Common questions
39 answers in six groups. If yours is missing: hello@brandform.org, reply the same working day.
File
Which file formats can I upload?
STL and OBJ are priced instantly in the browser. STEP, 3MF, IGES, F3D, SLDPRT and ZIP packages we accept by request and reply with a price within 24 hours.
How large may the file or the part be?
Files up to 100 MB, parts up to 250 × 250 × 250 mm. Larger parts we split and join with dowel pins or adhesive, surcharge usually €5–10.
What does "printable model" mean?
Closed surface without holes, walls from 0.8 mm, units in millimetres, no intersecting bodies. Small errors we repair for free.
Do you check my file before printing?
Yes, every one. Wall thickness, overhangs, units, orientation. If the price changes by more than 10 % as a result, we ask first.
Can I upload several parts in one file?
Yes, the calculator sums the volume. For different materials or colours per part, upload the files separately.
I have no 3D file. Can you create the part?
Yes, from photos with dimensions, a sketch or the original. €60 per started hour; most spare parts take one hour. The file is yours afterwards.
Where do I find ready models and may I have them printed?
Printables, MakerWorld, Thingiverse, Cults3D. Almost always allowed for personal use, for resale only with a suitable licence. We do not print weapons or weapon parts.
How long do you keep my file?
Six months after delivery so you can reorder. On request we delete it right after delivery. We never pass files on or upload them anywhere.
Price
What does a 3D print cost?
Weight × price per gram + print hours × €2.00 + €3.00 base fee, at least €9.90. A keychain costs €9.90, an 80 g enclosure about €26, all including VAT.
How is the price made up?
Material by actual weight (PLA €0.08/g to PLA-CF €0.16/g), machine time €2.00/h and a base fee of €3.00 per order for setup, checking and packing.
Is the calculated price binding?
It is an estimate within ±10 %. The binding price comes with the quote after the file check, usually identical to the calculator.
Is there a minimum order?
€9.90 including VAT. Several parts in one order share the base fee.
When do volume discounts apply?
From 5 pieces −5 %, from 10 −10 %, from 25 −15 %, from 50 −20 %. From 100 pieces a series price by quote.
Are supports included in the price?
If you tick the option in the calculator, yes (about 8 % more weight). Otherwise we suggest them after the check.
Do express orders cost more?
Yes, +50 % on parts and base fee for dispatch within 24–48 hours.
Is there a student discount?
15 % off the print price for students, pupils, schools, universities and public institutions. Mention it in the notes field.
Material
Which materials are available?
PLA, PETG, TPU 95A, ASA and PLA-CF in stock. PA, PC, PETG-CF, wood, silk and glow filaments on request with +3 working days.
Which material suits what?
PLA for visible parts and models, PETG for parts under load, ASA for outdoors and cars, TPU for flexible parts, PLA-CF for stiff parts with a technical look.
Which colours can I choose?
PLA in 12, PETG in 8, ASA in 5, TPU in 4 colours from stock. Special colours from the Bambu Lab range we order at no extra charge from €25 order value.
Is PLA food-safe?
The filament yes, the printed part not automatically: layer lines harbour bacteria. For food contact ask us; we then use a certified filament and a dedicated nozzle.
Can you print in several colours?
Yes, with a multi-colour system. Surcharge by number of colour changes, from €5. Colour areas must be separate bodies in the file or we separate them in the slicer.
How strong, heat-resistant or weatherproof are the parts?
PLA up to 55 °C, PETG up to 75 °C, ASA up to 95 °C and UV-stable. Strength rises with infill and wall count; gears we print at 100 %.
Printing
Are the layer lines visible?
At 0.20 mm yes, slightly. At 0.12 mm hardly, at 0.08 mm only on close inspection. PLA-CF hides them almost entirely. The underside shows the build-plate texture.
How accurate are the prints?
±0.2 mm for PLA, ±0.3 mm for PETG and ASA. Holes come out about 0.2 mm smaller; if a pin must fit, tell us and we compensate.
What does infill mean?
The share of the interior that is filled with material. 15 % for decor, 30 % standard, 50 % for brackets under load, 100 % for gears and parts that get sanded or drilled.
Which layer height should I choose?
0.20 mm for almost everything. 0.12 mm for lettering and figures, 0.08 mm for miniatures, 0.28 mm for large parts with no visual demands.
Is the support material removed?
Yes, always. Contact points are lightly sanded. On very delicate parts we leave supports on if you wish.
Can I have parts finished or painted?
Sanding, priming, pressing in threaded inserts and bonding are available on request, charged by effort.
Shipping and pickup
How long until dispatch?
3–5 working days after receipt of payment, express 24–48 hours. DHL then takes 1–2 working days.
What does shipping cost?
€4.90 DHL parcel within Germany, free from €59. DHL Express €14.90.
Can I pick up in Berlin?
Yes, free of charge at the collection point Fröbelstraße 11c in Prenzlauer Berg, by appointment via email.
Do you deliver within Berlin by courier?
Yes, bike courier inside the S-Bahn ring €9.90, outside €14.90, usually on the day of completion.
Which countries do you ship to?
Germany as standard. Austria, Switzerland and the EU on request, shipping cost by weight.
Ordering
Do I need an account?
No. You give an email address; everything else runs by email and payment link.
How can I pay? Do I get an invoice?
PayPal, credit card, bank transfer. Business customers on account with 30-day terms from the second order. Every order gets an invoice with VAT shown.
Can I order a single part as a private customer?
Yes. One piece from €9.90, no business account needed.
Can I change or cancel an order afterwards?
Free of charge until the print starts. After that the part is a custom item and withdrawal is excluded. Defects we always fix.
What if a part arrives damaged?
Photo of parcel and part within 7 days, we reprint free of charge. No return needed.
Can I reorder an earlier part?
Yes, within six months without a new upload, at the same price. Send us the order number.