What does First Available Material mean?
With 3D printing, packing each build as efficiently as possible helps maintain the quality of the products produced. Selecting first available, where Shapeways decides which material your product will be printed with, helps each build of our powder bed 3D printers to be packed as efficiently as possible.
Will the quality be different?
The quality will be the same since we are selecting from the SLS and MJF materials we currently use.
Does the lead times vary on which material is selected?
The lead time for First Available Material is listed during the checkout process and varies depending on the manufacturing speed selected.
How is it decided on what material I will get?
It will be based on the available space in a given build. Depending on when your order is received, the manufacturing speed selected, and the space available in either a SLS or MJF build, that is the material your product will be printed in.
What are the possible materials?
The materials will be industrial grade powder bed material for SLS or MJF printers.
Why did the product I received not look like the last product I ordered in when selecting First Available?
Depending on which build had space determines the material it was manufactured with. If a specific material is needed to meet your product requirements, we suggest selecting a specific material instead of the first available material.
What color and finishes are available for this product?
The color will vary depending on the material it is manufactured with and remain in the natural color for the material. Specific colors are not available at this time. If you need a specific color for your product, we suggest selecting a specific material that can be finished with your desired color.
How long will it take to receive a model in this material?
The material speed lead time and the shipping method selected will determine when you will receive your model. Please select what meets your needs during the checkout process.
Can I finish (smooth and dye) the material myself?
It is possible to finish your product yourself for a more customized look. Depending on the material you may have varied outcomes. If a more professional finished product is needed, we suggest selecting a specific material with your desired finish.
Will the material characteristics vary?
The material characteristics will be similar to one another and produce a high quality 3D printed product. If you need specific material characteristics to meet your product requirements, we suggest selecting a specific material that meets your needs.
What are the design guidelines?
BOUNDING BOX
Maximum : 250 × 250 × 250 mm
Minimum : X + Y + Z ≥ 9.0 mm and 4 x 4 x 1 mm
Can I specify an orientation?
We will determine the best orientation for your part based on the material available. If you need a specific orientation, we suggest selecting a specific material that meets your product requirements?
What applications would work with this material?
Applications that would work best with the First Available Material selection would be for products or internal parts that do not need a specific finish or color such as: mechanical and structural parts, mounts, fixtures, prototypes, and tooling.
Will I know what material my final product is?
All products that are sent after selecting First Available Material will be labeled as such. If you want to order another print of the product, and ensure it’s in the same material, you can reach out to Shapeways and we can let you know what material it was printed with.