New to 3D printing?

Everything you
need to know.

Whether you've never heard of 3D printing or you just want to understand the details before ordering, this page has you covered.

The basics

How 3D printing
actually works.

It starts as a spool of filament. It ends as the exact thing you had in mind. What happens in between is where we come in.

01

Start With an Idea

A file from a 3D model site. A design your team created. A sketch on a napkin. If it exists digitally, we can build it physically.

02

We Take It From Here

Our print masters analyze your file and dial in every setting. Material, orientation, layer precision, structural reinforcement. This is the part that separates a great print from a failed one.

03

Magic.

Layer by layer, your object takes shape. No molds. No tooling. No minimums. Just raw material transformed into exactly what you asked for.

Turnaround Most orders ship in 7–10 business days. Need it faster? Priority and Rush options are available.
Materials

Two materials.
Pick the one that fits.

PLA for looks and detail. PETG for strength and durability. Not sure which one? Our print masters will recommend the best material for your project during review.

PLA

The all-rounder.

The most popular 3D printing material. Smooth finish, vibrant colors, and great detail. Perfect for display pieces, models, figurines, and decorative items. If you're not sure, pick this.

Flower vases · figurines · prototypes · cosplay props · desk organizers · decorative art
Most popular
Not ideal for parts that get hot (like near a car dashboard) or need to flex repeatedly.

PETG

Tough and resilient.

Water-resistant and impact-tolerant. Won't crack under pressure or warp in sunlight. Great for functional parts that need to survive real use, outdoor conditions, or daily wear and tear.

Water bottles · outdoor planters · tool holders · kitchen gadgets · drone frames · enclosures
Best for outdoors
Need ABS, TPU, or specialty filaments? We offer heat-resistant, flexible, and engineering-grade materials for projects that need them. Tell us about your project
Need a file?

Browse millions of free 3D models.

Don't have a file yet? These sites have millions of free, downloadable 3D models. Find one you like, download the STL, and upload it here. You'll see it in 3D with live pricing before you order.

Makerworld Thangs Thingiverse Printables Cults3D
File Tips

Tips for the
best print.

Not requirements. Just things that help your part come out great.

Already have a file?

You're good. Upload it and we'll take care of the rest. Our print masters review every file before production and will reach out if anything needs attention.

Designing your own?

A few things that help: keep walls at least 1.5mm thick, avoid overhangs steeper than 45 degrees from vertical, and export as STL for the best compatibility. Our print masters will flag anything that might not print well before production starts.

Setting up a classroom project?

Give students these constraints before they start: minimum 2mm wall thickness, maximum 25cm in any direction, and export as STL from TinkerCAD. We print files exactly as submitted, so these constraints save time and reduce reprints.

At a Glance

Quick Reference

{ }
Formats
.STL .OBJ .3MF .STEP
500
Max File Size
500 MB
1.5
Wall Thickness
1.5mm+ recommended
25
Max Print Size
25 x 25 x 25 cm
45
Overhang Limit
45 degrees from vertical
.stl
Best Export
STL (binary)
Questions

Frequently asked.

What file formats do you accept?+
We accept .STL, .OBJ, .3MF, and .STEP files for all orders. STL, OBJ, and 3MF files get a full 3D preview on our site. STEP files are accepted and reviewed by our print masters. For business inquiries, we also accept native CAD formats including .SLDPRT, .SLDASM (SolidWorks), .IGES, .X_T (Parasolid), and .DXF. No conversion needed.
How long does it take to get my print?+
Standard orders ship in 7–10 business days with free standard shipping. Priority ships in 4–6 business days and Rush ships in 2–3 business days, both at an additional cost. Pricing for faster turnaround is included in your quote.
What if my file has issues?+
We review every file before production. If we determine that a file can't produce a quality print due to structural issues, geometry problems, or anything else, we'll reach out to explain what's wrong and why we can't guarantee a good result. We won't charge you for something we can't stand behind.
Can you print in multiple colors?+
Currently each print is a single color. We offer a wide selection of colors across all materials. Multi-color printing is on our roadmap. When it's ready, you'll see it here.
Do you offer post-processing?+
Yes, post-processing is included with every print. We remove all supports, clean up the surface, and inspect the part before shipping. If you need additional finishing like sanding or acetone smoothing (ABS), mention it in your order notes.
What's the maximum print size?+
Our standard printers handle up to 256 × 256 × 256 mm (roughly 10 × 10 × 10 inches). That's our XL size tier. Need something bigger? Email us at hello@pangeaprinting.com with your project details and we'll do our best to accommodate you using our commercial-grade printers.
Do you offer local pickup?+
Not at this time. All orders ship directly to your door. Standard shipping is free. Priority and Rush options include faster production and upgraded shipping methods at an additional cost.
How accurate is the price estimate?+
The estimate on our site is based on size, material, and speed. Your final quote from our print masters may differ based on the actual sliced weight, complexity, supports needed, and infill. We always confirm the exact price before charging you.
What's your refund policy?+
If we made a mistake (wrong material, wrong color, structural defect) we'll reprint or refund. If the issue is with the file you submitted, the color you selected, or normal characteristics of 3D printing (like layer lines), those aren't covered. Full details are in our Refund & Returns Policy.

Ready to print?

Upload your file, pick your options, and our print masters handle the rest.

Start a Project