Choosing the right 3D printing partner can be the difference between a project’s success and failure. With the growing demand for custom manufacturing and rapid prototyping, many businesses are turning to 3D printing companies to bring their designs to life. But not all 3D printing partners are created equal. Here are five essential questions to ask when evaluating a potential partner.

1. What Technologies and Materials Do They Offer?

The range of 3D printing technologies and materials available today is vast. From photopolymer resins and carbon fiber composites to metals and large-format thermoplastics, your choice of material and printing process significantly impacts the final product's quality, strength, and cost.

Why It Matters: Some providers specialize in one type of printing, such as FDM - FFF (Fused Deposition Modeling - Fused Filament Fabrication) or SLA (Stereolithography), while others, like EXBuild, offer a comprehensive suite of technologies. Ensure the partner you choose can accommodate your specific needs.

Follow-Up: Ask about their experience with your preferred materials and whether they can recommend alternatives that might better suit your application.

Learn why EXBuild’s diverse capabilities make us the ideal partner for any project.

2. What Is Their Track Record with Similar Projects?

Experience matters. A 3D printing partner who understands your industry and has successfully executed similar projects will be better equipped to anticipate challenges and deliver quality results.

Why It Matters: Whether you’re in aerospace, healthcare, automotive, or consumer goods, every industry has unique requirements. A partner with relevant experience can provide valuable insights and avoid common pitfalls.

Follow-Up: Request case studies, references, or a portfolio of completed projects to assess their expertise.

Hands-On Advantage: Dedicated 3D printing services often provide more personalized attention compared to mass-production services like Protolabs or Xometry. If your project requires unique customization, design adjustments, or close collaboration, a hands-on partner will go the extra mile to ensure your satisfaction.

3. How Do They Ensure Quality Control?

Quality control is a critical aspect of 3D printing. Without proper checks, you risk receiving parts that are out of tolerance, poorly finished, or even non-functional.

Why It Matters: The right partner will have quality assurance processes, including in-process monitoring, post-processing inspection, and material certifications.

Follow-Up: Ask about their inspection protocols. How do they handle product  revisions if the print doesn’t meet your expectations?

Hands-On Advantage: Unlike larger-scale providers, a dedicated partner focuses on smaller batches and maintains direct oversight of each print. This ensures tighter quality control and a higher likelihood of meeting your specifications.

4. What Is Their Capacity and Lead Time?

Timely delivery is often a deciding factor in selecting a 3D printing partner. It’s essential to understand their production capacity and how quickly they can deliver your order.

Why It Matters: A partner who can’t scale to meet your deadlines or handle large orders might slow down your project.

Follow-Up: Ask about typical lead times, rush order capabilities, and whether they can handle fluctuating demand.

Hands-On Advantage: While mass-production services prioritize volume, a dedicated partner can often accommodate urgent requests or adapt quickly to project changes, making them ideal for prototypes or specialized applications.

5. Do They Offer Design and Engineering Support?

Not all 3D printing partners provide design assistance, but this service can be invaluable if your project requires optimization for additive manufacturability or structural integrity.

Why It Matters: A knowledgeable partner can help refine your design to reduce costs, improve performance, and ensure compatibility with the chosen 3D printing technology.

Follow-Up: Inquire about their in-house engineering team, design optimization tools, and whether they offer design consultations as part of their service.

Hands-On Advantage: Dedicated services are more likely to offer detailed design consultations and work collaboratively to refine your project, whereas mass-production services may stick to rigid processes with minimal interaction.

See how EXBuild’s expert team helps bring your vision to life.

Why Partner with EXBuild?

At EXBuild, we’re more than just a 3D print provider. We’re your partner in innovation, offering cutting-edge technology, exceptional quality, and personalized support to ensure your printer or print projects exceed expectations. Explore our capabilities and discover why businesses trust us to deliver what others can’t.

By asking these five questions, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a 3D printing partner that aligns with your goals and ensures your project’s success. Ready to start your next project? Let’s make it happen!