3D printing FAQ · Cambridge, Ontario
Questions?
Answered.
Everything about 3D printing with 3DBuildX, from file types, materials and pricing to Come & Print, workshops, shipping and returns.
33 answers across 5 topics
01 / 4 questions
About & visiting
Who we are, where to find us and when we're open.
What is 3DBuildX?
3DBuildX is a 3D printing store, prototyping studio and maker space in Cambridge, Ontario. We sell filament and accessories, print custom and bulk orders, offer CAD design and printer repair, and run self-serve printing, workshops and birthday parties.
Where is 3DBuildX located?
We're at Unit 101, 55 Dickson Street, Cambridge, Ontario N1S 3S2, Canada. Get directions.
What are your store hours?
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. We're closed on Sundays. Reach us any time at 226-407-0007 or info@3dbuildx.com.
Is there a 3D printing store near Kitchener or Waterloo?
Yes. Our Cambridge store is a short drive from Kitchener, Waterloo, Guelph, Brantford, Woodstock and Milton, so makers from across Waterloo Region and beyond drop in to print, pick up supplies or bring a printer in for repair.
02 / 8 questions
Custom printing & design
Quotes, files, pricing, prototypes, bulk orders and repairs.
Do you offer custom 3D printing?
Yes. We print custom parts, models and products in FDM and resin, from a single piece to small-batch runs. Request a custom 3D printing quote and we'll help you choose the right material and process.
What file types do you accept, and can I bring my own model?
Yes, bring your own design. We accept STL, OBJ and 3MF files. Upload yours on our quote page for a fast quote, or bring it into the store. No file yet? Our team can model it for you from scratch.
How much does custom 3D printing cost?
Pricing depends on the part's size, the material, print time, the level of detail and finish, and the quantity. Larger batches lower the cost per part. Send your file or idea through our quote page and we'll give you a clear price before anything is printed.
Do you offer 3D design, 3D scanning and prototyping services?
Yes. We offer custom CAD modelling, 3D scanning and reverse engineering to turn ideas, sketches or existing parts into printable designs, then produce functional prototypes in FDM or resin so you can test the fit before you commit. We work with entrepreneurs, engineers, inventors and small manufacturers. Discuss your project.
Can you 3D print a replacement for a broken part?
Often, yes. Bring in the broken piece or a reference: we measure or scan it, rebuild it in CAD and print a replacement in a material suited to the job. It's a quick fix for clips, knobs, brackets and discontinued parts.
Can you handle bulk or business 3D printing orders?
Yes. Our print farm handles small-batch and mass production, repeatable components and production runs, with competitive volume-based pricing. Bring your own design or let us create one. See business orders.
Can I order personalized or corporate gifts?
Absolutely. We create personalized 3D-printed gifts and branded merchandise like keyrings, coasters and desk organizers, with custom logos for corporate events, employee gifts and client giveaways, in one-off or small-batch orders. Plan corporate gifts.
Do you offer 3D printer repair and maintenance?
Yes. We troubleshoot, calibrate and repair FDM and resin printers, including nozzle and extruder replacement, bed levelling and firmware updates. Get printer support.
03 / 5 questions
Come & Print, workshops & memberships
Hands-on printing, classes, parties and monthly plans.
Can I use a 3D printer at your store, and how much does it cost?
Yes, through Come & Print, our self-serve print bay, starting from $10.00 CAD per hour. Choose a guided session with staff on hand, or print independently in an unguided bay. No appointment needed: just walk in during store hours.
Do you run 3D printing workshops and classes?
Yes. We run hands-on workshops for beginners, students, families and hobbyists, from how printers work and printer safety to your first print and design skills, plus kids' activities like painting 3D-printed figures and STEM learning. See current workshops and dates.
Can I host a birthday party at 3DBuildX?
Yes. Our creative parties include guided 3D printing, painting printed figures and personalized take-home keepsakes. Call 226-407-0007 to check dates and packages.
How do 3DBuildX memberships work?
Memberships give regular makers monthly printing hours plus member discounts. Explorer ($49/month) includes 10 printing hours, Maker ($99/month) includes 25 hours and priority queue, and Business ($199/month) includes 60 hours, prototype consultation and bulk discounts. Hours work for unguided Come & Print or any printing order, and plans renew monthly. Compare memberships.
Do you offer STEM education kits and accessories?
Yes. We carry STEM accessories and activity kits, perfect for schools, students and young makers learning 3D design and printing.
04 / 5 questions
Shopping, shipping & returns
Products, delivery, pickup, returns and our own brands.
What products does 3DBuildX sell?
3D printing filaments (PLA, PLA+, PETG, ABS, silk, marble and specialty), resins, filament dryers and accessories, printer spare parts, STEM kits and 3D-printed creations, in-store in Cambridge and online. Shop filaments or browse everything.
