What to Expect from Your 3D Printed Product
Thank you for consider Printing Garage! We're excited to bring you ready-made, semi-custom, and custom-made items using additive manufacturing technology. To ensure you're completely satisfied with your purchase, here's what makes 3D printed products unique:
The 3D Printing Process
Your item is built layer by layer from the ground up, which creates a durable, functional product with some distinctive characteristics that set it apart from mass-manufactured items.
Visual Characteristics
Layer Lines: You may notice fine horizontal lines on the surface of your product. These are layer lines from the printing process and are a normal part of 3D printed items. Think of them as the "grain" of 3D printing—similar to wood grain in furniture.
Surface Texture: We use a textured print bed to ensure good adhesion and prevent the product from shifting during printing this results in a finish that may have a slightly textured feel rather than being completely smooth. Some products are post-processed for a smoother finish, which will be noted in the product description.
Minor Imperfections: Small blemishes, slight color variations, or tiny gaps between layers may be present. These don't affect the functionality or durability of your item and are inherent to the 3D printing process. These issues are most commonly seen in tight curves between color changes. You can see an example in the 3 on the above number plate where the flat layers weren't able to completely fill the tight corners of the outer edge of the 3.
Strength and Durability
3D printed products are designed to be functional and durable for their intended purpose. However, they may have different strength characteristics than injection-molded plastics:
- Items are strongest along the layer direction
- Avoid dropping items on hard surfaces when possible
- Not recommended for high-impact or high-stress applications
Color and Material
Colors are vibrant but may vary slightly from screen displays. The plastic material has a matte finish unless otherwise specified. Over time and with exposure to sunlight, some fading may occur—this is normal for most plastics.
Care Instructions
- Clean with a soft, damp cloth
- Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners
- Keep away from high heat sources (above 140°F/60°C)
- Hand wash only; not dishwasher safe unless specifically noted
The Beauty of Made-to-Order
Each piece is printed specifically for you, which means:
- Reduced waste and environmental impact
- Customization possibilities
- Each item has its own subtle character
Questions?
If you have any concerns about your product or questions about what to expect, please don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to ensure you love your 3D printed item!
We stand behind the quality of our products. If you receive an item with defects that affect its function or appearance beyond normal 3D printing characteristics, please contact us at support@printinggarage.com within 7 of delivery.