Geometry & print time
A tall, thin part can take longer than a compact part of similar weight. Orientation, walls, and supports affect the work required.
Custom FDM parts · Made in Ohio
Custom 3D printing. From file to finished part.
Prototypes, replacement parts, and production tooling made in Sandusky, Ohio. Get an instant quote from your 3D file. We ship across the U.S.
Ohio-based production
Built and supported in Sandusky.
Clear pricing
No account needed. Review before checkout.
Nationwide shipping
Track the order through delivery.
One part. A better prototype. Your next small run.
Make the part you need, without a production mold.
Custom FDM printing for product teams, repair work, and shop-floor tooling. Start with your file and choose the material for the job.
- Single-part build volume
- 220 × 220 × 250 mmOrientation and geometry determine fit.
- File formats
- STL / STEP / STPUp to 15 MB per file.
- Order size
- One part to small runsCompare quantity pricing in your quote.
What we print
Parts for prototyping, repair, and production
Explore the application closest to yours. These illustrations show examples of the kinds of parts the service is built for.
Prototypes
Validate fit, form, and function early and iterate faster.
Brackets & mounts
Strong everyday parts that hold and support.
Jigs & fixtures
Purpose-built tooling to speed up your workflow.
Replacement parts
Hard-to-find covers, adapters, spacers, and more.
Short-run parts
Low-volume runs without tooling or big MOQs.
Choose for the job
The right material starts with how the part will be used.
Consider heat, sunlight, load, and fit. Start with the everyday options below, or compare our engineering filaments for more demanding work.
PLAvalue for indoor parts
PETGall-around upgrade for tougher everyday parts
PETG-CFfor stiffer matte functional parts
PET-CFfor higher-stiffness engineering parts and more heat
ASAfor long-term outdoor use
How pricing works
A price for your part.
Before you commit.
There is no useful one-size-fits-all price for a custom part. Your quote uses the geometry and settings you choose, so you can compare the tradeoffs before paying.
Material & settings
Choose for the load, temperature, and environment. More infill or an engineering filament can increase cost without helping every application.
Quantity & delivery
Compare quantity prices in your quote. Shipping is calculated separately from the packed size, weight, and destination at checkout.
Get my part quoted No account needed to review pricing. Shipping is added at checkout.
From upload to your door
Know what happens next.
Upload your file
Send an STL, STEP, or STP file. We check its size and prepare the geometry for quoting.
Make it fit the job
Compare material, color, and quantity. Review the part price and production estimate before you commit.
Choose delivery
Enter your U.S. shipping address to compare delivery options and see the order total before payment.
Follow your order
Production starts after payment. Use your order link for progress and shipment tracking.
Your production estimate appears in the quote. Carrier transit is additional and is shown at checkout.
Before you order
Good questions. Clear answers.
The practical details behind your custom 3D printing order.
How do I get a price for my 3D printed part?
Upload a print-ready STL, STEP, or STP file to see pricing. Choose material, color, infill, and quantity in the quote. The price depends on your geometry, material, print time, and production work; shipping is added at checkout. You can review the quote without an account or payment.
What files and part sizes can I upload?
Upload STL, STEP, or STP files up to 15 MB each. The current single-part build volume is 220 × 220 × 250 mm. Orientation affects whether a part fits, and the uploader checks the geometry. Larger parts need to be split, redesigned, or made by another process.
Can I order just one part or a small batch?
Yes. Start with one part or upload several different files in one quote. Change the quantity for each part and compare the displayed prices before ordering. FDM printing does not require a production mold.
How long will production and shipping take?
Your quote shows a production estimate based on the selected parts and the current queue. Production begins after payment. Carrier transit is additional and is shown separately with the shipping options at checkout; a faster shipping service does not shorten production.
Which material should I choose?
PLA is a starting point for indoor prototypes; PETG suits many everyday functional parts; ASA is an option for outdoor and UV exposure. Carbon-fiber, glass-fiber, and nylon options serve more demanding applications. Compare the material guide and tell us about loads, heat, and mating features when requesting a review.
How accurate are the parts, and will layer lines be visible?
The current service uses FDM printing with a 0.6 mm nozzle and a 0.24 mm layer profile. Visible layer lines are normal. About ±0.25 mm is a typical expectation for many well-designed parts, not a guaranteed tolerance for every feature. Identify critical fits and dimensions before production.
Where are the parts made, and where do you ship?
BuildplateCo is based in Sandusky, Ohio, and makes custom FDM parts for customers across the United States. Online checkout supports U.S. shipping addresses. Your order link provides status and shipment information.
Can you help if I only have a photo or a damaged part?
A photo cannot go directly into the instant quote tool; a printable 3D model is needed. Send photos, dimensions, and the intended use through the help page for a scope review. Any CAD or file-preparation work is paid and quoted for approval before work begins.
Made in Sandusky, Ohio
A real shop behind your quote.
BuildplateCo makes functional FDM parts for customers across the United States. Tell us about critical dimensions, mating parts, and the environment before production so the requirements are clear.
About BuildplateCoNeed a printable file?
Send photos, dimensions, and the intended use for a scope review. CAD and file-preparation work is paid and quoted for approval before work begins.
Request a paid estimatelee@buildplateco.comNeed more detail before ordering? See materials, tolerances, file guides, and use cases.
Know what to expect
Useful production details before you upload.
| Max single-part size | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
|---|---|
| Typical tolerance | about +/-0.25 mm for many well-designed parts |
| Default finish | functional FDM finish, visible layer lines |
| Service profile | 0.24 mm layers / 0.6 mm nozzle |
| Best fit | prototypes, fixtures, brackets, housings, jigs, short-run parts |
If you are unsure, start by use case
Indoor prototype
Start with PLA
Low-cost fit checks, mockups, and simple parts that will live indoors.
Tough everyday part
Choose PETG
Better for brackets, covers, clips, and parts that need more toughness than PLA.
Stiffer matte fixture
Use PETG-CF
A good pick for functional brackets, jigs, and parts where rigidity matters.
Higher-stiffness engineering part
Consider PET-CF
For stronger-feeling, more engineering-style parts when the job justifies it.
Outdoor or sun-exposed part
Choose ASA
For brackets, covers, housings, and equipment parts that need long-term weather and UV resistance.
Ways to start
Find the right 3D printing path
Start with the file, part type, or buying situation that matches what you need made.
File ready
STL file 3D printing
Upload mesh files for straightforward quoting and production.
CAD ready
STEP file 3D printing
Use STEP or STP files when the source CAD is still available.
No CAD
3D print from a photo
Send photos and dimensions when a part needs to be recreated.
Custom part
Custom plastic parts made
Get practical one-off or replacement plastic components made.
Real use
Functional 3D printed parts
Match material, tolerances, and geometry to working parts.
Small runs
Low-volume 3D printing
Order short-run parts without waiting on tooling or machining setup.
Local service
Ohio 3D printing service
Ohio-based production with shipping for teams across the U.S.
Resource
STEP vs STL guide
Compare which file type to send for a cleaner ordering path.
More real-world examples
Ready to turn the file into a part?
Upload your files, see pricing, and move into checkout.
Ready to order