Frequently asked questions

3D printing or additive manufacturing is the construction of a three-dimensional object from a CAD model or a digital 3D model. It can be done in a variety of processes in which material is deposited, joined or solidified under computer control, with the material being added together, typically layer by layer.

We can FDM print with nearly any thermoplastic polymer material. Please submit our contact form with information on the material you want your item printed with and we will let you know if it can be done.

We can CFC print with the Markforged Onyx material. Onyx material is micro carbon fiber filled nylon that yields accurate parts with near flawless surface finish. Few materials have the versatility of Onyx; it offers high strength, toughness, and chemical resistance when printed alone, and can be reinforced with Continuous Fibers to yield aluminum-strength parts.

3D printing is mainly limited by the size of the 3D printer. Although there are some pretty big 3D printing units, they are also be very expensive and often custom built.

Other limitations of FDM printing are the strength of components, but with advances in CFC printing, carbon fibre reinforced 3D printed parts can now replace metal parts in some cases.

Our limitation for FDM printing is a build size of 1010x1010x1010cm

Our limitation for CFC printing is a build size of 320x132x154mm

An FDM printed part will be an exact replica, however if the original was metal it will not be as strong.

A CFC printed part will be an exact replica and in some cases can replace aluminium parts. It will also be much lighter than the original.

Our limitation for FDM printing is a build size of 1010x1010x1010cm

Our limitation for CFC printing is a build size of 320x132x154mm

Northwest Specialty Parts utilizes a somewhat unconventional ordering format, both to avoid credit card fees & due to the nature of our business in which customization is inherent.

You can begin the ordering process by checking out through our website and paying the initial order fee (considered a deposit)(https://northwestspecialtyparts.com/shop)

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IF YOU HAVE A DESIGN ALREADY - Choose the Basic print option for a fast turnaround with no proofing. You can expect a lead time of 1-2 days to project completion with this option.

IF YOU NEED US TO DESIGN - Choose the Advanced print option and we will send you a proof within 48hrs. In most cases if you are satisfied with the first proof there are no further charges, but if your project requires extra design work or we run into unforeseen issues with design or printing there may be extra charges applicable. You can expect a lead time of 4-5 days to project completion with this option.

At this time, we only accept Interac E-transfer.

This is for two reasons, firstly to avoid credit card processing fees and secondly due to the nature of our business which due to customization often requires the balance of an order to be paid after the initial deposit.

At this time, we only ship within Canada, NO EXCEPTIONS

Typically there is a 4-5 day lead time for design and print, and a 3-5 day lead time for delivery of the package, so you should receive your item within 2 week of ordering it.