From STL to Quote: How Our Print Request Tool Works
Getting something 3D printed used to look like this: a message on WhatsApp, a request for the files, a Google Drive link, slicing, calculating, a message back … and three days later everyone was still writing "so what about the barrels?".
That works, but it's slow for you and eats up evenings for us. So we built our own request tool. It's been live since October, and this post walks through exactly what happens – from the moment you drop a file to the moment the parcel leaves.
Step 1: Upload your files
Go to inquiry.tragnenhelmgroup.de or click "3D Printing Inquiry" in our shop, then drag your files into the upload area.
- STL and 3MF get an estimated price right away. A 3MF with several objects on one plate is split into its individual parts, just like in a slicer.
- STEP files (.step/.stp) are accepted too; their price follows after we've checked them.
- Up to 30 files fit into one request. Got more? Send the first 30 and mention it in your message – we'll send you a link for the rest.
One thing we care about: your files don't leave your computer at this point. The price is calculated right there in your browser. Nothing is uploaded until you actually hit "Send request".
For every file you see a small preview, its size in millimetres and whether it fits on our printers. If a part is too large, the tool tells you and we get in touch.
Step 2: Choose process, material and quantity
For each file you choose:
- Process: FDM (filament) is sturdy and affordable, ideal for terrain, buildings, trays and larger parts; fine layer lines stay visible. Resin is cured with UV light and gives very fine details, made for figures and miniatures; it's a bit more brittle than filament.
- Material: PLA (the standard for terrain and decoration, easy to paint), PETG (tougher, heat resistant up to about 70 °C) or our grey resin mix, which is ideal for painting.
- Quantity: per file.
We stock filament in matte black and matte white; other colours on request. Not sure what fits? The little "i" next to each option explains it – or just ask us.
Step 3: See the estimated price
As soon as the files are in, the price box fills up. It isn't a flat "per gram" price; it's built from what a print actually costs:
- Material – how much plastic or resin the part needs,
- Machine time – how long the printer runs. For resin, the time of a full plate is shared between all parts printed on it,
- Handwork – removing supports, cleaning, curing, packing. Supports are always removed.
On top of that come a few fixed rules:
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Setup | 5 € once per request, for checking the files, preparing and starting the print |
| Small parts | Parts with a longest edge under 20 mm. Up to four are free; from five on, all small parts are charged at 2 € per started batch of ten (e.g. 12 small parts → 4 €) |
| Express (optional) | Doubles the print price, your order is prioritised |
| Minimum order value | 10 € without shipping; smaller orders are rounded up |
| Shipping | DHL parcel within Germany 7.99 €, free from 50 € |
The box shows a price per file plus the total. We work under the German small business rule (§ 19 UStG), so there's no VAT on top – what you see is what you pay.
Important: this is an estimate. It's usually close, but supports in particular are hard to predict from a file alone. That's what the next steps are for.
Step 4: Send the request
Enter your name and email; phone and a message are optional (colour, a date you need it by, anything we should know). Then tick two boxes:
- you are allowed to have these files printed (your own models, or the designer permits it),
- we may store your details and files to handle the request.
Hit Send. A progress bar shows the upload, then you get a request number on screen and a confirmation email with the price overview.
Step 5: We check everything
The request lands in our print farm system as an open quote. From here a human takes over:
- We look at every file: Is it printable? Are any walls too thin? Does it need supports?
- FDM parts are run through a real slicer, so weight and print time are no longer estimates but actual values.
- For resin we check how many parts fit on one plate.
- If something is unclear, we email you.
Then you receive a binding quote as a PDF by email – with a preview picture of every part, the price per file and the full breakdown. The quote is valid for 14 days.
Step 6: Order, print, ship
Accept the quote, pay by PayPal or bank transfer, and your order goes into the queue. Normal delivery time is around two weeks. When we're at an event or on holiday, the request page shows the longer delivery time before you send anything.
On your first order there's a little welcome bag in the parcel. We won't spoil what's inside.
Codes for friends and partners
Clubs and shops we work with get a partner code, friends of the house have their own. Enter it in the form and the estimate shows the matching prices straight away.
What happens to your data
We only keep what we need:
- Requests that don't turn into an order are deleted after 30 days.
- 3D files are deleted 90 days after shipping – unless you ask us to keep them for a reprint.
- Your files are only used for your print.
Full details are in our privacy policy.
Why we built this ourselves
Because the old way cost too much time, and small orders and forgotten small-parts fees kept slipping through. Now every request is priced by the same rules, you get a number right away, and we spend our time where it matters: checking your files and printing them properly.
The tool isn't finished, and that's on purpose. We're adding things step by step – the newest addition is a configurator for movement trays and bases, where you click your tray together instead of uploading files.
Got a file lying around? Give it a try – and if anything feels clunky, tell us. Polo shirt, not tie: we'd rather hear it directly.
Cheers, your TNH Group