FAQ — MAKARO Custom 3D Printing

Question 1

How do I place an order?

Accepted Answer

Start by submitting a quote request through our website. Tell us what you need, describe the problem, and attach any photos or measurements you have. We'll review it and come back to you with an assessment and price — usually within 24 hours.

Question 2

I don't have a 3D file — can you still help?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Most of our customers don't have 3D files. Just describe the problem, send photos, and give us any measurements you can. We'll design the part for you as part of the service.

Question 3

What information do you need for a quote?

Accepted Answer

The more detail the better. A description of the problem, photos of the broken or missing part, dimensions if you have them, and what the part needs to do (load-bearing, heat-resistant, outdoor use, etc.). If you have the original part, photos from multiple angles are really helpful.

Question 4

How long does it take to get a quote?

Accepted Answer

We aim to respond to all quote requests within 24 hours on business days. Complex jobs requiring custom design may take a little longer to assess.

Question 5

What materials do you print with?

Accepted Answer

We stock PLA (standard, rigid), PETG (tough, slightly flexible, food-safe), ABS (heat-resistant), TPU (flexible/rubber-like), ASA (UV and weather-resistant, ideal for outdoor use), Nylon (strong, wear-resistant), and resin for high-detail parts. If you're unsure which is right for your application, just ask — we'll advise.

Question 6

How strong are 3D printed parts?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the material and print settings. PETG and Nylon parts can be very strong and are suitable for functional mechanical applications. PLA is rigid and good for indoor use but not ideal for high-stress or high-temperature environments. We'll always recommend the right material for your specific use case.

Question 7

Can 3D printed parts be used outdoors?

Accepted Answer

Yes — with the right material. ASA is our go-to for outdoor applications as it's UV-resistant and weatherproof. PETG also holds up reasonably well outdoors. Standard PLA will degrade in sunlight and heat, so we wouldn't recommend it for outdoor use.

Question 8

What colours are available?

Accepted Answer

We stock a range of standard colours including white, black, grey, red, blue, green, yellow, orange, and natural/translucent. Availability varies by material. If you need a specific colour, mention it in your quote request and we'll let you know what's possible.

Question 9

How accurate are the parts?

Accepted Answer

FDM (filament) printing typically achieves tolerances of ±0.2–0.5mm depending on the geometry. For high-precision parts requiring tighter tolerances, we can use resin printing which achieves ±0.05mm. We'll discuss the right approach for your application.

Question 10

How is pricing calculated?

Accepted Answer

Pricing is based on material cost, print time, design time (if required), and a small margin to keep the lights on. Simple replacement parts with no design work are often very affordable — sometimes just a few pounds. Complex custom designs with multiple iterations will cost more. We'll always give you a clear breakdown.

Question 11

Is there a minimum order value?

Accepted Answer

We have a minimum charge of £10 to cover handling and postage. Most jobs comfortably exceed this.

Question 12

Do you charge for design work?

Accepted Answer

Simple design work (reverse-engineering a broken part from photos and measurements) is included in the part price. Complex or iterative design projects may incur a separate design fee, which we'll agree with you upfront before starting.

Question 13

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major debit and credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfer. Payment is taken once you've approved the quote and before printing begins.

Question 14

Do you ship across the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we ship to all UK mainland addresses. Standard and tracked shipping options are available. We can also arrange local collection by appointment.

Question 15

How long does delivery take?

Accepted Answer

Most parts are printed and dispatched within 1–3 business days of order confirmation. Delivery typically takes 1–2 business days on top of that. We'll give you an estimated dispatch date when you confirm your order.

Question 16

What if the part doesn't fit?

Accepted Answer

We stand behind our work. If a part we designed doesn't fit as expected, we'll reprint it at no extra charge. We may ask for additional measurements or photos to refine the design. Parts printed from customer-supplied files that don't fit are not covered unless there was an error on our part.

Question 17

Can I return a custom part?

Accepted Answer

Because every part is made to order, we can't accept returns for change of mind. If there's a quality issue or the part doesn't match what was agreed, we'll make it right — either with a reprint or a refund.

Question 18

Can you print from my own STL or STEP file?

Accepted Answer

Yes — if you have a 3D file ready to go, just attach it to your quote request. We accept STL, STEP, OBJ, 3MF, IGES and most other common formats. We'll check it's printable and let you know if any adjustments are needed.

Question 19

What's the maximum print size?

Accepted Answer

Our standard print volume is 220×220×250mm. Larger parts can sometimes be printed in sections and joined. If your part is larger than this, mention it in your quote request and we'll advise on the best approach.

Question 20

Can you print food-safe parts?

Accepted Answer

PETG is generally considered food-safe when printed correctly, but FDM printing creates micro-gaps that can harbour bacteria. For anything that will be in prolonged contact with food, we'd recommend a food-safe coating or a different manufacturing method. We'll always be honest about the limitations.

Question 21

Do you offer post-processing or finishing?

Accepted Answer

We can offer basic post-processing including support removal, light sanding, and priming. For painted or highly finished parts, we'd recommend a specialist. Let us know your requirements in the quote request.

Common Questions

Getting Started

Materials & Quality

Pricing & Payment

Delivery & Returns

Technical Questions

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