How it works
From the moment you send a model to the moment a courier hands it over. Last updated 7 November 2026.
Sending us a model
Your own file. Upload an STL, 3MF or OBJ. The upload page shows the current size limit. Your browser measures the model while it uploads, so you see its size in millimetres straight away. The file goes into private storage that only we can open, and it is never shown to other customers.
A MakerWorld link. Paste the address of the model page. Our site checks that the link is shaped like a MakerWorld model page and nothing more. It does not open MakerWorld or read the model. After you send the order, we fetch the model ourselves and read its licence. Some designers do not allow their models to be printed for other people, and if that applies we tell you and charge nothing.
The store. Ready-made items have a fixed price and a set material. You choose the colour and how many.
How the price is checked
A custom print starts at the weight of filament it uses multiplied by a rate per gram. The rate for PLA is R5 per gram and for PETG it is R5 per gram. So a 20 g part starts at R100.
The weight on the website is an estimate. We work it out from the volume of your model and an assumption about how much of the inside is filled. Real slicing software knows the true figure, so we replace the estimate with the sliced weight where we can. If your file is a MakerWorld link, the weight starts from whatever you typed, or from nothing, and we fill it in once we have the model.
Because of that, a custom order is never charged straight away. It goes to us for review first. We confirm the weight, check the model will print, set the final price and email you a link to pay. Store items with a fixed price and a confirmed delivery cost can be paid for at checkout.
Different colours on different parts, and colour changes at set heights, need someone at the printer, so we quote those ourselves.
PLA or PETG
- PLA
- Prints crisply and suits display pieces, desk items and everyday parts. It softens at fairly low temperatures, so leave it out of a closed car in summer.
- PETG
- Tougher, and it handles heat and damp better. A better choice for things that get knocked about, or sit outside under cover. Fine detail comes out slightly softer.
- Colours
- Black, white, red, blue, green, yellow, orange and purple. A screen cannot show filament exactly, so expect a small difference.
What we may not print
We turn down models that are firearms or parts of them, and models we believe copy someone else's design or character without permission. We also tell you when a model is too thin, too steep or too big to print well. In each case we say so before you pay.
If you are not sure about a file, WhatsApp it to 050 034 9685 first.
Delivery
We ship with The Courier Guy anywhere in South Africa. Door to door is the default. You can also choose a locker. Delivery is charged separately from the items, and is priced by the weight of the parcel.
Where we have a delivery price for the parcel we show it. Where we do not, the page says the price is not confirmed, and we send you the real figure before you pay. We never show a courier price we do not have.
What the order statuses mean
- Awaiting review
- We are checking your model, its weight and its licence.
- Awaiting payment
- The price is confirmed and the payment link is ready.
- Paid
- Payment came through. Your print is in the queue.
- Printing
- It is on the printer. We check it and pack it when it comes off.
- Shipped
- With The Courier Guy. The order page shows the tracking number when we have it.
- Delivered
- It has reached you.