Frequently Asked Questions about 3D Printing

For most printing processes, we accept STL files as the standard. For high-precision technical components or further modifications, we prefer STEP or IGES formats. Please ensure that your models are "watertight" (manifold) to avoid errors during the slicing process. If your model is not print-ready, we offer professional 3D Modeling services to optimize the geometry.

You can send your files directly via our contact form or by email to [email protected]. For very large datasets, we can provide a secure upload link. Please include a brief description of the desired material, color, and any specific functional requirements for the part.

Our technical team inspects every model before printing. If we find geometric errors or unstable areas, we will contact you immediately. Depending on the effort required, we may correct minor errors as part of the order or offer a paid optimization service to ensure the structural integrity of the component.

We store your provided digital models in our archive for a period of 6 months. This allows you to start re-orders or iterations quickly without having to re-transmit the data. After this period, the data is deleted in accordance with our Privacy Policy, unless a different agreement has been made.

We work with a wide range of industrial and standard plastics. For FDM printing, we use PLA, PETG, and ABS. For high-precision applications and smooth surfaces, we utilize various resin types (SLA). The choice of material depends on the intended use — whether it is a purely visual model or a functional mechanical part.

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) is ideal for robust prototypes and larger components up to 400x400x400 mm. SLA (Stereolithography) uses liquid resin cured by UV light, offering significantly higher detail accuracy and smoother surfaces, though it is generally suited for smaller, more intricate objects.

Yes, our lead engineer is happy to advise you on the selection. If the part must be heat-resistant, we recommend ABS; for mechanically stressed parts, PETG is often the better choice. For purely optical models, PLA is usually sufficient. Detailed information can also be found in our guide Choosing the Right Material.

Absolutely. We provide professional Post-Processing, ranging from simple sanding and priming to professional painting. This is particularly useful for SLA prints or high-quality FDM models to remove typical layer lines and achieve a production-ready finish.

The average lead time for a prototype at our studio is 3 days. The actual delivery time depends on the complexity, size, and chosen technology. In standard cases, the regular production time is approximately 5 days from the placement of the order and payment of the deposit.

Yes, for urgent projects we offer prioritization. For express orders, a surcharge of 50% is applied to the regular price. Please contact us directly to check the feasibility of an extremely short-term deadline.

Yes, pickup at our workshop at Mariahilfer Straße 142, 1070 Wien, is possible by appointment. We are available Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

All parts are securely packaged to prevent transport damage. Before shipping, you will receive a photo of the finished component for quality control. Shipping is handled via reliable logistics partners within Austria and the EU.

We work with a standard tolerance of 0.2 mm. Please take this into account when designing fits (e.g., clearance for snap connections). For extremely precise requirements, we recommend SLA printing or subsequent mechanical post-processing.

This depends heavily on the material. While PLA is brittle, PETG and ABS offer significantly higher impact strength and thermal stability. We can advise you on which infill density and wall thickness are required for your specific load requirements.

Our maximum build volume is 400x400x400 mm. If your components exceed these dimensions, we can jointly examine whether the model can be divided into several segments and subsequently bonded with precision.

Quality is our priority. If a component does not meet the agreed specifications due to a manufacturing error, we will replace the part free of charge. Please read the detailed provisions in our Terms and Conditions.

The intellectual property rights to the models provided by you remain entirely with you. Choanaevo claims no rights to your designs. We treat all submitted files as strictly confidential.

Yes, especially for startups and industrial companies, we offer the signing of an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) before technical data is transmitted. Please mention this during your initial inquiry.

For legal and ethical reasons, we do not print weapons or weapon parts, medical implants, certification-relevant parts for the aerospace or automotive industries, or protected brand logos without proof of ownership.

We strictly adhere to the GDPR. Your personal data and project data are used solely for the purpose of order processing. Details can be found in our Privacy Policy.

To ensure economically viable processing, our minimum order value is 25 €. This applies to both individual parts and smaller modeling tasks.

For private customers and new business clients, we require a deposit of 30% of the estimated order value. The remaining payment is due upon completion and before shipping or pickup.

Yes, for established business customers, we offer a payment term of 14 days. Please contact us to set up a corresponding business account.

Price calculation is based on the material consumed (grams for FDM, milliliters for SLA), the printing time, and any costs for model preparation or post-processing. A detailed breakdown can be found in our Pricing Guide.