How to get something 3D printed
Get a file, upload it, pay, and it arrives by mail. No printer needed. A small bracket is $9.42 delivered.
Steps
- 1. Get a file
- STL, 3MF or STEP, in millimeters
- 2. Check the size
- up to 250 × 250 × 250 mm in one piece
- 3. Upload it
- the price shows in seconds
- 4. Pick a color, pay
- no account
- 5. Get it by mail
- 3-5 days, anywhere in the US
No file
- Download one
- Printables, Thingiverse, MakerWorld
- Draw it
- Tinkercad, Onshape, Fusion (free for hobbyists)
- Describe it
- AI part designer
Your options
| Where | Good for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Online service | Instant price, any city | Shipping time and cost |
| Local shop | Talking it through, pickup | Quotes by email, minimums |
| Library or makerspace | Cheapest | Queues, small size limits, you run it |
| Overseas service | Low part prices | 2-3 weeks, import fees |
Before you order
- Heat
- PLA softens around 55 °C: no hot cars, dishwashers, engine bays
- Units
- 25 times too small means it was exported in inches
- Fit
- add 0.2-0.4 mm to holes
Questions
How do I get something 3D printed if I don't own a printer?
Get a 3D file (STL, 3MF or STEP), upload it to an online 3D printing service, check the price, pay and wait for the mail. At Mandarin 3D the price shows in seconds without an account and parts ship anywhere in the US in 3-5 days.
Where can I get something 3D printed near me?
Three places: an online service that mails the part (works anywhere), a local print shop or makerspace, or a public library with a printer. Online is usually fastest to a price; libraries are cheapest but often have queues and size limits.
What if I don't have a 3D file?
Download one (Printables and Thingiverse have millions of free models), draw it in free CAD such as Onshape or Tinkercad, or describe the part to an AI designer. Mandarin 3D's designer at mandarin3d.com/design turns a description into a printable model and a price.
How much does it cost to get something 3D printed?
Small PLA parts usually cost $5-$30 delivered. At Mandarin 3D a 30 mm bracket is $9.42 delivered. Price grows with grams of plastic and print time.
Can an AI assistant order a 3D print for me?
Yes. Mandarin 3D runs an MCP server at https://mandarin3d.com/mcp. Add it to Claude, ChatGPT or another assistant and it can quote your file and give you a checkout link.
Updated October 29, 2026.