FAQ - 4 Students Print Service

3D Printing 5

What materials do you use?

We primarily use PLA (Polylactic Acid) filament in white and black colors. PLA is biodegradable, easy to print, and produces high-quality results for most applications.

What print qualities are available?

We offer three quality levels: Draft (50% of standard time, faster but lower quality), Standard (100% time, good balance), and Excellent (300% time, highest quality with fine details).

How do you calculate print time?

Print time is calculated based on your model's volume, complexity, and selected quality. We use industry-standard formulas optimized for our Ender-3 V2 printers.

Can I print large objects?

Our 3D printers have a build volume of 220 x 220 x 250 mm. If your model is larger, we can help you split it into smaller parts that can be assembled later.

What if my STL file has errors?

We'll notify you if your STL file has issues like non-manifold geometry or holes. We can often fix minor issues, but complex problems may require you to repair the file.

General Questions 4

What file formats do you accept?

We accept PDF files for plotting and STL files for 3D printing. PDF files should be properly formatted for printing, and STL files should be printable 3D models.

How long does printing take?

PDF plotting typically takes 1-3 business days, while 3D printing can take 3-7 business days depending on the size and complexity of your model. Rush orders may be available for an additional fee.

What are your business hours?

Our print service operates Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Orders received outside business hours will be processed the next business day.

Can I track my order status?

Yes! You can track your order status by logging into your account and viewing your jobs page. You'll receive email notifications when your order status changes.

Payment & Orders 4

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) through our secure Stripe payment system. Payment is required before printing begins.

Can I cancel my order?

You can cancel your order if it hasn't started printing yet. Once printing has begun, cancellation may not be possible, but we'll work with you to find a solution.

Do you offer refunds?

We offer refunds for orders that haven't been printed yet. For completed orders, refunds are considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the circumstances.

How do I get an invoice?

After payment, you'll receive a receipt via email. For formal invoices, please contact our support team with your order number.

PDF Plotting 5

What paper sizes are available?

We offer A1 (841 x 594 mm), A2 (594 x 420 mm), and A3 (420 x 297 mm) paper sizes for PDF plotting. A4 printing is available for smaller documents.

Can I print in color?

Yes! We offer both black & white and color printing. Color printing uses CMYK ink and is priced based on ink coverage analysis of your document.

How is ink coverage calculated?

Our system analyzes your PDF pixel by pixel to determine the exact amount of ink (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) needed. This ensures accurate pricing based on actual ink usage.

What's the difference between A1, A2, and A3?

A1 is the largest (841 x 594 mm), A2 is medium (594 x 420 mm), and A3 is smaller (420 x 297 mm). A3 is half the size of A2, and A2 is half the size of A1. Choose based on your content size and readability needs.

Can I preview my print before ordering?

Yes! Our system provides a detailed analysis showing page count, ink coverage, and estimated costs before you place your order. You can also see a preview of how your document will look.

Shipping & Delivery 5

Do you ship outside Switzerland?

Currently, we only ship within Switzerland and Liechtenstein. We're working on expanding our shipping options in the future.

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping costs vary based on your location and order size. The exact cost is calculated during checkout and includes tracking and insurance.

How long does delivery take?

Standard delivery within Switzerland takes 1-3 business days. Express delivery options are available for urgent orders.

Can I pick up my order?

We do not offer a pickup option at our location. All orders are shipped by mail. This ensures consistent handling and delivery tracking.

What if my package is damaged?

All packages are insured. If your order arrives damaged, please contact us immediately with photos. We'll arrange for a replacement at no cost to you.

Technical Support 4

Why was my file rejected?

Files may be rejected for several reasons: unsupported format, file corruption, excessive file size, or content that violates our printing policies. Check your email for specific details.

How do I prepare my files for printing?

For PDFs: Ensure proper page setup, use CMYK color space, and check resolution (300 DPI recommended). For STL files: Ensure watertight geometry and appropriate scale.

What's pixel analysis?

Pixel analysis examines your PDF document pixel by pixel to determine exact ink usage. This provides accurate pricing and helps optimize your document for printing.

Can I preview my 3D model?

Yes! Our system provides a 3D viewer where you can rotate, zoom, and examine your STL model before placing your order. This helps ensure it's ready for printing.

Frequently Asked Questions