A 3D printing quote reflects more than just material cost or machine time—it’s shaped by critical decisions in build strategy, post-processing, and engineering expertise. While two quotes may look similar at first glance, the company behind the quote, their level of expertise, and their approach to quality can mean the difference between a successful part and one that doesn’t meet expectations. Understanding these factors ensures that you’re not just comparing numbers, but evaluating the experience and reliability of the provider behind the quote.
Not all materials are created equal, and differences in material properties can have a major impact on performance. While a quote may list a familiar material name, subtle variations in formulation or supplier quality can change the durability, heat resistance, or mechanical strength of the final part. Ensuring you know exactly what material is being used—and whether it meets your application’s needs—is key to avoiding unexpected performance issues.
The way a part is arranged in the build space affects cost. Some providers focus purely on fitting as many parts as possible in a build to drive efficiency, but this can come at the expense of ideal part orientation or surface quality. The most efficient build for cost isn’t always the best build for function.
Layer height and orientation have a direct impact on surface quality, strength, and even build time. A lower quote may be achieved by defaulting to thicker layers or a specific orientation, but that doesn’t always mean it’s the best approach for the part’s function.
For example, an FDM or SLA part built flat might have a lower quoted cost due to faster print time, but increased stair-stepping could require extra finishing. However, it’s also important to recognize that strength in most 3D printing technologies is highest in the XY plane. In some cases, a flat orientation may not be a cost-cutting measure but a necessary decision for part performance.
For powder bed fusion (PBF) technologies such as SLS, SAF, and MJF, no support structures are required, as the surrounding powder naturally supports the part during printing. This can be an advantage when larger production quantities are needed, as it allows for higher packing density and more efficient use of the build volume. However, factors like temperature and humidity-controlled material storage and processing still play a role in overall cost. Understanding these nuances helps ensure a quote accurately reflects the best approach for the part—not just the cheapest one.
Finishing steps such as support removal, surface smoothing, and additional aesthetic or functional enhancements can greatly impact a part’s final performance and appearance. Some quotes may not include these upfront, making the initial cost appear lower—only for additional expenses to arise later.
Another crucial but often-overlooked factor is inspection. 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:
Not all providers take this level of care. Some rely on third-party manufacturers for production, which can introduce variability in quality and oversight. Because Stratasys Direct builds parts in-house, we maintain full control over every step of the process, ensuring consistency and high-quality results.
An often-overlooked aspect of quoting is the role of engineering expertise. Automated quoting systems may not account for all Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM) optimizations that could improve efficiency. At Stratasys Direct, engineers review parts before production begins, ensuring that potential improvements—such as optimizing geometry for manufacturability—are identified and implemented when necessary.
For example, 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, to ensure 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.
While quoting algorithms provide a starting point, our focus is on experience, expertise, and building long-term customer relationships rather than just generating a quote. Our in-house production capabilities ensure that quality, material selection, and inspection are controlled every step of the way—so you can trust that what you order is what you receive.
