3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing FAQs

Stratnel specialises in polymer parts and offers FDM, SLA, and SLS 3D printing. We also provide vacuum casting, a complementary moulding process suitable for producing batches of approximately 20–200 parts, depending on the design and project requirements.

• FDM: A heated nozzle deposits melted thermoplastic layer by layer to build the part.
• SLA: Ultraviolet light selectively cures liquid photopolymer resin, producing detailed parts with a fine surface finish.
• SLS: A laser fuses polymer powder layer by layer; the surrounding powder supports complex geometries during printing.
• Vacuum casting: Liquid polyurethane resin is drawn into a silicone mould under vacuum and cured to create production-quality replicas.

Stratnel manufactures in Bangalore and supplies customers across India. We offer a broad range of polymer materials — the appropriate material depends on the application, operating environment, required properties, and manufacturing process. Typical options include:

• FDM: ULTEM™ 9085, PEEK, PA6-CF, ASA, PETG, ABS, PLA, PC-ABS-FR, and other engineering thermoplastics.
• SLS: PA12 (Nylon) for rigid parts and TPU 88A for flexible parts.
• SLA: Standard, tough, clear, and other application-specific photopolymer resins.
• Vacuum casting: Tough, clear, glass-filled, flexible, and other polyurethane resin systems.

Share your application and performance requirements with Stratnel, and we can recommend a suitable process and material. Relevant material datasheets can also be provided.

Maximum part size depends on the selected manufacturing process and available equipment. For FDM, Stratnel can produce parts up to approximately 1 metre in each dimension, subject to part geometry and machine availability.

Larger components may be divided into sections, printed separately, and assembled. Stratnel can design and print dedicated assembly fixtures to help align such sections accurately.

SLA, SLS, and vacuum casting are generally used for smaller components, often around 200 mm, although actual capacity depends on the selected equipment, geometry, and process. Please share your design so that we can confirm feasibility.

Stratnel offers clear, flexible, heat-resistant, and certain food-contact-suitable material options. We do not currently print full-colour parts, although parts can be painted in specified colours where appropriate.

Material suitability depends on the application, operating temperature, duration and type of food contact, post-processing, and applicable regulatory requirements. Please provide your specifications so that we can recommend an appropriate material and confirm available supporting documentation.

Yes. Stratnel produces concept models, functional prototypes, tooling, and end-use components. The appropriate process and material will depend on the required strength, accuracy, finish, operating environment, production quantity, and expected service life.

For critical end-use applications, we recommend defining performance requirements and any necessary testing or certification before production.

Stratnel offers sanding, painting, polishing, dyeing, and assembly services for polymer parts, subject to material and process compatibility. We do not currently offer plating.

Please specify the required colour, texture, gloss, surface roughness, cosmetic standard, or assembly requirements when requesting a quotation.

Yes. Stratnel regularly produces investment-casting patterns, patterns for no-bake sand casting, jigs, fixtures, assembly aids, and replacement parts.

We also design and print dedicated fixtures to support the accurate assembly of complex, multi-part components manufactured for our customers. Mould and tooling requirements are assessed according to the intended process, material, production quantity, and service conditions.

A 3D-printed investment casting pattern replaces the conventional wax pattern used to create the ceramic shell.

It is particularly useful for prototypes, RFQ samples, process-validation castings, legacy spares, complex geometries, and low-volume requirements where producing conventional wax-pattern tooling may be uneconomical or too time-consuming.

Stratnel manufactures the pattern directly from the customer's production-ready 3D CAD model, eliminating the need for pattern tooling.

Stratnel uses Stratment 102, our proprietary FDM material developed specifically for investment casting patterns.

It is engineered for properties important to the investment-casting process, including rigidity, inter-layer adhesion, wettability, polishability, and clean burnout.

These characteristics help minimise slurry ingress, shell cracking, and residual ash.

Stratment 102 has an ash content of less than 0.15%, enabling clean burnout with very low residual material inside the ceramic shell.

Low residual ash helps reduce the risk of inclusions and casting rejection.

Stratnel investment casting patterns typically achieve a surface roughness of approximately 3–6 µm R_a, depending on geometry and finishing requirements.

Yes. Stratnel investment-casting patterns are designed for use in the normal ceramic shell-building process and are engineered for good wettability and resistance to slurry ingress.

