Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about our 3D printing services. Can’t find your answer?Contact us — we’re here to help.

General questions

What's the turnaround time for 3D printing Montreal?

We offer same-day service for urgent projects – upload by 9 AM and pickup by 5 PM in Montreal and Laval. Standard turnaround is 2-3 business days. Rush service is available for faster delivery when needed. Turnaround depends on part size, complexity, and quantity.

Do you ship across Canada?

Yes! While we’re based in Montreal, we ship to all Canadian provinces. Typical delivery times: Ottawa 1-2 days, Toronto 2-3 days, Quebec City 1-2 days, Calgary 3-4 days, Vancouver 4-5 days. All shipments are fully insured for your peace of mind.

What file formats do you accept?

We accept STL, STEP, IGES, OBJ, and most native CAD file formats including SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Inventor, and CATIA. If you’re unsure about your file format, contact us and we’ll help convert it for printing.

Can I pick up my parts in person?

Absolutely! We offer convenient pickup at our Montreal facility and Laval location. Same-day pickup is available for rush orders. Schedule your pickup time when placing your order for added convenience.

What's the cost of 3D printing?

Pricing depends on part size, material choice, printing technology (SLA/SLS/FDM), and quantity. Use our instant quote system to get pricing in seconds, or contact us for custom quotes on complex projects. We offer volume discounts and special rates for students and educational institutions. For real starting prices by technology — and the factors that move them — see our 3D printing cost guide.

Do you offer volume discounts?

Yes, our pricing scales with quantity. The more parts you order, the lower the per-unit cost. Contact us for custom quotes on production runs or recurring orders. We also offer special pricing for educational institutions and startups.

Can you help with design and CAD services?

Yes! Our team offers full CAD design services, design optimization for 3D printing, and reverse engineering from physical samples. Whether you need a complete design from scratch or modifications to existing files, we can help.

What industries do you serve in Montreal?

We serve Montreal’s diverse industries including aerospace (Bombardier suppliers, CAE partners), medical devices (McGill Health, research institutions), architecture (McGill Architecture, local firms), education (McGill, Concordia, Polytechnique), and manufacturing. Our expertise spans from rapid prototyping to production parts.

Questions about SLS 3D printing,

How long does SLS printing take?

SLS printing typically takes 12-48 hours depending on build height and complexity. Unlike other 3D printing methods, the number of parts doesn’t significantly affect build time since the entire powder bed is processed layer by layer. Post-processing and cooling add another 12-24 hours to the total turnaround time.

Is SLS printing stronger than FDM?

Yes, SLS parts are generally stronger than FDM parts. SLS creates more isotropic (uniform) strength in all directions because powder particles are fused together uniformly. FDM parts can be weak between layer lines, while SLS parts maintain consistent strength throughout. SLS nylon materials also have superior chemical resistance and temperature tolerance.

What file formats do you accept for SLS?

We accept STL, OBJ, and 3MF file formats. STL is most common and preferred. Files should be manifold (watertight) with no holes or non-manifold edges. We recommend exporting STL files with high resolution (0.1mm chord tolerance) to capture fine details accurately.

Can SLS parts be painted or dyed?

Yes, SLS nylon parts can be painted, dyed, or chemically smoothed. The slightly porous surface of SLS parts actually helps paint adhesion. Parts can be dyed in various colors using fabric dyes, or painted with standard primers and paints. Chemical smoothing with acetone vapor can create very smooth surfaces when needed.

What's the minimum order for SLS printing?

There’s no minimum order quantity – we can print single prototypes or production runs of hundreds of parts. However, SLS becomes more cost-effective at higher quantities due to the batch production nature. Even single parts benefit from SLS’s support-free printing and strong material properties.

How accurate are SLS printed parts?

SLS parts typically achieve ±0.3% dimensional accuracy with a lower limit of ±0.3mm. This means a 100mm dimension would be accurate to ±0.3mm, while smaller features may have up to ±0.3mm variation. Critical dimensions can be post-machined for tighter tolerances if required.

What post-processing is included?

Standard post-processing includes depowdering (removing excess powder), basic surface cleaning, and quality inspection. Additional services like bead blasting for smoother finish, dyeing, or machining of critical features are available at extra cost. Most functional parts work well with standard finishing.

Can you print moving assemblies in SLS?

Yes! SLS’s support-free printing allows for printing assemblies with moving parts, interlocked components, and complex internal mechanisms in a single build. Clearances of 0.4-0.5mm are typically needed between moving parts to ensure they separate properly after printing.