Do you offer delivery, or can I pick up my order?
Both. We ship orders, with delivery charges depending on your location, and you're welcome to pick up from our store at 55 Dickson St, Unit 101, Cambridge, during business hours.
What is your return policy?
We accept returns within 15 days of delivery for defective items only. Items must be unused and in their original, resalable condition to qualify.
What is DesignerX?
DesignerX is our free, browser-based 3D design tool. Turn text, SVG artwork, QR codes and shapes into nameplates, keychains, QR tags, lithophane lamps and signage, then export STL, colour 3MF or OBJ files, or bring your saved design to our Cambridge shop to print.
What is LayerX?
LayerX is our line of smart, Wi-Fi-enabled home decor, including the Bubble, a 3D-printed planter with an LED base you can set to different colours from the app. Setup help is in the LayerX Support Center.
05 / 11 questions
3D printing basics
Plain-English answers to the questions makers search most.
What is 3D printing and how does it work?
3D printing, also called additive manufacturing, builds an object layer by layer from a digital 3D model. Slicing software cuts your file into thin layers, and the printer either deposits melted plastic (FDM) or cures liquid resin with light (resin) one layer at a time until the part is complete. It's ideal for prototypes, replacement parts, custom gifts and small production runs.
What's the difference between FDM and resin 3D printing?
FDM printing melts plastic filament like PLA, PETG or ABS and is best for strong, functional parts, prototypes and larger objects at a lower cost. Resin printing cures liquid resin with UV light for very fine detail and smooth surfaces, which makes it ideal for miniatures, figures and detailed models. We offer both, and we'll recommend the right one when you request a quote.
PLA, PETG or ABS: which filament should I use?
PLA is rigid and holds fine detail, ideal for models, decor and prototypes, but it softens in a hot car or strong summer sun. PETG is tougher, slightly flexible and more heat- and moisture-resistant, so it suits functional and outdoor parts. ABS handles higher temperatures and impacts but needs an enclosure and good ventilation. Our team is happy to help you pick in-store.
What is the best 3D printing filament for beginners?
PLA or PLA+. It prints at low temperatures, doesn't need an enclosure, barely smells and is forgiving of small settings mistakes, while PLA+ adds extra toughness. Our 3DBuildX PLA+ and eSUN PLA come in a wide range of colours and finishes, including silk, marble and glow-in-the-dark. Shop beginner-friendly filament.
Why should I dry my filament, and how do I store it?
Most filaments absorb moisture from the air. Wet filament causes stringing, popping sounds, rough surfaces and weak layers, and PETG, TPU and nylon are especially sensitive. Store spools sealed with desiccant and dry them before printing. We stock filament dryers and dry boxes that keep spools print-ready.
What do layer height and infill mean?
Layer height is the thickness of each printed layer: thinner layers (around 0.12 mm) give smoother detail but take longer, while thicker layers (around 0.28 mm) print faster. Infill is the internal pattern inside a part, set as a percentage. 15–20% suits most models, while functional parts often use 40% or more plus extra walls for strength.
Are 3D-printed parts strong enough for real use?
Yes, with the right material and settings. Brackets, clips, enclosures, jigs and replacement components are printed every day. Strength depends on the material (PETG, ABS or ASA for tougher jobs), the number of walls, the infill and the orientation the part is printed in. We consider all of this when we quote your project.
How long does 3D printing take?
Anything from under an hour for a small keychain to a day or more for large, detailed parts. Print time depends on the object's size, layer height, infill, material and how many parts print together, and your slicer shows an estimate before you start. For custom orders, we confirm a realistic turnaround with every quote.
Why isn't my 3D print sticking to the bed?
First-layer problems usually come from an unlevelled bed or wrong nozzle height, a dirty build plate (wipe it with isopropyl alcohol), the wrong bed temperature for your material, or drafts. Re-level, clean the plate and slow down the first layer. Still failing? Our printer repair team can diagnose and calibrate your machine.
What is an STL file, and where can I find free 3D models?
An STL file describes a 3D object's surface as a mesh of tiny triangles, which slicing software turns into printer instructions. The newer 3MF format can also store colours, materials and print settings. Download free models from Printables, Thingiverse or MakerWorld, design your own in CAD software like Tinkercad or Fusion, or start from a template in our free DesignerX tool.
Do I need my own 3D printer to get started?
No. Print on our machines through Come & Print, learn the basics at a workshop, or have our team print your project for you. It's the easiest way to find out what you need before buying a printer.
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Still curious?
Ask the people who print every day.
Call, email or drop by the Cambridge store, and bring your file, your broken part or just your idea.