Printed polymer patterns behave differently from conventional wax during pattern removal and burnout, so the foundry should use a burnout cycle appropriate for polymer patterns and its own established process.

For foundries adopting our patterns, Stratnel provides a detailed white paper — Investment Casting Practices — covering the minor adjustments to your standard shell-building process. This document contains proprietary process guidance, so we share it as a printed copy with qualified customers as part of onboarding, typically alongside the pattern shipments for the first purchase order.

Yes. Stratnel tests investment-casting patterns for water ingress by immersion before dispatch, to identify leakage paths that could allow ceramic slurry to enter the pattern during shell building.

This is an immersion test for water ingress — it is not an airtightness, pressure, or leak-rate certification.

3D-printed investment casting patterns are particularly useful for:

• Prototype castings
• RFQ and customer-approval samples
• Foundry process validation before committing to tooling
• Low-volume and short-run requirements
• Legacy and replacement parts where tooling is unavailable
• Complex geometries and undercuts
• Large or unusually long patterns
• Applications where conventional pattern tooling would delay development

For sustained high-volume production, conventional wax injection tooling may remain more economical.

A production-ready 3D CAD model is the primary requirement. STEP format is preferred, although other supported CAD formats may also be accepted.

Please also provide:

• Required quantity
• Critical dimensions and tolerances
• Required delivery date
• Relevant drawing or inspection requirements
• Any special foundry requirements
• Metal shrinkage rate to be added to the pattern, if any. If you have already added this in your design, please mention the same
• If any machining allowance needs to be added, please mention the same with full details

The CAD geometry supplied to Stratnel should represent the pattern geometry to be manufactured, including any shrinkage, machining, or process allowances required by the foundry.

Stratnel manufactures to the supplied model and does not automatically determine foundry shrinkage allowances.

Stratnel prefers STEP files (.stp or .step) because they preserve accurate solid geometry and are suitable for manufacturing review. We also accept formats such as Parasolid (.x_t), SOLIDWORKS (.sldprt), and IGES (.igs or .iges).

STL files are accepted, but they contain tessellated mesh geometry rather than editable CAD features. This may limit our ability to inspect, adjust, or accurately evaluate certain details. For best results, please provide a STEP file whenever possible.

No. Stratnel does not currently provide in-house 3D-design or modelling services. Customers must supply a complete, production-ready 3D model and confirm that they own, or are authorised to use, the associated intellectual property.

No. Stratnel does not currently offer 3D scanning or reverse-engineering services. We require a production-ready 3D model before we can quote or manufacture a part.

Yes. During the quotation process, Stratnel reviews the model for general manufacturability. We may identify issues such as insufficient wall thickness, very small features, sharp edges, unsupported geometry, or other characteristics that could affect printing or finishing.

This review is not a complete design validation or engineering analysis. The customer remains responsible for the design, dimensions, fit, function, and suitability of the finished part.

No. Stratnel does not currently provide CAD-file repair or design services. Please submit a complete, valid, production-ready model.

If we identify an issue during our manufacturability review, we will explain the problem so that you or your design team can update and resubmit the file. Stratnel does not assume ownership of, or responsibility for, customer designs.

The minimum wall thickness, clearance, and feature size depend on the material, printing process, orientation, geometry, and intended use.

As a general starting point, we recommend a minimum of 0.8 mm for walls, lettering strokes, and similar features. Some processes may produce smaller details, but their successful manufacture cannot be guaranteed without reviewing the design. Clearances between mating or moving parts must be evaluated separately.

Please share your model and identify all critical features so that Stratnel can assess their manufacturability.

Stratnel normally selects the build orientation and production parameters based on part quality, strength, surface finish, support requirements, and cost.

If your application requires a particular orientation, printing process, grain direction, or cosmetic surface, please identify it when requesting a quotation. Such requirements may affect manufacturability, pricing, and lead time. We will follow an agreed orientation where technically feasible.

They can. In processes that require support structures, their removal may leave marks, texture differences, or local surface irregularities. These effects can often be reduced through suitable orientation and post-processing, although they may not be eliminated completely.

SLS does not require separate support structures because the surrounding powder supports the part during printing. It may therefore be suitable for complex or generatively designed geometries, subject to other process considerations. Stratnel will recommend an appropriate process after reviewing your design.

The customer retains ownership of the design files and associated intellectual property supplied to Stratnel.

