How we work out a price
No price is invented. Every quote comes from the same formula, applied to the same figures. Here they are in full — you can do the sum yourself.
Five parts
- 01
The material
We measure your piece's real volume and work out the weight of material. A printed piece is hollow inside: the strength you choose decides how much of it is filled, and so what it costs.
weight of material used
- 02
Machine time
A piece occupies the machine for hours, sometimes days. The longer it runs, the more it weighs in the price — it is almost always the biggest part.
by how long it runs
- 03
Preparation and finishing
Preparing the file, starting the run, lifting the piece off and taking the supports away: that work is included in every order. Extra finishing is charged at the rates below.
included + the finishing you choose
- 04
Modelling
Nothing if you supply the file. 23 € for a figure from photos. 14 € an hour if we draw the model from your description.
by where the model comes from
- 05
Delivery
Quoted on your order, by the weight of the parcel and the country.
by zone
The sum is then multiplied by our workshop margin, which covers the rent, the tools, and making a living at this. No order is charged less than 6 €.
A worked example
A 15 cm figure you send us as an STL, printed in matte PLA, at fine detail, decorative, carriage excluded.
- Material - PLA Matte
- 2 €
- 31 g of material
- Printing
- 11 €
- 8 h 07 of printing, estimated
- Preparation
- 3 €
- Preparing the file, starting the run, lifting off and cleaning up
- Delivery
- 0 €
- Offerte sur Chiffré à la commande
- Total
- 15 €
31 g of filament · 8 h 07 of printing
The final figure is set once your file has been prepared for printing. If it goes more than 10 % above the estimate, we ask your agreement before printing — we never raise a price in silence.
The materials
| Material | What for | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| PLA Basic | Our default: crisp detail, plenty of colours, perfect indoors. | Everyday use |
| PLA Matte | No shine, so the layer lines show far less. The best choice for figures. | Everyday use |
| PLA Silk | A satin, metallic sheen, though fine detail comes out less clearly. | Less detail on small pieces |
| PETG | Stronger and heat-resistant: for parts that do a job, and anything left in a car. | Everyday use |
| TPU (flexible) | Bends and springs back, like the sole of a shoe. | Slower to print, so dearer |
ABS, ASA and nylon are not offered. See why.
The detail
| Level | Layer | Effect | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draft | 0,28 mm | Visible layers. Good for mock-ups and large pieces. | ×0.7 |
| Standard | 0,20 mm | The right compromise. Suits almost anything. | ×1.0 |
| Fine | 0,12 mm | Smooth surfaces, sharp faces and small details. | ×1.7 |
| Very fine | 0,08 mm | As much detail as there is. Far longer to print. | ×2.5 |
The strength
Decorative
10 % infill
Sits on a shelf and gets looked at. Light and inexpensive.
Everyday use
20 % infill
Handled every day, survives a fall off the table.
Has to carry a load
40 % infill
Used as a bracket or a moving part: dense and stiff.
The finishing
| Finishing | What it is | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Support removal | We take the supports off and clean up the marks. Always included. | included |
| Sanding | We sand the surfaces down to take the layer lines out. | 40 € |
| Hand painting | A primer coat, then painted by hand from your references. | 180 € |
| Protective varnish | A matt or gloss coat that protects the paint. | 50 € |
| Built-in magnet | A magnet set into the piece: it holds on a fridge or any metal surface. | 15 € |
| Built-in LED | A small battery LED in the base, to light the piece. | 60 € |
| Engraved base | A name, a date or a short text printed in relief on the base. | 45 € |
Discounts and surcharges
- From 5 copies
- −10 %
- From 10 copies
- −18 %
- From 25 copies
- −25 %
- Express (jump the queue)
- +35 %
- Several colours (AMS)
- +10% and 12 g purged per colour
- Split into parts
- 3 € per extra part
Delivery
- Chiffré à la commande
- Free · 3 working days
- Any order above 90 €
- Free
Payment
- On delivery, in cash
- No extra charge
- An order over 36 € in cash
- A 30 % deposit is asked for
- A made-to-order piece
- A 30 % deposit in every case
A made-to-order piece is no use to anyone but you: that is why we ask for something up front before starting. The rest is settled on delivery.
The simplest thing: send us your piece
We check the file and send you the price. It is free, needs no account, and commits you to nothing.