FAQs

How big can I print?

Jinxbot utilizes three main types of printing technologies (FDM, SLA, and SLS), each with their own build volumes.

FDM:

  • Creality K1:
    8.6″ x 8.6″ x 9.8″ or 220 x 220 x 250mm
  • Creality K1 Max:
    11.8″ x 11.8″ x 11.8″ or 300 x 300 x 300mm
  • Creality CR10S-PRO:
    11.8″ x 11.8″ x 15.7″ or 300 x 300 x 400mm
  • Creality CR10 S5:
    19.6″ x 19.6″ x 19.6″ or 500 x 500 x 500mm
  • Creality CR30:
    6.69″ x 7.87″ x ∞ (infinite)″ or 170 x 200 x ∞ (infinite) mm

SLA:

  • Formlabs Form3:
    5.7″ x 5.7″ x 6.9″ or 145 x 145 x 175mm

SLS:

  • Formlabs Fuse1:
    6.26″ x 6.26″ x 11.62″ or 159.2 x 159.2 x 295.5mm

What File Formats do you accept?

We strongly recommend submitting files in the .STL format for 3D printing.

Our AutoQuoter is designed to offer flexibility and convenience to our customers by accepting various file formats. However, for the most accurate and reliable results, we suggest using .STL files. In situations where a different file type is uploaded, the AutoQuoter will automatically convert it to the .STL format. This process may potentially introduce minor errors or loss of fidelity, for which Jinxbot cannot be held responsible.

To clarify the difference between file types, consider this analogy: CAD files like .STP or .STEP are akin to .DOCX files. They are rich in data and editable, making them ideal for engineering and making adjustments. On the other hand, .STL files are more like .PDF files – they provide a solid, uneditable, high-fidelity representation of the desired print, ensuring that the final product matches your expectations closely.

Therefore, to ensure the highest quality and precision in your 3D prints, we kindly request that you submit your designs in the .STL format whenever possible.

What Materials are available?

Creality CR10s Pro:

  • Material: eSun PLA+
  • Benefits: High strength, color variety, print quality, non-toxic, recyclable, mechanically similar to ABS, dimensional stability
    • Note: We avoid printing in ABS due to its toxicity and difficulty in printing.

Formlabs Form3:

Formlabs Fuse1:

  • Material: Fuse1 – Nylon 11
  • Nylon 11 Powder is a ductile, strong, flexible, and biocompatible material for when durability and performance are key.
    • Applications: Impact-resistant prototypes, jigs, and fixtures. Thin-walled ducts and enclosures. Snaps, clips, and hinges. Nylon 11 Powder offers high robustness for impact-resistant, rugged prototyping or end-use parts.
    • Material Properties: Ultimate Tensile Strength: 49MPa, Tensile Modulus: 1573MPa, Elongation at Break (X/Y): 40%
    • Data Sheet: Nylon 11 Powder Technical Data Sheet

What is the difference between PLA, Resin, and SLS Nylon:

Below is a great visual highlighting the differences between the three processes.

PLA (Poly Lactic Acid):

PLA is typically used in FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), a common 3D printing process. This process involves layering PLA one by one until the object is created. Known for its durability and recyclability, PLA offers resolution up to 100 microns and is non-toxic. It’s easy to handle, can be sanded and painted like a model airplane or car, and is an excellent choice for clean, neat prints.

Resin:

Used in the SLA (Stereolithography Apparatus) process, Resin is perfect for high-precision and specific material properties like high-temperature resistance or wear resistance. It can provide fine details with a resolution of up to 25 microns. This makes it an ideal choice for miniature figurines or any project requiring high tolerance. Like PLA, resin parts can also be sanded, painted, and glued together.

SLS Nylon:

SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) Nylon is a powder-based material known for its robust properties and unique finish. Similar to SLA, SLS uses lasers to sinter the powder material layer by layer. This creates highly detailed, strong, temperature-resistant, bio-compatible, and durable parts. Its unique process eliminates the need for support material for overhangs, offering a game-changing finish quality and volume part production. The parts have a unique texture and can be sanded, polished, or painted as required.

What is Resolution in 3D Printing?

Resolution in the context of 3D printing might not mean what you’d traditionally expect. Unlike in 2D pictures where resolution refers to the number of pixels in a particular area to create a clear image, in 3D printing, resolution pertains to the Z-axis. Here Resolution specifically refers to the thickness of the layers that are stacked to create a 3D object.

