Print Quality & Manufacturing Standards Policy

Effective Date: 30 June 2026

At 3D Print It, we are committed to producing high-quality 3D printed parts using professional equipment, quality materials, and industry best practices. As additive manufacturing differs from traditional manufacturing methods, every printed part has unique characteristics.

This policy explains the standards we aim to achieve and the manufacturing characteristics that customers should expect.

1. Scope

This Policy applies to all products manufactured by 3D Print It, including:

Prototypes
Functional parts
Replacement parts
Engineering components
Display models
Cosplay props
Miniatures
Architectural models
Educational models
Commercial production parts

2. Understanding 3D Printing

3D printing (additive manufacturing) creates parts by depositing material in successive layers.

Unlike injection moulding or CNC machining, printed parts may naturally display:

Visible layer lines
Minor surface texture variations
Slight dimensional variations
Support contact marks
Small seam lines
Minor colour variation between production batches

These characteristics are normal and are not considered manufacturing defects.

3. Manufacturing Equipment

3D Print It uses professional-grade 3D printers that are regularly maintained and calibrated.

To maintain consistent quality, we:

calibrate printers regularly;
inspect completed prints;
monitor material condition and storage;
use appropriate slicing profiles for each material;
perform routine machine maintenance.

4. Dimensional Accuracy

Actual dimensions may vary depending on:

material selected;
model geometry;
wall thickness;
print orientation;
shrinkage characteristics;
environmental conditions;
print size.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, typical dimensional accuracy is approximately:

±0.2 mm or ±0.5% of the nominal dimension (whichever is greater) for most FDM printed parts.

Very small features, thin walls, and large components may have greater variation.

Where tighter tolerances are required, please discuss your requirements before placing an order.

5. Surface Finish

Unless post-processing has been purchased, standard printed parts may include:

visible layer lines;
support removal marks;
seam lines;
slight texture differences;
minor cosmetic blemishes.

Surface quality varies depending on:

material;
layer height;
print orientation;
model geometry.

These characteristics are inherent to additive manufacturing.

6. Support Structures

Many models require temporary support structures during printing.

Although supports are carefully removed, they may leave:

small witness marks;
slight texture differences;
minor surface imperfections.

Support contact areas are selected to minimise visible marks where practical, but complete elimination is not always possible.

7. Print Orientation

We determine the print orientation that best balances:

structural strength;
dimensional accuracy;
surface finish;
print reliability;
material usage;
production efficiency.

If a specific print orientation is required, it must be requested before production begins.

Changing the print orientation may affect the appearance, strength, and cost of the finished product.

8. Material Characteristics

Different materials have different properties.

Characteristics may include:

varying flexibility;
differing strength;
heat resistance;
UV resistance;
moisture sensitivity;
colour consistency;
surface texture.

Material data sheets provide general guidance only and should not be relied upon as engineering certification.

9. Colour Variation

Colours may vary due to:

manufacturer batch differences;
filament production tolerances;
lighting conditions;
monitor calibration;
printing temperatures.

Exact colour matching cannot be guaranteed unless specifically agreed in writing.

10. Functional Parts

Where parts are intended for functional use, customers are responsible for ensuring:

the design is suitable for its intended application;
the selected material is appropriate;
adequate testing is performed before operational use.

Unless expressly agreed otherwise, our products are not certified for safety-critical applications.

11. Post-Processing

Where purchased, post-processing may include:

support removal;
sanding;
deburring;
assembly;
adhesive bonding;
painting;
priming;
surface finishing.

Minor cosmetic variations may remain even after post-processing.

12. Quality Inspection

Every order undergoes an inspection before dispatch.

Inspection may include:

visual assessment;
dimensional spot checks where appropriate;
confirmation of material and colour;
verification against the approved design files.

Inspection does not constitute engineering certification or product testing.

13. Customer Review

Customers should inspect their order as soon as reasonably possible after delivery.

If you believe your order contains a manufacturing defect or differs materially from the approved specifications, please contact us promptly with:

your order number;
photographs;
a description of the issue.

We will assess the matter in accordance with our Returns & Refund Policy and applicable New Zealand law.

14. Design Limitations

We manufacture parts based on customer-supplied files.

We are not responsible for issues arising from:

incorrect dimensions;
inadequate wall thickness;
unsupported geometry;
insufficient tolerances;
poor model design;
assembly fit issues;
mechanical failure caused by design limitations.

Where practical, we may advise of obvious concerns before production begins, but we are not responsible for validating every aspect of a customer’s design.

15. Environmental Factors

Finished parts may be affected by environmental conditions after delivery, including:

prolonged UV exposure;
excessive heat;
moisture;
chemicals;
heavy mechanical loading;
impact damage;
improper storage.

Customers should ensure printed parts are used within the limitations of the selected material.

16. Continuous Improvement

We regularly review and improve our manufacturing processes, equipment, materials, and quality procedures to provide the highest standard of service reasonably achievable.

17. Contact Us

If you have questions about print quality, materials, manufacturing tolerances, or this Policy, please contact:

3D Print It

Website: https://3dprintit.co.nz

Email: info@3dprintit.co.nz

Print Quality & Manufacturing Standards Policy: