Frequently asked questions:

What's Zapfab all about?

Zapfab is a website where you can create and share unique, customized 3D objects.

We have a catalog of designs on the site. You can browse the catalog, choose a design and customize it. And then you can order a real, 3D-printed object, based on your customised design.

All the designs are saved back into the catalog, so you can see and comment on the designs that other people have made.

What does '3D-printing' mean?

3D-printing is just Printing in 3 Dimensions.

A normal printer prints out a 2D document in 2D, on a piece of paper. Our 3D-printer prints out a 3D document in 3D, to make a real, physical object you can hold in your hand.

For more details, see the How does 3D Printing work? help page

What is the '3D Viewer'?

It's our unique web-based viewer. It allows you to spin the designs round in 3D and zoom in on the details.

For more details, see the How to View help page.

What is the '3D Customizer'?

It's an extension of the 3D Viewer. As well as being able to spin the design round in 3D and zoom in on the details, you can also customize the size, colours and patterns of the designs.

For more details, see the How to Customize help page.

I have had a message about Java. What does it mean?

Both the Viewer and the Customizer use Sun's Java technology. You need to have an up-to-date copy of Java on your computer. Click this button to load Java onto your computer:

For more details, see the How to Install Java help page.

Can I give you some feedback?

Yes, absolutely. We're still alpha-testing the site (hence the alpha tag next to the site logo), and we'd welcome any feedback, good or bad. Send us an email using the Feedback page.

What are the finished objects made from?

They’re made from a special high-performance composite material, developed specially for 3D-printing. After they have been 3D-printed, the objects are infiltrated with resin for extra strength and brighter colours.

What is the finish like?

The finish is slightly grainy, like plaster. This is because the objects are built up in layers from a fine powder. Sometimes, you can see a fine layered effect: This is one of the characteristics of the 3D printing process.

Are the colours accurate?

The finished colours are as accurate as we can achieve from the 3D-printer. If colour accuracy is important to you, please order a swatch sample first. A swatch sample is a small chip of 3D-printed material that you can customize with a colour or pattern.

How durable are the finished objects?

They're pretty durable, as long as they are treated with care. Like any other decorative item, they need to be handled carefully and not exposed to extreme temperatures, damp, or direct sunlight.

How much do the objects cost?

The price of each design is listed next to it in the catalog and the 3D Viewer. In the 3D Customizer, the price will update as you change the design. The price displayed is the price of the finished object: The only thing you need to add is postage and packaging.

The price is worked out based on the amount of material in the finished object. As the object gets bigger or thicker, the price will increase. See our Pricing help page for current rates.

How long will it take to make my finished object?

In the UK, we aim to deliver your finished object within 15 working days. We aim to deliver most international orders within 20 working days.

If there's a problem with this, we'll let you know straight away.

Can you rush-deliver my finished object for me?

Let us know when you need it, and we'll do our best to help.

I don't like my object. Can I send it back?

We're sorry, because the objects are custom-made just for you, we can't give refunds. This does not affect your statutory rights.

We'd love to hear why you don't like your object though, so please get in touch.

My object was broken before it arrived. Can I have another copy?

Yes, of course. Let us know, and we'll make another copy for you.

Can I upload my own design files to Zapfab?

We’re working on this right now, and we should have an uploader very soon. In the meantime, you can email your design files to us and we’ll upload them to the site for you.

The design files need to be in VRML-97 (VRML 2.0) format. You can create static designs in most 3D design packages (3D Studio Max, Maya, Blender, etc), and export them in VRML format. Creating customizable designs requires hand-editing the VRML, or using a specialist VRML editor. Contact us for more information.

If you have design files in another format, we may be able to convert them. Let us know what format you're using and we'll do our best to help.

Can you make a design file for me?

We want to have as many design files on the site as possible, so we'd be happy to consider making a design file for you. Let us know what you'd like, and we'll do our best to help.

I can see that some of the designs use patterns (textures). Can I upload my own patterns (textures) to the site?

We’re working on this. We’re aiming to have a pattern picker/creator on the site very soon.

What if I have a question not answered here?

Let us know, and we'll do our best to help.