Before hiring a 3D printing bureau, ask ten questions covering process range, materials, guaranteed tolerances, certifications, inspection, lead time, IP/NDA, finishing, reprint policy, and shipping. The answers separate a print shop from a manufacturing partner. Here is the checklist with what a good answer sounds like.
Key Takeaways
- A real partner answers in numbers — tolerances, lead times, yield — not adjectives.
- Multiple in-house processes mean unbiased process recommendations.
- Certifications (ISO 9001) signal documented discipline.
- A clear reprint policy shows they stand behind quality.
- Ask about NDA and data handling before you share files.
The 10 questions
| # | Ask | Good answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Which processes do you run in-house? | FDM, SLA, SLS, metal |
| 2 | What tolerance can you hold? | Stated in µm, with a report |
| 3 | What certifications do you hold? | ISO 9001 |
| 4 | How do you inspect parts? | First-article + metrology |
| 5 | What is your lead time? | Specific days per process |
| 6 | Do you sign a mutual NDA? | Yes, before upload |
| 7 | What finishing is in-house? | Smoothing, paint, inserts |
| 8 | What is your reprint policy? | Free reprint if off-spec |
| 9 | Can you scale to production? | 1 to 500+ from one floor |
| 10 | How do you ship? | Tracked, pan-India + export |
Why these questions work
Each one is hard to fake. A shop that cannot state its tolerance is not measuring it; one with no reprint policy is not confident in its yield. Layer X answers all ten concretely — three certifications, ±50 µm, first-article inspection, 24-hour quotes, and pan-India shipping. Compare answers using our buyer''s checklist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single most important question?
"What tolerance can you hold, and can you prove it?" — it reveals whether the shop measures and controls quality at all.
Should I visit the facility?
If you can, yes. A facility tour (by appointment at Layer X) tells you more than any brochure.