Stratnel retains ownership of its manufacturing know-how and internally generated production data, including build preparation, orientation, support strategy, process parameters, tooling methods, inspection methods, and workflow documentation, unless otherwise agreed in writing. Customer files and confidential information remain protected in accordance with our agreed terms and Privacy Policy.

The price of a 3D-printed part is based on several factors, including material consumption, machine time, part geometry, build orientation, support structures, post-processing, finishing, inspection, and freight. Stratnel evaluates these factors and provides a consolidated quotation, with applicable taxes shown separately.

Our online quotation tool provides a very quick estimate and allows you to upload up to two designs. If you have additional designs or require assistance, please email them to sales@stratnel.com. Our typical response time is within four business hours. Complex projects may require additional time.

Yes. The minimum order value depends on the selected printing process, material, and finishing requirements. Please contact us for details applicable to your project.

Materials differ in price, processing requirements, print speed, support needs, and post-processing methods. These factors affect the machine time, material consumption, labour, and overall cost of producing the same design.

Cost can often be reduced by applying design-for-additive-manufacturing (DfAM) principles, such as optimising part orientation, reducing unnecessary material, and minimising support structures.

Stratnel can review your design and may suggest minor changes that reduce cost or improve surface finish without compromising the part's intended function.

Yes. Although the cost structure of 3D printing differs from conventional mass-production methods, higher quantities may allow more efficient use of build space, setup, and post-processing. We evaluate volume pricing according to the part, process, material, quantity, and ongoing business requirements.

Our quotation clearly identifies the services and costs included, such as printing, agreed post-processing, finishing, and delivery. GST and any other applicable taxes are shown separately. Optional services, customs duties, or other charges not included in the quoted scope will be identified before the order is confirmed.

Yes. Stratnel provides formal quotations by email and accepts purchase orders subject to agreed commercial terms. Please send your design files, quantities, material preferences, finishing requirements, and delivery location to sales@stratnel.com.

Stratnel accepts signed purchase orders in PDF format. As we primarily serve business customers, a formal purchase order is normally required as part of the order documentation.

Where delivery is time-sensitive, we may begin production based on an authorised email confirmation while awaiting the formal purchase order, subject to prior agreement with Stratnel.

Yes. You may order a single part or multiple parts. However, a minimum order value may apply depending on the selected printing process, material, and finishing requirements. Please contact us for details.

Yes. Stratnel supports batch orders and scheduled production programmes extending over several months or years. We maintain relevant production information to help achieve consistent results and keep parts within agreed dimensional and quality requirements across repeat orders.

Production lead time depends on current machine availability, the size and geometry of the parts, print duration, order quantity, material, post-processing, inspection, and packaging requirements. Finishing processes such as painting may add a few days to the schedule.

We will provide an estimated dispatch date when quoting or confirming your order.

Yes, expedited and same-day printing may be available, depending on machine capacity, order-confirmation time, part size and geometry, material availability, quantity, and post-processing requirements. Please contact us as early as possible so that we can assess feasibility and confirm the delivery schedule.

Please contact us immediately if you need to change your design or order specifications. Custom parts are generally scheduled for production as soon as the order is confirmed, but changes may be possible if printing has not begun.

If production or material preparation has already started, additional costs and a revised delivery schedule may apply. We will explain the implications and obtain your approval before proceeding with the change.

A proof, prototype, or first-off sample can be provided when included in the agreed scope and commercial terms. If approval of a sample is required before full production, please specify this when requesting the quotation, as it may affect the cost and delivery schedule. For aerospace customers with large volume orders, we can comply with FAI requirements.

Yes. Stratnel supports repeat orders and retains relevant design and production information for this purpose. By using the same approved file, material, printing process, build parameters, and finishing method, we aim to reproduce parts consistently within agreed tolerances.

Minor variations may occur between production batches, particularly in colour, surface finish, or material properties. Please inform us if any characteristic is critical to your application.

The achievable accuracy depends on the printing process, material, part geometry, orientation, size, and post-processing requirements. Unless otherwise agreed, our indicative process tolerances are:

These are general process guidelines and do not constitute a tolerance commitment for every feature. Please identify all critical dimensions and tolerances in a drawing when requesting a quotation so that Stratnel can review their feasibility and agree on an appropriate inspection plan.

Measurements are typically taken using calibrated vernier callipers and/or a height gauge on a surface plate. Our standard inspection generally covers selected, readily measurable dimensions across the three principal axes; it is not a complete inspection of every dimension in the drawing or CAD model. Full dimensional inspection or inspection of additional characteristics can be arranged when agreed before production.