How do you ensure part quality?

Every build is monitored with temperature sensors and laser power controls. Parts undergo dimensional inspection using calibrated measuring tools. We maintain detailed build records and can provide material certificates and dimensional reports upon request. Critical parts can receive additional inspection services.

What's your shipping policy across Canada?

We ship via Canada Post and courier services across all provinces and territories. Standard shipping (3-5 business days) is included for orders over $500. Express shipping (1-2 business days) is available at additional cost. Parts are carefully packaged to prevent damage during transport.

Common questions about 3D printing for aerospace applications

Can 3D printed parts be used in actual flight applications?

Yes, 3D printed parts are increasingly used in aerospace applications. While critical structural components still require traditional manufacturing and extensive certification, 3D printing is widely used for interior components, brackets, ducting, tooling, and non-critical parts. Materials like ULTEM 9085 meet FAA requirements (FAR 25.853) for aircraft interiors. For flight-critical applications, 3D printing is primarily used for rapid prototyping and validation before transitioning to certified production methods.

What certifications and compliance standards do your materials meet?

Our aerospace materials meet various industry standards: ULTEM 9085 is FAR 25.853 compliant (flame, smoke, toxicity) and meets OSU 65/65 requirements for aircraft interiors. PA12 nylon is biocompatible and FDA contact approved. All materials are RoHS compliant. We provide material data sheets and test reports with every order. For projects requiring specific certifications, we can work with you to ensure material selection meets your compliance requirements.

What tolerances can you achieve for aerospace components?

Tolerances vary by technology: SLA printing achieves ±0.05mm to ±0.1mm on smaller features with excellent surface finish (Ra 0.4μm). SLS typically achieves ±0.3mm or ±0.3% (whichever is greater). FDM ranges from ±0.2mm to ±0.5mm depending on part size and geometry. For applications requiring tighter tolerances, we offer post-machining services. We always recommend discussing specific tolerance requirements during the quoting process.

How quickly can you turn around aerospace prototypes?

Standard turnaround is 3-5 business days for most aerospace prototypes. Rush service (24-48 hours) is available for urgent projects. Complex assemblies or large batches may require 1-2 weeks. Lead times depend on part size, quantity, material, and finishing requirements. We understand the fast-paced nature of aerospace development and work to accommodate tight deadlines whenever possible. Contact us to discuss your specific timeline needs.

Can you handle projects under NDA or with ITAR restrictions?

Yes, we regularly work with aerospace clients under Non-Disclosure Agreements and understand the sensitivity of aerospace intellectual property. We can execute NDAs before discussing project details. AllPrototype is ITAR registered for aerospace and defense work. Contact us to discuss your ITAR-controlled project. For most commercial aerospace projects not subject to ITAR, we can provide full service with appropriate confidentiality protections in place.

What file formats do you accept and what documentation do you need?

We accept all standard 3D file formats including STEP (.stp, .step), IGES (.igs, .iges), STL, OBJ, and native CAD files (SolidWorks, CATIA, etc.). STEP files are preferred as they preserve exact geometry. For optimal results, provide: 3D CAD files, technical drawings with critical dimensions and tolerances, material requirements, surface finish specifications, and quantity needed. We’ll review your files and provide a detailed quote with recommendations.

Do you offer design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) services?

Yes, we offer DfAM consulting to help optimize your designs for 3D printing. Our engineers can review your designs and suggest modifications to improve printability, reduce material usage, eliminate supports, optimize orientation, and enhance performance. This service is particularly valuable for aerospace applications where weight optimization and design efficiency are critical. We can also assist with topology optimization and generative design implementation. Contact us to discuss your design optimization needs.

Can you provide material testing data and certifications?

Yes, we provide comprehensive material data sheets with mechanical properties, thermal characteristics, and chemical resistance for all materials. We can also provide batch-specific test reports for critical applications. For aerospace projects requiring additional testing (tensile testing, thermal analysis, flammability testing, etc.), we can coordinate with certified testing laboratories. All materials come from reputable suppliers with full traceability. We maintain detailed records for quality assurance and can provide documentation as needed for your certification processes.

Common questions from educators and researchers

Do you offer special academic pricing for universities and schools?

Yes! We offer discounted academic rates for educational institutions, research projects, and student teams. Bulk pricing is available for classroom sets. Contact us with your .edu email for a custom quote.

Can you help with research grant proposals?

