Frequently asked questions.
Answers to common questions about quoting, materials, files, shipping, international orders, and repeat production. If your question is not here, email quotes@hexcoremanufacturing.com.
Getting a quote
What file types do you accept?
STL, STEP, 3MF, OBJ, and ZIP archives are preferred. STEP files are best when geometry accuracy matters. Photos, drawings, and measurements can also be submitted — especially helpful for replacement parts where a model does not exist yet.
Do you design parts or only print supplied files?
We print from supplied files. If you have photos, measurements, or a rough sketch, include those in the quote request along with a clear description of the part purpose and fit requirements. A production-ready 3D model is always the fastest path to an accurate quote.
What makes a quote request faster to turn around?
Send the model file, quantity, material preference, color, target date, delivery preference, and a clear description of what the part does and where it will be used. Incomplete requests are the most common cause of delays.
What affects the price of a quote?
Material, part size, print time, quantity, support structure complexity, post-print cleanup, packing, rush scheduling, and delivery method can all affect pricing. Larger parts, complex geometry, and rush timelines cost more than standard small-batch runs.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
No hard minimum. Single prototypes and multi-hundred-unit batches are both quoted. Pricing per unit typically improves at higher quantities. Include your quantity and any expected reorder volume in the request.
Can I get a quote without sending a 3D file?
Yes. Send photos, measurements, a drawing, or a clear written description. This works best for straightforward replacement pieces. A production-ready model is still the most accurate starting point for pricing.
Material questions
What materials do you print with?
Standard materials include PLA, PLA+, PETG, PCTG, TPU, and ASA. Extended materials — ABS, nylon, HIPS, and composite filaments — may be available for production runs that justify the setup. See the full materials page or mention your needs in the quote.
How do I know which material is right for my part?
Describe how the part will be used: indoors or outdoors, heat or UV exposure, whether it needs to flex, load requirements, and surface finish expectations. The materials page has a full comparison. We will recommend based on your use case.
Can you match a specific color?
We stock a range of filament colors. Exact Pantone or RAL matching is not guaranteed — availability varies by material and supplier. Include your color preference in the quote request and we will confirm what is available for the chosen material.
What surface finish should I expect?
Standard FDM parts show visible layer lines. This is normal. Layer visibility depends on layer height, orientation, and material. Parts intended for visible product use should have surface expectations stated clearly so orientation and settings can be reviewed before production.
Are extended materials available for all orders?
Extended materials such as ABS, nylon, and composite filaments may be available when the production run warrants the setup. These sometimes require specific printer configuration or enclosure conditions that add setup time and cost. Mention your material needs in the quote and we will evaluate availability.
Production and timing
How long does production take?
Approved prototype orders can be ready in as little as 1-3 business days. Small-batch production targets 3 business days. Timelines depend on part size, material, quantity, print time, post-print handling, and current queue. All timelines are confirmed before work begins.
Do you offer rush production?
Rush production is available for time-sensitive jobs when machine capacity, material, quantity, and print time allow. Rush fees are included in the quote before production begins. Mention your deadline clearly in the quote request.
How do repeat orders work?
Once a part completes a production run and is approved, the file, material, color, print settings, and handling notes are kept on record. Reorders reference that record so the next run is faster to quote and schedule.
What happens if a part fails during production?
Failed prints that do not meet job requirements are reprinted before shipment. A small failure buffer is factored into quote pricing for longer runs. If design geometry issues are identified during review — unsupported overhangs, thin walls, tolerance problems — those will be flagged before production starts when possible.
Can I get the same part in multiple materials for comparison?
Yes. Request a material comparison set in the quote — specify the part, the materials you want to test, and quantity per material. Common for customers deciding between PLA, PETG, and ASA before committing to a larger run.
Shipping and delivery
Do you ship internationally?
No. HexCore Manufacturing manufactures and ships within the United States only. We do not ship finished orders outside the U.S. International brand customers have parts delivered to a U.S. address — a warehouse, fulfillment partner, or direct to U.S.-based customers.
What shipping options are available?
Standard, priority, and expedited shipping through major carriers, plus local pickup in the Winder, Georgia area. Shipping costs are included in the quote. Provide the destination ZIP code and preferred delivery speed when submitting a request.
Can you ship directly to my customers?
Domestic U.S. addresses can be the ship-to destination. If you need parts shipped to multiple U.S. addresses or fulfilled as individual customer orders, describe the packaging and shipping requirements in the quote so logistics can be reviewed and priced.
Is local pickup available?
Yes. Local pickup is available at the Winder, Georgia location. Select local pickup as the preferred delivery option in the quote request and pickup timing will be confirmed once the order is ready.
International company questions
Can international companies request production?
Yes. Approved international companies can request U.S.-based production for parts destined to U.S. addresses. All international inquiries go through an intake review covering company details, product category, end use, and destination. See the Global Brands page for the intake process.
Which countries can work with HexCore Manufacturing?
We currently accept inquiries from most countries. Projects involving sanctioned countries, blocked persons, restricted parties, or controlled-use applications require additional review and may not be accepted. When in doubt, submit an inquiry and we will review honestly.
Do you provide customs, trade, or tax advice?
No. HexCore Manufacturing does not provide legal, customs, tax, or trade compliance advice. Companies are responsible for their own obligations and obtaining qualified guidance when needed.
What details are needed for an international brand inquiry?
Company legal name, country, contact details, product category, intended end use, U.S. shipping destination, and whether the project involves regulated or sensitive applications. See the Global Brands checklist for the full list.
Send the file, quantity, material goal, and target date.
Include delivery preference, use environment, and any strength, heat, flex, or finish requirements.