Top 7 Things Every Buyer Should Know Before Ordering 3D Printed Parts

3D printing has transformed the way industries approach product development, prototyping, and even end-use manufacturing. From medical devices to automotive components, businesses are turning to additive manufacturing for faster turnaround times, cost efficiency, and design flexibility.

But while 3D printing offers incredible advantages, first-time buyers often face confusion about where to start, what factors to consider, and how to ensure they get the right results. Ordering 3D printed parts isn’t just about submitting a CAD file—it requires careful planning, the right material selection, and an expert partner who understands your needs.

In this article, we’ll walk through the top 7 things every buyer should know before ordering 3D printed parts, and explain how DigiGlen’s 15+ years of 3D modeling experience and 10+ years in 3D printing can help you avoid mistakes, save costs, and achieve the highest quality results.

1. Choosing the Right 3D Printing Technology

Not all 3D printing technologies are created equal. Each has its strengths depending on your application:

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling): Great for functional prototypes and low-cost production.
SLA (Stereolithography): Ideal for highly detailed prototypes with smooth surfaces.
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering): Best for durable, heat-resistant parts with strong mechanical properties.
MJF (Multi Jet Fusion): Suitable for production-ready parts with complex geometries.

👉 Buyer Tip: Match the technology to your application. For example, medical models may need SLA’s precision, while automotive parts benefit from SLS durability.

How DigiGlen Helps: With expertise across multiple 3D printing technologies, DigiGlen analyzes your project needs and recommends the best method—ensuring you get the right balance of cost, speed, and quality.

2. Material Selection is Critical

Materials determine not only the look of your 3D printed part but also its strength, flexibility, and heat resistance. Buyers often underestimate this step.

Plastics (ABS, PLA, Nylon): Cost-effective, versatile, and suitable for prototypes.
Resins: Perfect for high-detail parts such as jewelry and medical models.
Metals (Steel, Titanium, Aluminum): Used for aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications.

👉 Buyer Tip: Think about the end-use of your part—will it face heat, friction, or stress? That answer dictates your material choice.

How DigiGlen Helps: With over a decade of 3D printing expertise, DigiGlen guides buyers in selecting the right material for their exact use case, balancing durability with cost efficiency.

3. Design Optimization Saves Time and Money

Submitting a CAD design doesn’t guarantee success. 3D printing has design constraints like wall thickness, overhangs, and tolerances. Ignoring these often leads to failed prints or costly rework.

👉 Buyer Tip: Always run a design validation before ordering. Optimize for manufacturability, not just aesthetics.

How DigiGlen Helps: DigiGlen’s 15+ years in 3D modeling across industries (automotive, architecture, medical, consumer products) means the team can refine your designs before printing. This ensures flawless prints and eliminates unexpected costs.

4. Surface Finish and Post-Processing Matter

A printed part rarely comes out “production-ready.” Most applications require post-processing such as sanding, polishing, painting, or coating to achieve the desired finish.

👉 Buyer Tip: Clarify finishing requirements with your service provider upfront to avoid hidden costs.

How DigiGlen Helps: DigiGlen offers end-to-end services, including post-processing, ensuring that your parts aren’t just printed—but delivered in a professional, ready-to-use form.

5. Cost Factors Beyond Printing

Many buyers assume cost is only about print time and material. But several other factors influence pricing:

Machine setup time
Support structures and removal
Post-processing and finishing
Batch size and volume discounts

👉 Buyer Tip: Always request a detailed cost breakdown before placing an order.

How DigiGlen Helps: DigiGlen maintains transparency with pricing, ensuring no surprises. With their experience in scaling projects for industries, they also guide you in cost optimization—whether you need a single prototype or batch production.

7. Choosing the Right 3D Printing Partner

The most important decision a buyer makes is choosing the right partner. A provider who only “prints what you send” might not help you achieve your goals. You need a partner who offers design feedback, technology guidance, material selection, and post-processing support.

👉 Buyer Tip: Look for a provider with proven experience across industries and the ability to support you beyond just printing.

How DigiGlen Helps: DigiGlen isn’t just a printing service—it’s a full-solution partner. With 15+ years in 3D modeling and 10+ years in 3D printing, the team has worked with industries like automotive, healthcare, jewelry, and architecture. They ensure your design is optimized, your part is produced with the right technology, and the final product meets your expectations.

Why DigiGlen is the Right Choice for Buyers

When you choose DigiGlen, you’re not just buying a printed part—you’re gaining a partner who ensures your vision is realized with precision.

15+ Years of 3D Modeling Experience: Expertise in creating detailed, industry-ready designs.
10+ Years of 3D Printing Services: A proven track record across multiple industries.
Industry Applications: Automotive prototypes, medical models, architectural components, jewelry, and consumer products.
End-to-End Support: From design validation to final finishing.
No Minimum Orders: Flexibility to order a single part or a production batch.

This combination of experience, technology, and customer-first approach makes DigiGlen a trusted choice for both first-time buyers and large-scale industries.

Conclusion

Ordering 3D printed parts is more than just uploading a file—it’s about making informed choices in technology, materials, design, and the right partner. By keeping these 7 things in mind, buyers can avoid mistakes, save costs, and get the results they expect.

With DigiGlen’s team of expert designers and advanced 3D printing solutions, your ideas are transformed into tangible products—whether it’s a single prototype or a production-ready part.

👉 Ready to turn your 3D designs into reality? Contact DigiGlen today and experience the difference of working with a team that has over 25 years of combined expertise in 3D modeling and printing.