Talk to an Engineer About Your Project
Thirty minutes, no obligation, no sales pitch. Bring a drawing, a physical part, or just an idea. We will tell you what is possible, what it will cost, and what we would do in your position.
How to Prepare for a Useful Call
Thirty minutes goes fast when a project has real constraints. These five things help us use the time well.
Bring a file or a part
A STEP file, an STL, a physical sample, or even a napkin sketch. Anything visual saves us ten minutes of description.
Know the environment
Will the part sit in sunlight? Under a hood? In saltwater? Chemical contact? These answers change the material recommendation entirely.
Bring the deadline
If the part has to ship by a specific date, say so on the call. Rush availability depends on the current queue and we can check live.
Know the quantity range
One part, fifty parts, or five thousand. Pricing scale is different at each tier and it shapes everything else.
Write your questions first
Three to five questions is ideal. We answer all of them, but having them written keeps us on track instead of wandering.
Mention budget if you have one
We are not here to upsell. If your budget is $200, tell us, and we will tell you honestly what is possible at that number.
What Each Format Actually Looks Like
All three are 30 minutes and free. The difference is what we can actually do during the call.
Video call
We share a screen and walk through your file together. You see exactly what we see — mesh integrity issues, wall thickness callouts, support placement. Perfect for design reviews where you want to make changes live.
- Google Meet link in the confirmation email
- Real-time screen sharing of your file
- Annotated screenshots sent after the call
Phone call
We call the number you provide at the scheduled time. No link, no setup, no camera. Good for quick questions, follow-ups on an existing quote, or checking availability on a rush order.
- We call you — you do not call us
- Two-number fallback if the first does not connect
- Written summary emailed after the call
Visit the shop
Come to 2150 Market Street. We walk the production floor, look at your part next to the actual machines, and you meet the person who will print it. Bring a physical sample if you have one.
- Thirty-minute guided walkthrough
- See FDM, SLA, and SLS running in real time
- Same-day material samples if you need them
Availability this week
We hold real slots open every weekday for new consultations. Rush weeks fill up by Wednesday — if you have a deadline, book early.
Booking FAQ
Yes. Thirty minutes with an engineer, no charge, no deposit, no obligation. If we are not a good fit for your project, we will tell you on the call and point you somewhere better. Booking does not commit you to anything.
Same-week is typical. If your project has a hard deadline within seven days, book as early in the week as possible and mention it in the notes — we prioritize time-sensitive consultations when we can.
Yes. Reply to your confirmation email with "reschedule" or "cancel" and we will handle it. There is no penalty and no fee. If you reschedule within two hours of the call, just call the shop at (628) 214-7390 and we will move it live.
No. About a third of our consultations are for projects that only exist as an idea or a sketch. Bring whatever you have — a photo of a competing product, a hand drawing, a problem statement. We work with all of it.
Usually Maya, Adrian, or Priya — one of the three people listed on our About page. You will know who in the confirmation email, along with their role and what they specialize in.
Call the shop at (628) 214-7390 during business hours. We keep off-grid slots open for customers whose schedules do not fit our calendar. If it is after hours, send an email to [email protected] and we will reply with alternatives.
Prefer to skip the call and just get a quote?
You do not have to book anything. Send us your file through the contact form and we will price it within two business hours.
Ready When You Are.
Thirty minutes with an engineer. Free, no obligation, and useful regardless of whether you end up ordering.