3D printers construct a model by sequentially depositing layers of material. The resolution, therefore, corresponds to the thickness of these layers. The thinner the layers there are, the better the printer can replicate the curves in your model. The image below illustrates this concept well.

As shown, a higher number of slices result in a closer approximation to the intended curve. However, if your model consists mainly of right angles and sharp corners, a high-resolution print may not be necessary.

Below is an example of a 3D model printed in 3 different resolutions. This particular model is a good example as it has a very shallow angle, and the stair-stepping of the layers is much more pronounced. The part in the X and Y axis remains unchanged, while it is only the thickness of the layers that changes. In this example, the thinner layer lines yield a smoother result.

The Layer Height or Resolution is measured in Microns. For context, 100 microns is one-tenth of a millimeter. Different 3D printing processes have different ranges of resolution.

  • FDM typically prints in 300, 200, or 100 micron resolution.
  • SLA typically prints in 100, 50, or 25 micron resoltuion.
  • SLS is is generally locked in at around 100 microns.

Notice that parts with Thicker Layers would be referred to as having a Low Resolution, whereas parts with Thinner Layers would be referred to as having a High Resolution. It follows then that if a part has a high resolution, it has more layers, and takes more time to print. A lower resolution part has fewer layers, and will print more quickly. Speed and quality here are the tradeoff. Cost is also a factor here, as higher resolution parts take longer to complete, utilizing more of the printer’s time.

The Jinxbot Auto-quoter on our website defaults to 200 micron resolution. Over the years we have found this to be sufficient for 95% of projects, as it offers a great balance between speed, cost quality, and strength. If you are unsure of what resolution to choose, consider leaving the default selected. If you feel you need a specific resolution for your project, there can be many factors to consider: speed, quality, and cost as well as other details about your specific use case. If you need help choosing the right resolution for your project, feel free to reach out to us and we will offer some friendly advice.

What is Infill?

FDM: In the world of FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printing, ‘Infill’ refers to the internal density of a printed part, which is typically expressed as a percentage ranging from 0% (completely hollow) to 100% (completely solid). The level of infill can be adjusted to suit various engineering requirements.

Most of the time, an infill of 20% is sufficient for around 95% of FDM printing projects. You’d only need a higher infill percentage for specific engineering needs. The images below show examples of different infill percentages:

As illustrated above, anything over 50% infill is approaching a solid part.

SLA/SLS: SLA (Stereolithography) and SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) 3D printing, on the other hand, operate differently from FDM. For these methods, the density of the printed object is inherently 100%, meaning it’s not adjustable in the way it is for FDM printing.

That being said, it’s possible to design your model to be hollow, which can save on materials and therefore, costs. However, it’s important to note that this could affect the functionality of your part. If you’re considering this approach, feel free to contact us for advice and guidance.

What is an Overhang?

When it comes to the world of 3D printing, we don’t follow the ABCs – instead, we focus on YHTs. While 3D printing has accomplished many feats, it isn’t magic, at least not yet. Keeping this in mind, it’s essential to design our models with an eye for optimal printing.

Overhangs arise when the printer’s nozzle tries to lay down material, but there’s nothing underneath for support. Here’s a visual to illustrate this:

As depicted, the ‘Y’ can be printed successfully because the layer on top only extends slightly beyond the previous layer. Generally, a 45° angle is best for results, but it can extend to 60°.

The ‘H’ represents a scenario where we can print at a 90° angle because it has the other side of the “bridge” to connect to. However, if the bridge is too long, it may require additional support material.

The ‘T’ shape is a challenge because unlike the ‘H’, it lacks the “other side” to latch onto. This means that the printer nozzle has to lay down material, reverse it mid-air, and return. If there’s no support material, the plastic won’t be able to maintain its shape and may fall onto the print bed.

The orientation of the model plays a significant role in reducing the need for support material. However, with some geometric designs, the need for it is unavoidable.

What is Support Material?

Support material plays a crucial role in 3D printing, helping transform unprintable objects into printable ones. However, using it comes with its own set of compromises. Whenever possible, it’s generally better to print without support material. Nonetheless, certain designs necessitate its use. When it is required, it’s important to understand the impact support material will have on your model.

Let’s first examine a model that should have been printed with support material, but wasn’t.

