FDM. If a quote appears low, it may not include necessary post-processing steps, potentially leaving parts with a rough finish, visible layer lines, or cosmetic inconsistencies. 
• Experience & Expertise – Does the provider simply follow an automated process, or does an experienced team review each order? A trusted provider considers design intent, manufacturability, and potential adjustments to ensure the final part meets performance expectations—not just the lowest cost. 

🚩 Red Flag: If a quote does not disclose material selection processes, resolution levels, or post-processing considerations, the quality may not meet expectations. While a lower quote may seem appealing, hidden costs can arise later, such as unexpected post-processing, reorders due to poor quality, or project delays. A transparent provider helps identify potential issues upfront, ensuring reliability—not just an initial cost savings. 

2. What Factors Could Increase Costs?

Certain design choices, finishing requirements, and production variables can increase costs beyond the initial quote. Understanding these considerations helps prevent unexpected expenses. 

• Support Structures, Cleanup & Complex Geometries – PolyJet, SLA, and some FDM parts require manual support removal, with SLA supports being made from the same material as the part, often leading to visible support marks that require sanding and finishing. FDM parts with breakaway supports may also require additional cleanup, depending on the design. Complex geometries, such as deep internal channels, overhangs, or trapped support areas, may demand extra labor or specialized techniques for removal, increasing costs. 
• Orientation & Material Usage – A cheaper quote may optimize for material efficiency (such as vertical orientation) rather than for optimal strength. Certain orientations may increase print time or material waste, impacting cost. Additionally, larger parts or those requiring thick cross-sections may consume more material than expected. 
• Feature Resolution & Post-Processing – High-resolution prints require longer build times, and finer details may need extra post-processing or hand-finishing to meet cosmetic and functional expectations. Some providers may not disclose the additional labor involved in achieving a smooth, refined part. 

🚩 Red Flag: A lower-cost quote may not account for the necessary checks and balances or the processing required to achieve the expected quality. Parts that fail to meet functional or cosmetic expectations may require reorders, additional post-processing, or last-minute adjustments—leading to increased costs that were not anticipated in the original quote. Delays in shipping can also mean delays in the overall project, potentially resulting in even greater financial impact. 

3. How Is the Inspection Process Handled? 

Not all providers have the same approach to quality control. Some may print and ship with only a basic visual check, while others integrate inspection at multiple stages to ensure consistent quality and functional accuracy. 

At Stratasys Direct, inspection isn’t just a final step—it’s an ongoing process built into every stage of production, helping to avoid timely and costly delays. The process starts when a user uploads a file to RapidQuotes™, which automatically analyzes for errors before generating a quote. Once an order is placed, the part is checked at every stage where a human interacts with it, including: 

• Programming and build setup – Ensuring files are optimized before printing. 
• Pre-Build Engineering Review – Adjustments for manufacturability when necessary. 
• In-Process Quality Checks – Inspection at every step where human interaction occurs, including support removal, powder cleaning, and post-processing. 
• Final 6-Point Inspection – Verifying XYZ dimensions, feature checks, surface quality, and a Foreign Object Debris (FOD) inspection to ensure cleanliness before shipping. 

🚩 Red Flag: If a provider only performs a final visual check, issues may not be caught until after you receive the part—leading to unexpected costs, delays, and possible reorders. 

4. Is the Provider Relying on Brokers or In-House Production?

Many 3D printing providers do not own or operate their own machines—they act as brokers, sending customer files to unknown manufacturers. This can create inconsistencies in quality, lead times, and communication, as the provider may not have full oversight on production standards. 

​​✅​ In-House Production: Stratasys Direct maintains full control over the entire manufacturing process, ensuring consistent quality, repeatability, and part performance. 
⚠️ Outsourced Manufacturing: A broker may send your design to a third-party manufacturer you’ve never vetted, leading to unknown build standards, variable lead times, and potential IP concerns. 

🚩 Red Flag: If a provider doesn’t clarify whether they produce parts in-house or outsource to third parties, you may not have full visibility into who is manufacturing your part, what standards they follow, or how quality is ensured. 

Shape 

5. What Expertise Is Available Beyond Automated Quoting?

Automated quoting is valuable for speed and efficiency, but it has limitations. Some providers only offer automated quoting, meaning no human expert evaluates your design before production begins. 

At Stratasys Direct, we balance automation with expert review: 

• Automated Quoting: Ideal for users confident in their designs and material choices. 
• Engineering Expertise: Every part is reviewed by experienced engineers before printing. If adjustments are needed, users can “work with an engineer” with a click of a button to ensure the best outcome. 

Example of an Engineering Adjustment That Adds Value: 

Let’s say a customer submits a large flat part for SLS. An automated system might generate a quote and print it as-is. However, large, flat SLS parts are prone to warping due to thermal stress. Our engineers identify this risk and recommend slight modifications, such as adding ribs or adjusting print parameters, ensuring a strong, functional part without distortion. Or, based on discussions with the user, they may suggest a different technology and material better suited for the application, helping to avoid production issues altogether. 

🚩 Red Flag: If a provider does not offer expert review, potential manufacturing issues may only be discovered after printing—leading to wasted time and money.