FAQ
Straight answers, before you send.
The questions we hear most, about how a job works, what it costs, and what we will and won't take on. If yours isn't here, send a photo and we'll tell you straight.
Getting startedThe short version: send clear photos first. We ask for measurements only where they actually matter.
QWhat do you need from me?
Clear photos of the part, the break, and whatever it mounts to. If you have measurements, include them. If not, send the photos first and we'll ask for what matters.
QHow do I measure without calipers?
Use a ruler, tape measure, coin, or known object in the photo. Straight-on photos with a ruler in the same plane are more useful than guessed measurements. We'll ask for calipers only when the fit depends on it.
QWhat if my part is worn or has no flat reference?
That can still be workable. We look for mating surfaces, symmetry, hole centers, surrounding hardware, and the way the part failed. If the missing geometry can't be inferred confidently, we'll say so before taking the job.
Cost & timingOne clear price for the agreed scope, upfront.
QHow does pricing work?
We send one clear price for the agreed scope upfront: design or reverse-engineering time, print time, material, and agreed finishing rolled into one number. Most jobs start at a $75 minimum order. Changes to scope are re-quoted before work continues, and custom work starts with a deposit.
QWhat happens if the scope changes?
If the part needs a different material, extra revision work, a larger quantity, or a new requirement after the quote, we stop and re-quote that change before moving forward.
QHow long does it take?
It depends on the part. Many jobs are a few days once the design is settled, but we'll give you a real estimate with the quote instead of promising a date too early.
Materials & fitEngineering-grade FDM, matched to the job and checked.
QWhich material will you use?
Whatever matches how the part is used. We compare the job against published manufacturer datasheets for heat, UV, chemicals, stiffness, impact, and flex, then recommend a material. If you're not sure, choose "Recommend one for me" on the request form.
QWill it be as strong as the original?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Strength depends on material, geometry, print orientation, heat, UV, chemicals, and how the part is loaded. We choose engineering materials and design around the use case, but we won't pretend every printed part equals a molded or machined original.
QWhat tolerances can you hold?
For most replacement parts, we design around functional fit rather than a universal tolerance. Holes, slots, mating faces, and snap features get the attention. Very tight precision work may not be a fit for FDM.
QCan you match color or finish?
Often close, not always exact. Functional fit and material choice come first. We can discuss color, layer direction, surface texture, and finishing expectations before quoting.
What we take onClear boundaries, and where we're based.
QIs there anything you will not make?
We pass on food- or drink-contact parts, safety-critical load-bearing components, firearms, and simple file-to-print work that doesn't need reverse engineering. Defense or military-adjacent work gets reviewed before any commitment.
QWhere are you?
On Guam. Parts are designed and printed locally, which is the point: less waiting on off-island supply chains for a part you need back in service.
QDo you keep my file? Can I reorder?
For repeatable parts, yes, we can keep the job file so future batches are easier to quote and produce. If you don't want us to keep it, tell us before handoff.
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