Absolutely. We can provide technical specifications, sample images, cost estimates, and feasibility assessments to strengthen your grant applications. Many researchers include our quotes in their budget justifications.

What's the turnaround time for research project prints?

Standard turnaround is 3-5 business days. We understand research deadlines and offer priority service for conference submissions, thesis defenses, and grant deadlines. Rush service available in 24-48 hours.

Can you print from my research data (CT scans, MRI, simulations)?

Yes! We regularly work with medical imaging (DICOM), simulation outputs (CFD, FEA), and scientific datasets. We can process your raw data into printable 3D models with appropriate scaling and optimization.

Do you provide documentation for academic publications?

Yes, we provide detailed technical documentation including materials, methods, equipment used, and process parameters suitable for Methods sections in peer-reviewed journals. We can be acknowledged in publications.

Can students visit your facility or get technical training?

We welcome student groups for facility tours and offer workshops on design for 3D printing. Contact us to arrange educational visits or training sessions for engineering and design courses.

What materials are best for teaching aids and classroom models?

For classroom use, we recommend PLA (affordable, colorful, safe) or PA12 Nylon (durable, handles frequent student use). We can advise on the best material for your specific educational application and budget.

Can you iterate designs quickly for research projects?

Yes, rapid iteration is one of 3D printing’s key advantages. We keep your CAD files on hand and can produce updated versions within 24-48 hours, enabling you to test multiple hypotheses quickly.

Do you work with undergraduate and graduate student projects?

Absolutely! We support capstone projects, master’s theses, doctoral research, and competition teams. We offer consultation to help students optimize designs and choose appropriate materials for their projects.

Can we establish a purchase order or institutional account?

Yes, we gladly work with institutional purchasing departments. We can set up accounts with NET30 payment terms for universities and research institutions. Contact our team to establish an account.

Everything you need to know about 3D printing services in downtown Montreal

How quickly can I get 3D printed parts in Downtown Montreal?

Turnaround times vary by technology and complexity. SLA parts typically take 24-48 hours, FDM 2-4 days, and SLS 3-5 days. We offer 2-4 hours rush service for urgent projects. Contact us before 10 AM for same-day service availability on select projects.

What file formats do you accept?

We accept STL, OBJ, STEP, and most standard 3D file formats. If you don’t have a 3D file, we can help with CAD design services or 3D scanning to create the digital model you need.

Do you offer pickup in Downtown Montreal?

Yes! We offer free pickup during business hours (Monday-Friday 9 AM – 5 PM). We can also arrange after-hours and weekend pickup for urgent projects. Delivery throughout Downtown Montreal is also available, with free delivery on orders over $200.

What materials are available for 3D printing?

We offer 50+ materials across our three technologies: standard and engineering resins for SLA (including tough, flexible, castable, and high-temp), nylon materials for SLS (including glass-filled and flame retardant), and thermoplastics for FDM (ABS, PLA, PETG, PC, and more).

Can you help with design optimization?

Absolutely! Our team can review your design for manufacturability and suggest optimizations to improve strength, reduce cost, or achieve better surface finish. We offer full CAD design services if you need help creating or modifying your 3D model.

What industries do you serve?

We work with businesses and individuals across all industries in Downtown Montreal: product design, architecture, medical/dental, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, consumer goods, art and jewelry, education, and research. Each project receives the same attention to quality regardless of industry.

How much does 3D printing cost?

Pricing depends on size, material, technology, and quantity. Pricing starts at our $50 shop minimum and depends on size, material, and technology. Use our online quoting tool for instant pricing, or send us your files for a detailed quote. Volume discounts are available for multiple parts or recurring orders.

Do you sign NDAs for confidential projects?

Yes, we’re happy to sign non-disclosure agreements to protect your intellectual property. All customer files are stored securely and never shared. We understand the importance of confidentiality in product development.

What's your quality guarantee?

Every part is inspected before delivery. If you’re not satisfied with the quality, we’ll reprint it for free. We stand behind our work and maintain strict quality control standards across all technologies and materials.

Can you handle production volumes?

Yes! While we specialize in prototyping, we can handle production runs from 10 to 1,000+ parts. SLS is particularly well-suited for batch production due to its efficient material usage and no support structure requirement. Contact us to discuss your volume needs.

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Aerospace

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Frequently asked questions

General questions

Questions about SLS 3D printing,

Common questions about 3D printing for aerospace applications

Common questions from educators and researchers

Everything you need to know about 3D printing services in downtown Montreal

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