Before you ask
What's a model link / STL? +
A model is the 3D file I print from. You don't need the file itself, just the link to its page on a site like Printables or MakerWorld. Search what you want, copy the page URL, paste it above. If there's no model, there's nothing to print, so I can't quote it.
Why does one color cost less than multicolor? +
The color doesn't cost more, black or hot pink is the same price. What costs more is the printer swapping between colors mid-print: it takes longer and wastes filament every swap. So single-color is a flat price, and multicolor gets a custom quote.
What material do you print in? +
Listed prices are for PLA+ and PETG, which covers almost everything: figures, props, desk stuff, functional parts. PLA+ is the default. PETG if it needs to be tougher or live in a hot car. Want something more exotic (TPU, ABS/ASA, carbon fiber, silk, whatever)? Ask, most of it's doable, it just gets quoted separately based on what that material needs to print right.
Can I just paint it myself? +
Absolutely, and it's cheaper. Order it in one color (white or gray primes best) and paint the details yourself. Lots of people do this for figures.
Do you do custom design work? +
Mostly I print existing models you find and link. But if you've got a
photo, a name, or an idea instead of a model, check the
Photo & custom prints page: flat prices for photo-to-figure, lithophanes, name signs, keychains, cake toppers and more. True from-scratch design work runs higher and takes longer.
How's the price figured? +
Flat by size for standard single-color prints: Tiny $12, Small $20, Medium $45, Large $65, XL from $90. XL and anything really complex (20+ hours of print time) I confirm with an exact number so nobody gets surprised. Bulk discounts apply automatically at 5 and 10 prints.
Do I get charged when I hit send? +
No. Nothing is charged automatically. Sending shows you the price and Cash App / Venmo buttons with the amount pre-filled. You pay there, and that's what starts your order. Everything is paid upfront, no exceptions, and it's Cash App or Venmo only (no cash at pickup). Multicolor and exotic-material requests get a price from me first, then you pay to start.
How do you know my payment is for my order? +
Every order gets a short order ID like A3D-7K2Q. It's on your confirmation, and the Venmo button fills it into the payment note for you. On Cash App, type it in the "For" box before you hit pay. That ID is how I match your money to your print, so don't skip it. If you forget, message me the ID and I'll sort it out.
How long does it take? +
Most standard prints are ready in 3 to 5 days after payment. Rush orders jump the queue and are usually done in 1 to 2 days. Big or multi-part prints take longer, and I'll tell you when I confirm. You get a message the moment it's off the printer.
How does pickup work? +
Pickup is free. I'm in north central San Antonio. When your print's done I'll message you to set a time and a public meetup spot nearby. Quick handoff, no awkward hangout required.
How does shipping work? +
$8 flat anywhere in the US, USPS with tracking sent to you. Prints get wrapped so they survive the trip. Bigger or fragile stuff might need a custom shipping quote, and I'll tell you before charging anything extra.
Can I send my own file instead of a link? +
Yep. Type "my own file" in the model link box, send the order, then email the STL or 3MF to orders@alamo3dprinting.com with your order ID in the subject. Same prices apply as long as it's a normal single-color print.
How big is Tiny / Small / Medium / Large / XL, actually? +
Rough guide by the longest side: Tiny is anything up to 2.5 inches (keychains, charms, minis, game pieces). Small is over 2.5 and up to 4 inches (small figures, desk toys). Medium is over 4 and up to 6 inches (most figurines, desk stuff). Large 6 to 9 inches (masks, busts, two-hand pieces). XL 9 inches and up (helmets, big props), which is a $90 starting price I confirm before printing. Between two sizes? Pick the smaller one and I'll tell you if it needs a bump.
What does the finished print look like? +
Standard 0.2mm layers, supports removed and cleaned up. You'll see fine layer lines up close, that's normal for 3D printing. Not sanded, primed, or painted unless we've talked about it (that's extra and takes longer). Want it paint-ready? Order it in white or gray.
What if the print fails or comes out bad? +
If it fails on my end, I reprint it free. If the model itself is broken or unprintable, I'll tell you before wasting your money and refund the order. Once you've picked it up and it looks right, it's yours.
Need a bunch of the same thing? +
Bulk pricing is automatic: 5 to 9 of the same print is 10% off, 10 or more is 20% off, and the price bar shows it as you bump the quantity. 25 or more (a batch of keychains for an event, say) flips to a custom quote with real batch pricing, and I'll reach out with a number.
What do Fine detail and Extra strength actually do? +
Fine detail (+30%) prints at 0.12mm layers instead of 0.2mm: noticeably smoother surfaces and sharper small features, at about 1.6x the print time. Great on figures, busts, and anything you'll paint. Extra strength (+20%) uses thicker walls and denser infill, so the part takes load and abuse without cracking. Right call for hooks, brackets, handles, and anything kids will play with. You can stack both.
What if the model is bigger than the size I picked? +
That's what the Looks / Function toggle is for. Pick Looks and you're buying a size: choose Tiny and I scale the model to 2.5 inches or under, Small is 4 inches or under, and so on. Pick Function and it prints at the model's real size, so choose the tier that matches its actual dimensions. If a functional part turns out bigger than the tier you paid for, I'll message you the difference before printing.