How to place your first order.

Everything you need to prepare before requesting a quote — files, part details, material goals, and what to expect from the review process through to delivery.

Step 1

Prepare your file or part description.

If you have a 3D model file

This is the fastest path to an accurate quote. Accepted formats:

  • STL — most common, works for most jobs
  • STEP / STP — best for precision geometry and mechanical fit
  • 3MF — good for color and multi-part models
  • OBJ — accepted for most jobs
  • ZIP — use for multiple related files

Export at 1:1 scale. Use one file per part. Name files clearly — include the part name and revision if known.

Review FDM design guidelines before uploading →

If you do not have a 3D model yet

You can still submit a quote request. Send what you have:

  • Clear photos from multiple angles
  • Measurements — length, width, height, wall thickness
  • A sketch or drawing, even hand-drawn
  • A written description of what the part is and does

This works best for replacement parts where a broken original exists. Include what broke, how the part is used, and what it attaches to.

Step 2

Know your part requirements before submitting.

Material goal

You do not need to know the exact material — but describe how the part will be used. Indoor or outdoor? Any heat exposure? Does it need to flex or be rigid? Load-bearing? We will recommend the right material based on the use case.

See material comparison →

Quantity

Include the first-run quantity and any expected reorder volume. Prototype, sample, and batch orders are quoted differently. Knowing your reorder plan upfront helps pricing and scheduling.

Target date

Include when you need the parts. Standard prototype runs target 1–3 business days. Small-batch production targets 3 business days. Rush production is available for time-sensitive jobs — mention the deadline and it will be included in the quote.

Surface expectations

FDM parts have visible layer lines — that is normal and expected. Tell us which faces are visible, whether cosmetic finish matters, and if any surfaces need to look better than others. This affects print orientation and cleanup.

Delivery preference

Standard, priority, expedited, and local pickup (Winder, GA) are all available. Include the destination ZIP code. Shipping cost is included in the quote.

Color preference

Include your preferred filament color. We stock a range of colors across materials. Exact Pantone/RAL matching is not guaranteed — we will confirm what is available for your chosen material.

Step 3

Submit the quote request.

01

Fill out the quote form

The form covers project type, quantity, material preference, target date, delivery, and use-case notes. Domestic and international customers each have their own field set. File upload is built in — attach your model, photos, or drawings directly.

Quote form
02

Confirm design rights

The form requires confirmation that you own, created, licensed, or are authorized to produce the submitted files. This is required before the request can be sent — it protects both you and the shop.

Authorization
03

We review the job

After submission, the model and requirements are reviewed for printability, material fit, support needs, finish expectations, and production feasibility. If anything needs clarification before pricing, we will reach out — usually by email.

Review
04

You receive and approve the quote

The quote includes material, quantity, production timeline, any rush fees, packing, and shipping costs. Nothing goes into production until the quote is approved.

Approval
05

Parts are produced and shipped

Production runs on the confirmed schedule. Parts are inspected before packing. Shipping confirmation and tracking are provided once the order is dispatched to the selected carrier or ready for local pickup.

Production · Delivery
Start the Quote Form
International brands

Extra steps for international company inquiries.

All finished parts ship to U.S. addresses only. International companies can work with us by having parts delivered to a U.S. warehouse, fulfillment partner, or direct to U.S. customers.

What to include in the first inquiry

  • Company legal name and country
  • Product category and intended end use
  • U.S. shipping destination
  • Whether the project involves regulated, sensitive, or controlled-use applications
  • Owner or parent company name if relevant
See the full Global Brands intake process →

What the review covers

International inquiries go through a compliance intake review before quoting. This covers company location, ownership, product type, end use, and restricted-party screening. Most inquiries clear review without issue. Honest disclosure upfront leads to faster review.

HexCore Manufacturing does not provide legal, customs, tax, or trade compliance advice. Companies are responsible for their own obligations.

Tips for a faster quote

What separates a fast quote from a slow one.

Incomplete requests are the most common reason for delays. These are the details that make the biggest difference.

Include in every request

  • Production-ready model file (or photos and measurements)
  • What the part does and where it will be used
  • Quantity for first run and expected reorders
  • Material preference or use-case description
  • Color preference
  • Target date and preferred turnaround
  • Ship-to ZIP code

Add for replacement parts

  • Photos of the original part from multiple angles
  • Overall length, width, height
  • Wall thickness and hole/peg geometry if known
  • Photo with a ruler or caliper for scale
  • What broke and where the part carries load
  • Product the part came from
  • How the part attaches or connects
Ready to start?

Send the file, quantity, material goal, and target date.

Include delivery preference, use environment, and any strength, heat, flex, or finish requirements.

Request a Quote