Surface finish depends on the manufacturing process, material, build orientation, part geometry, support locations, and any post-processing selected.

For investment-casting patterns, Stratnel can offer a surface roughness of approximately 3–6 µm R_a, subject to geometry and agreed finishing process. For other applications, we can review your design and provide an estimated surface finish at the quotation stage. Please identify any critical cosmetic surfaces or R_a requirements in advance.

The printed part will reproduce the overall shape and dimensions of the approved digital model, subject to the capabilities and tolerances of the selected manufacturing process. Layer lines, support marks, minor surface variations, edge definition, colour, and finish may differ from the on-screen model.

If appearance is critical, please specify the required colour, texture, gloss level, surface roughness, and visible surfaces when requesting a quotation.

Part strength depends on material, printing process, build orientation, layer adhesion, geometry, wall thickness, infill, and loading conditions. High-performance materials such as ULTEM™ 9085 or carbon-fibre-reinforced polymers can provide high strength, while SLA materials may be suitable for applications requiring fine detail or specific mechanical properties.

Share expected loads, operating environment, temperature, and safety requirements with Stratnel, and we can recommend an appropriate material and process. Testing may be required for safety-critical or highly loaded applications.

Not all 3D-printed parts are inherently watertight or airtight, and standard parts are not routinely tested for these characteristics.

Stratnel tests investment-casting patterns for water ingress by immersion. If watertightness, airtightness, leak rate, or pressure resistance is important for another application, please specify the requirement before ordering. We will assess whether it can be achieved and propose an appropriate manufacturing and testing method. Immersion testing for water ingress does not, by itself, certify a part as airtight or pressure-rated.

Yes. Stratnel normally provides an inspection report covering at least one part from each line item in an order. If you require inspection of additional parts, specific dimensions, 100% inspection, material datasheets, certificates of conformity, or other documentation, please specify this when requesting a quotation, as additional requirements may affect price and lead time.

Stratnel operates a Quality Management System certified to ISO 9001:2015 by LRQA. Our quality procedures include contract review, controlled production parameters, structured dimensional inspection, traceable documentation, and regular internal audits to ensure compliance with client specifications.

A copy of our LRQA ISO 9001:2015 certificate or project-specific quality documentation is available upon request.

Please contact Stratnel promptly and provide the relevant Job ID, a description of the issue, and supporting photographs and/or measurement results.

We will review the part against the approved design, agreed specifications, tolerances, and inspection requirements. If a manufacturing defect or non-conformance is verified, Stratnel will, as appropriate, rework or replace the affected part at no additional cost, subject to agreed commercial terms.

The best material depends on your application and performance requirements. Important factors may include appearance and feel, form and fit, weather resistance, flame retardancy, operating temperature, rigidity, strength, and flexibility.

Based on your requirements, Stratnel can recommend a suitable material and 3D printing process. We can also provide relevant material datasheets to help you make an informed decision.

Yes. The required resistance levels should be defined based on the part's intended application and operating environment. These requirements will guide the selection of the most suitable material and 3D printing process. Stratnel can help you evaluate these factors and recommend an appropriate solution.

Yes, although suitability depends on the material, printing method, part geometry, and build parameters.

Because 3D-printed parts are built in layers, drilling and tapping may not always be recommended. Holes can usually be incorporated directly into the design. If threaded inserts are required, Stratnel can modify the design, print the part, install the inserts, and deliver a finished component.

Gluing and painting are possible with appropriate surface preparation. Machining is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as part geometry, print orientation, wall thickness, and perimeter layers. Share your design with us, and we can assess it and recommend the best approach.

Share the application and operating conditions with Stratnel, and we can recommend a suitable material and printing process. With appropriate design, material selection, and print parameters, a 3D-printed part may achieve a service life comparable to an injection-moulded part in certain applications. Actual performance will depend on the manufacturing process, part orientation, loading conditions, operating environment, and required safety factors.

Yes. Please specify the desired colour using a RAL code or a physical reference sample. Surface appearance also depends on factors such as texture, gloss level, layer visibility, and required surface roughness (R_a), where applicable.

Stratnel can recommend a suitable material, printing process, and finishing method based on your specifications. While close colour matching is possible, minor variations may occur between production batches due to differences in materials and finishing conditions. Where colour consistency is critical, we recommend approving a finished sample before production.

