3D Printer on Demand

Use this when the user attaches an STL or 3MF file and wants to know whether it will 3D print well: size, walls, mesh problems and what to change. Pass the attached file as model_file. If the user said what the part is or what it is for, pass that as part_description. It reads the file, runs the same automatic design checks as our website, and stores nothing. If no file comes through, it returns a link to upload the file on our website. Do not use this when the user wants a quote or wants to order (use get_print_quote), or for general design questions with no file (use get_design_guidance).

check_printability

Use this when the user wants to compare 3D printing with injection molding for a quantity, using their own numbers: quantity, printed unit cost, tooling cost and molded unit cost. It returns the totals for each, the crossover quantity on those numbers, and the published range with sources. It never makes up a cost. If a number is missing it says which. Do not use this for the cost of a specific file from us (use get_print_quote), or for general guidance on choosing a process (use get_design_guidance).

compare_print_vs_molding

Use this when the user asks how to design a part for FDM 3D printing: wall thickness, tolerances, hole clearances, overhangs and supports, orientation, infill, bosses, ribs, snap fits, threaded inserts, dimensional accuracy, published material figures, or printing compared with molding or machining. Pass a topic, or the user's question to pick the topic. It returns short answers with their published sources and a link to the full page. Cite those sources and add no figures of your own. Do not use this to check a specific file (use check_printability), to choose a material for a job (use recommend_material), or for lead time and shipping (use get_service_details).

get_design_guidance

Use this when the user wants a quote to have a 3D model (an STL or 3MF file) printed and shipped by 3D Printer on Demand. Pass the attached file as model_file. It reads the file, checks it can be printed, saves the quote, and returns the estimate with a private link that opens the saved quote on our website. If the user said what the part is or what it is for, pass that as part_description. If no file comes through, or the file type cannot be read here, it returns a link to upload the file on our website instead. Do not use this for drawings or photos, or for general questions about 3D printing, materials, shipping or lead time (use list_materials or get_service_details).

get_print_quote

Use this when the user asks how 3D Printer on Demand works: lead time, shipping, how long a quote is held, accepted file types, the largest part, what we do not print, or where to upload, request a review, or get in touch. Do not use this for a quote on a specific file (use get_print_quote) or for material choice (use list_materials).

get_service_details

Use this when the user asks which plastics 3D Printer on Demand prints, which colors each comes in, which material suits a job, or which materials are quoted by a person. Follow the guidance list it returns. Do not use this for a quote on a specific file (use get_print_quote), and do not use it for engineering figures: it returns none.

list_materials

Use this when the user wants help choosing which of our plastics suits a part, from where it will be used: indoor or outdoor, heat, impact, flexing, chemicals, looks and material cost. It returns the materials we offer that fit, best match first, the reasons in plain words, and the ones ruled out and why. It does not rank materials by strength or stiffness. Do not use this for the plain list of materials and colors (use list_materials), for published material figures (use get_design_guidance), or for safety-critical parts, which go to a person.

recommend_material

Use this when the user asks what clearance or hole size to draw for a printed fit: a sliding part, a bolt or pin through a hole, two printed parts that mate, a press fit, or a snap fit. It returns published starting clearances and hole guidance, each with its source, and how to test the fit. It never gives one universal hole offset, because none is published. Do not use this for a whole topic overview (use get_design_guidance) or to check a file (use check_printability).

size_hole_or_tolerance

Use this when the user wants to change the quantity or the color of a quote that get_print_quote already gave them. Pass the quote_url from that quote and the new quantity. It works out the estimate again from the file saved with that quote, saves it, and returns the new estimate with a new private link. The earlier link keeps the earlier quote. Do not use this for a new file or a different material (use get_print_quote with the file), and do not use it with a link that did not come from a quote.

update_print_quote