As visible here, the initial layers of the overhang are disorganized and irregular. Interestingly, a printer can sometimes recover from such a scenario and resume normal printing.

Now, let’s consider a model that utilized support material, which has since been removed.

The model is presented upside down to highlight that, despite the use of supports, the finished result may not be flawless. Remnants of the support material may remain even after removal. Such remnants can often be cleaned up with careful use of an exacto knife or other precise tools.

However, caution is required when dealing with delicate models. The process of removing support structures can risk damage to the model, potentially even destroying it. Therefore, for intricate and delicate models, it’s best to avoid support material if at all possible.

Support Material Removal

Support Material Removal is not difficult and is akin to working with a model from a hobby shop. With the right tools and patience, you can come out with a fantastic looking part.

Recommended Tools:

  • Wire Nippers
  • Exact-O Knife (Hobby Knife)
  • Sandpaper (Use a progressively finer grit for a more polished result)

Jinxbot offers different levels of Support Material Removal to better suit your needs. If no option is selected the default is “No Support Material Removal”. Additional costs are reflected in Auto-Generated Quote.

  • +$0 No Support Material Removal – Support material is left on when delivered to you.
  • +$5 Basic Support Removal – The majority of support material is removed. Some bits may remain.
  • +$10 Medium Support Removal – All support material is cleanly removed. You may see light scratches on the surface.
  • +$20 Advanced Support Material Removal – All support material is removed. Part is lightly flame polished.

3D Printing Design Rules

Check out some handy design rules to keep in mind that will help make your print turn out great!

What is the average Cost?

The cost of our 3D printing services depends heavily on the specific model being printed. Contrary to what you might assume, the complexity of the model doesn’t influence the cost as much as its geometric volume does.

At Jinxbot, we have developed a smart Order Widget that calculates your model’s geometric volume. This essentially gives us insights into the amount of material needed for the print and the time it will take to complete. Based on these factors, the widget generates a cost estimate for the printing job.

Due to the complexity of these factors, it’s extremely challenging to estimate the cost of a print based on a simple description. Therefore, we strongly recommend using our Order Widget to get a more accurate understanding of your potential print’s cost.

Please note that uploading your model to the Order Widget does not obligate you to make a purchase. The widget simply provides a cost estimate, which mirrors the quote we’d provide if you sent your file to us via email. Using our widget allows you to independently estimate your costs without any pressure or obligation.

What is the Startup Cost?

The startup cost you notice in your cart encapsulates a variety of services, all bundled into one. It’s crucial to understand that the successful initiation of a 3D print involves several preparatory steps. These include considerations such as print orientation, meticulous review of part-specific settings within the slicing software, support material design and placement review, print surface optimization, inspection of the 3D file for printability, and quick repairs of common geometric errors, such as ghost geometry and inside-out walls.

Importantly, this is a “Per Order” charge. What this means is that it’s applied once per order and not per item, making it a one-time charge for the entire collection of services, regardless of the number of items you’re ordering. This comprehensive fee ensures that your project is perfectly set up for success from the get-go, ultimately enhancing the quality of the final print.

What is the Average Turnaround time?

Our typical turnaround time ranges between 48-72 hours. In simple terms, if you send us a part to print today, you can expect it to be ready within the next two to three days. However, it’s crucial to remember that the exact time frame may depend on factors such as the print duration of your specific part, as well as the quantity of parts you’re requesting. For instance, we might be able to print a single part in a day, but if you require 200 of the same part, we’ll need a bit more time to fulfill your request. Hence, while we aim to complete most orders within our standard turnaround time, the duration can vary based on the unique requirements of each project.

How do I pick up my Part?

Local pickups are strictly by appointment only.

If you selected In-Person Pickup, you can Schedule a pickup by:
-Clicking this link: Auto Scheduler
-Emailing info@jinxbot.com or -Calling us at (669) 444-0535

If you selected JinxBox Pickup, Please see this link for more information:

Jinxbot is located at 693 Calderon Ave. Mountain View. To respect social distancing and Santa Clara County Laws regarding Covid-19, we have established the following procedure:

  • When you arrive, please find a parking space and wait in your car.
  • Call/text us at (669) 444-0535 with your name and order number.
  • We will place your order outside the shop and waive to let you know you can come and pick it up.
  • We are happy to chat with you about your order if you like, outside the shop.