Yes. All designs, drawings, CAD files, and technical documents submitted to Stratnel remain your intellectual property. Stratnel does not claim any intellectual property rights over customer-submitted designs.

Your files will be used only to evaluate, quote, and manufacture the parts you request. We will not reproduce, share, or use them for any other purpose except where necessary to fulfil your order and as described in our Privacy Policy.

Yes, Stratnel regularly signs non-disclosure agreements. We generally require the NDA to be mutual, with confidentiality obligations applying equally to both parties, and governed by Indian law with jurisdiction in India.

All NDAs are subject to review, and we may request reasonable amendments to any clauses that impose unusual or disproportionate obligations.

All information shared with Stratnel—including contact details, project descriptions, drawings, and design files—is treated as confidential. Access is limited to authorised team members who require the information to evaluate your enquiry, prepare a quotation, or fulfil your order.

For further information about how we handle your data, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

No. Stratnel does not sell, rent, share, or otherwise disclose customer designs or related personal or business information to third parties.

The only exception is where disclosure is required by a valid court order, statutory authority, or applicable Indian law. In such cases, we will disclose only the minimum information legally required and, where permitted, notify you in advance.

For further information, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Yes, provided you own the relevant intellectual property or have permission from the rights holder to reproduce the design. By submitting a design, you confirm that you have the necessary ownership, licence, or authorisation for its manufacture.

If Stratnel becomes aware that a submitted design may infringe a patent, copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property right, we reserve the right to decline or cancel the order.

We generally retain customer files in secure, access-controlled storage to support repeat orders, including orders placed several years later.

If you would like your files deleted after a specified period, please let us know. We will process the request and provide written confirmation once the files have been deleted, subject to any legal, regulatory, backup-retention, or active-order requirements.

Stratnel delivers throughout India and internationally, subject to applicable government regulations and shipping restrictions.

Domestic orders are generally quoted inclusive of freight. Customers may also arrange collection through their preferred courier under ex-works terms.

Yes, Stratnel ships to customers worldwide, subject to applicable regulations and shipping restrictions. For international orders, relevant Incoterms® and responsibility for freight, insurance, customs clearance, duties, and taxes will be agreed upon with the customer before the order is confirmed.

Fragile parts are carefully packed to minimise risk of damage during transit. Depending on part size, geometry, and material, we use protective foam or cushioning, durable new cardboard cartons, and carton-edge protectors.

Where necessary, parts are individually wrapped or separated to prevent movement and contact during transportation.

Yes. You may collect your order from Stratnel by arranging collection in advance and visiting us during office hours. Please bring a valid ID document, as we may require it before releasing the order.

On the date your order is dispatched, Stratnel will send you a shipment confirmation email containing tracking details. The email will also include invoice, delivery note, and inspection report attachments.

Stratnel QC carefully checks every part before shipment.

Before accepting or opening the carton, check that security seals on the top and bottom are intact. If a seal is broken or packaging appears damaged, photograph it and inform the delivery representative immediately.

Carefully inspect parts after opening the carton. If you find any damage, please contact Stratnel promptly and provide photographs of the packaging, shipping label, security seals, and damaged parts, along with the Job ID appearing on the invoice. Please retain all packaging until the issue is resolved.

Once transit damage is verified, Stratnel will arrange a replacement at no additional cost, provided it was not an ex-works shipment. If it is an ex-works shipment, please work with your transporter to resolve the issue.

As every order is manufactured to customer specifications, cancellations are possible only before production or material procurement has begun. Any costs already incurred before cancellation may be deducted from refunds.

Custom-manufactured parts are generally not returnable or refundable unless defective, damaged in transit, or non-conforming to agreed specifications. If you identify an issue, please contact Stratnel promptly with the Job ID, a description of the problem, and supporting photographs or measurements.

Once reviewed and verified, Stratnel will rework or replace affected parts at no additional cost. Refunds may be considered where reprint or replacement is not practical. This policy does not cover problems arising from customer-supplied design errors, incorrect specifications, misuse, or agreed manufacturing tolerances.

Yes. We recommend consulting Stratnel before placing your order, particularly if you are unsure which material or manufacturing process best suits your application.

Please contact us at sales@stratnel.com with your design and application requirements. Our team will review them, answer your questions, and recommend an appropriate process and material.