FAQ

If you have 3D files (STP, STL, OBJ, etc.), the process is: requirements review → process/material review and quotation → printing → issue review and coordination → requested post-processing → inspection, packaging and dispatch.
Without a 3D file, we first review your reference materials and project direction, then proceed with modeling and design review.

We offer FDM (filament), SLA (resin) and LPBF (metal) printing.
Materials, build orientation, supports, tolerances and distortion risks are reviewed for the intended use and required quality.
Modeling, reverse engineering, prototypes, small-batch production, finishing, machining, assembly, painting, heat treatment and inspection can also be discussed.

Please provide a 3D model, quantity, intended use, preferred material, required accuracy, post-processing needs and target delivery date.
Include a 2D drawing showing critical dimensions and tolerances for a more precise review.

Yes.
We can start with 2D drawings, sketches or a physical part.
An accurate quotation and manufacturability review require a 3D model; if needed, we can review the scope of modeling, reverse engineering and design refinement.

STEP or STP is recommended for accurate geometry review.
STL and OBJ are also accepted.
Please provide critical dimensions and tolerances in a PDF, DWG or DXF 2D drawing.

Pricing considers the process (LPBF, SLA or FDM), material, volume/weight, estimated printing time, geometry and support complexity, and quantity.
Tolerances, surface quality, urgent delivery, modeling, finishing, machining, painting/coating, heat treatment, inspection, assembly and packaging may affect the price.

We support everything from one-off prototypes and R&D parts to repeat orders and small-batch production.
Single parts may incur minimum machine preparation and material setup costs.
Nesting multiple parts or increasing quantity may reduce the unit cost.

After reviewing your 3D model and requirements, we will advise on feasibility, pricing and the estimated schedule.
Lead time depends on material availability, machine scheduling, part height, heat treatment and machining.
Urgent production requires separate consultation.

Visits and sample reviews at TERRAWORKS are available by appointment.
Send your materials of interest, intended application and drawings in advance so we can prepare a focused consultation.

Our core service is metal LPBF, alongside FDM and SLA additive manufacturing.
We recommend a process based on the application, required properties, surface quality, quantity and budget.

Our main materials are maraging steel (MS1/C300), stainless steel (SUS316L) and nickel alloy (Inconel 718).
Other materials are reviewed for powder availability, machine compatibility and any process parameter development required.

Metal LPBF is approximately Ø270 × H200 mm; SLA is 145 × 145 × 193 mm³; FDM with dual nozzles is 300 × 320 × 325 mm³.
Actual manufacturable size is reviewed separately, including orientation, supports, thermal distortion and machining allowances.

We can assess splitting a part into sections for assembly, welding or mechanical fastening.
Split locations may affect strength, accuracy and machining costs.

Depending on geometry, walls as thin as 0.2–0.3 mm may be printable, but structures under 1 mm have a higher risk of damage during printing, post-processing and transport.
We recommend at least 1 mm for reliable production.
Thin features may be delivered with supports still attached.

Metal LPBF is suited to internal channels, lattice structures and integrated complex geometries that are difficult to machine conventionally.
Powder evacuation outlets, channel diameters and geometry must be reviewed in advance.

Some areas may be printed without supports depending on geometry and orientation.
Around 45° is commonly used as a reference when reviewing print stability, thermal distortion and build-plate anchoring.
We recommend orientations and design changes that reduce support requirements.

We offer consultation on samples and repeat production of 3D SIPE/KERF parts for PCR and TBR tire molds.
Send geometry, material, thickness, quantity and required surface roughness for a feasibility and supply review.

Accuracy depends on part size, orientation, geometry, material and heat treatment.
Mark tolerances for critical assembly features, holes and flat surfaces on a 2D drawing.
For high-precision areas, we recommend printing with machining allowance followed by CNC or other machining.

As-printed parts may show layer lines and material-specific surface texture.
Sandblasting, barrel finishing, grinding, polishing or machining can be applied according to required roughness and intended use.

We can discuss powder/support removal, heat treatment, sandblasting, barrel finishing, dimensional correction and machining.
Density, surface roughness, microscopy and 3D dimensional measurement can also be arranged.
Please specify sample quantity, acceptance criteria and report format.

AM properties depend on material, build orientation, process conditions, heat treatment and internal defect control.
For structural or safety-related parts, define required properties in advance and consider specimen testing or first-article validation.

