How to Order Custom 3D Printed Parts from Additive-X

Updated

Additive-X offers a 3D printing service for customers who want parts made without buying a printer. To start, you submit your part request through the quote form on their site; Additive-X then reviews it and provides a quote. This route suits people who need a one-off or occasional part, or who want to test a design before investing in equipment. The site presents the service as "Get started with 3D, without the investment," and pairs it with expert support if you are unsure which material or process fits your part.

What the service covers

According to the Additive-X site, the service is for customers who want Additive-X to print a part for them. The homepage states: "Want us to print you a part? Fill in the form and we will give you a quote." The same page positions this as a low-investment entry into 3D printing, separate from buying a printer, accessories, or materials from their online store.

The site also notes that Additive-X has 30+ years of experience working with manufacturers, offers impartial advice across its technology range, and is audited for ISO9001:2015 certification. These points are relevant if you want guidance on process or material choice rather than just a price.

How to submit a request

  1. Go to the 3D printing service section. On the Additive-X homepage, find the block headed "Get started with 3D, without the investment" and the "Order your custom 3D printed parts here" link. That leads to the service page.
  2. Fill in the quote form. The site says to fill in the form and they will give you a quote. Prepare the details a print shop typically needs: the part's purpose, dimensions or a model file, quantity, material or process preference (if any), and any tolerance or finish requirements.
  3. Wait for the quote. Additive-X reviews the request and responds with pricing. The site does not state a turnaround time for quotes, so treat any deadline as something to confirm in your message.
  4. Confirm and order. Once you accept the quote, proceed as directed by Additive-X. The site does not publish payment methods or ordering steps beyond the quote request, so confirm these directly with their team.

Expected result: you receive a quote for your part without having to buy or operate a printer.

What to include for a faster quote

  • A clear model file or drawing of the part, with units.
  • Quantity — one prototype versus a small batch can change the recommended process.
  • Intended use — a display model, a functional bracket, or a customer-facing part each points to different materials and finishes.
  • Material or process preferences, or a note that you want advice. The site emphasizes impartial advice across its technology range, so saying "not sure, please recommend" is a valid starting point.
  • Deadline, if you have one, so it can be checked against capacity.

When this is the right route — and when it isn't

Your situation Ordering printed parts from Additive-X Buying a printer instead
One-off part or a quick prototype Fits well — no equipment investment Usually not worth it
Occasional parts with changing designs Fits well — you pay per job Justifiable only if volume grows
Regular, high-volume production Ask about ongoing supply and pricing May be more economical long term
You want to learn 3D printing hands-on Not the goal of this service The site's printer range is the relevant path
You need material or process guidance The site advertises impartial expert advice Also available through their sales and tech support

The site separates printing services from its store for printers, accessories, and materials, so choose based on whether you want parts delivered or the ability to produce them yourself.

Common sticking points

  • No published price list. Quotes are given per request, so you cannot estimate cost from the site alone. Submit the form with full details to get a real number.
  • Quote timing is not stated. If your project is time-sensitive, say so in the request rather than assuming a standard response time.
  • Payment and delivery terms are not listed on the homepage. Confirm these with Additive-X when the quote arrives.
  • Unclear material choice. If you do not know which process suits your part, describe the part's function and loads instead of guessing a material name.

Getting help before you submit

Additive-X states that its sales, customer service, and technical support teams have experience across multiple industries, and the site invites you to "Talk to us" and contact its 3D printing experts. If your part is unusual — very small, very large, or tolerance-critical — a short conversation before filling in the form can save a round of quotes. The site also lists industry applications such as architecture, medical, product design, aerospace and defence, automotive, engineering and manufacturing, and jewellery, which can help you frame your request in terms their team recognises.