Metal AM is suitable for companies repeatedly producing prototypes or small batches, or needing internal channels, lightweight designs and integrated structures that conventional processes cannot easily achieve.
Consider development response time, confidentiality and annual machine utilization alongside outsourcing costs.

Outsourcing may be preferable at low volumes or during application validation.
Equipment investment may be appropriate for ongoing production with the same materials and products, rapid design changes, internal process expertise or strong confidentiality requirements.

After reviewing the 3D model, material, quantity and quality requirements, we can discuss sample printing or an application review.
Testing your actual product helps assess printing time, nesting quantity, post-processing and expected productivity.

Choose based on maximum part size, primary materials, monthly production volume, required accuracy and expansion plans.
TERRAWORKS reviews these requirements to recommend the TERRA 270P X2, TERRA 270P, TERRA 250P or a customized configuration.

Price depends on machine specifications, lasers and build area, powder supply, software, auxiliary equipment and training scope.
Part size, quantity, material, current outsourcing costs and annual operating hours help assess nesting, operating costs and investment economics.

Metal 3D printing does not replace all machining and casting.
Its strengths include complex geometries, low-volume production, lightweight structures, internal channels and part consolidation.
It is particularly effective when combined with precision machining, heat treatment and other conventional processes.

In addition to the machine footprint and maintenance access, review powder handling/storage, power, inert gas, exhaust/ventilation, compressed air, temperature and humidity.
Dust collection, sieving, powder-rated vacuum equipment, PPE and powder storage are generally required.
Detailed conditions are reviewed on site after model selection.

Fine-particle inhalation, static electricity, fire/explosion and contamination risks must be considered.
Appropriate PPE, grounding, powder-rated collection and cleaning equipment, ventilation, inert-gas and oxygen-level management, and standard operating procedures are required.

Reliable operation requires staff familiar with CAD data, build layout, supports, powder management, post-processing and quality control, as well as machine operation.
Training in operation, software, powder handling, safety, daily checks and basic troubleshooting is defined in the contract specifications.

Application review → machine specification → installation-site review → manufacture and pre-shipment inspection → on-site installation → commissioning → training and acceptance testing.
Sample printing, nesting optimization, post-processing and quality validation may be added to establish stable production of your parts.

Material changes are possible, but cleaning and verification take time to prevent powder cross-contamination.
For high volumes or demanding quality requirements, dedicated machines or dedicated powder-management systems for each material are recommended.

Unmelted powder can be reused after sieving and condition checks.
Oxidation, particle-size distribution, flowability and contamination must be controlled for each material.
For critical parts, reuse criteria and mixing ratios should be defined in quality procedures.

This may be possible after checking machine compatibility, but laser parameters, hatch strategy, layer thickness, gas flow and heat treatment may require development.
It is handled as a separate process-development project, including test specimens and density/property evaluation.

Consider parts per build, part height, preparation, cooling, powder recovery, heat treatment, machining and labor—not just printing time.
Daily and monthly capacity is most accurately assessed using your actual part data.

Daily and periodic inspections, laser/optics checks, filter and consumable replacement, and preventive maintenance are required.
Troubleshooting proceeds from remote diagnosis to on-site support as needed.
Warranty, travel costs and spare-part supply terms follow the equipment and maintenance contracts.

We can assess metal LPBF customization for part size, build height, material, production methods and automation.
Technical feasibility, development scope, schedule and validation are discussed based on a requirements specification.

3D printing is a made-to-order service.
Changes or cancellations are possible before production begins; cancellations or refunds for a change of mind are restricted after production starts.
If our fault results in nonconforming, damaged or missing parts, we investigate and prioritize reprinting or corrective work.
Detailed terms follow the quotation and contract.

Please send photos of the affected area, order details and requirements as soon as possible, preferably within 7 days of receipt.
We review production data and inspection results, assess responsibility and advise on appropriate measures such as reprinting or corrective machining.

Drawings and technical data are used only for quotation and production review, with access limited to relevant personnel.
An NDA and data retention/disposal conditions can be discussed for additional security requirements.

Purchasing equipment or printing a part does not itself certify that part.
Material control, equipment qualification, process validation, traceability, testing and inspection must be established to meet industry-specific requirements.
Support scope is agreed through consultation.