Q. What is Xpress3D?
Q. What does the Xpress3D browser plug-in do?
Q. What is an Add-In?
Q. What kind of security features does Xpress3D utilize?
Q. Will Xpress3D sign an NDA as my company requires?
Q. What processes are available through Xpress3D?
Q. What materials are available through Xpress3D?
Q. What process is best for my purposes?
Q. I added a part to my quote but the service bureau I wanted to use isn’t there anymore, why?
Q. What if my CAD system doesn’t have the ability to generate STL files?
Q. I tried to upload a file but is gave an error saying there are ‘unmatched’ edges, what does this mean?
Q. I don’t live in the USA, can I still use Xpress3D?

What is Xpress3D?
Xpress3D provides a marketplace for service bureaus and their customers. It allows you to obtain several quotes simultaneously and makes the task of ordering prototypes much easier than ever before.
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What does the Xpress3D browser plug-in do?
The plug-in measures your parts statistics and checks the file for unmatched edges or bad geometries. Once this is completed, the plug-in then sends the file statistics, not your part geometry, to our server for quoting. When you decide to order, the plug-in then compresses your STL file into a proprietary format and uploads it to our server. The plug in allows you to obtain many quotes through Xpress3D without anyone even seeing your proprietary data. Only when you decide to buy does the plug-in send the file to the appropriate location. The plug-in works with Internet Explorer 4.0 or later.
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What is an Add-In?
An Add-In is a program that runs within your native CAD environment. This allows you to perform functions and processes that that previously had to occur on the web or in another program without leaving your CAD environment. Currently, Xpress3D has Add-Ins available for SolidWorks and AutoDesk Inventor. Others are on their way.
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What kind of security features does Xpress3D utilize?
Xpress3D utilizes 128-bit encryption for all file transfers and credit card transactions. In addition, Xpress3D only sends your file to a single service bureau, not several as you would if you used the traditional quoting process. This helps keep proprietary data from being distributed to uninvolved parties.
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Will Xpress3D sign an NDA as my company requires?
It should be noted that Xpress3D and its partner service bureaus have agreed and signed agreements saying that all information obtained from customers is to be considered confidential and that we will all honor the non-disclosure clause outlined in the customer agreement. However if a company NDA needs to be signed in addition, please give Xpress3D a call.
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What processes are available through Xpress3D?
Xpress3D supports service bureaus that offer stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), fused deposition modeling (FDM) and Z Corp 3D printing (3DP). Additional information is available on our Processes page.
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What materials are available through Xpress3D?
Xpress3D offers materials that its partner service bureaus make available. A list of the available materials with a brief description is available on our Materials page. Included on this page are links to the manufactures spec sheets to answer any technical questions you may have about the materials.
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What process is best for my purposes?
The answer lies in answering questions such as “How much can you spend?”; “How accurate must the part be?”; “What will the part be used for?” and “When do you need the part?”. In order to help determine the best approach view the pages describing SLA, SLS, FDM and ZCorp in more detail to answer questions about material, accuracy, speed and cost.
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I added a part to my quote but the service bureau I wanted to use isn’t there anymore, why?
Depending on the service bureaus capabilities, a part may be too large for them to build at your desired scale. Xpress3D automatically eliminates all service bureaus that are unable to print your parts. If your part is within the limits, check the units to make sure the part isn’t being read incorrectly, making the part larger than you intended.
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What if my CAD system doesn’t have the ability to generate STL files?
An STL file is needed to generate quotes and create the prototype. If your CAD package doesn’t generate STL files, there are third party programs that can convert various CAD formats to STL.
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I tried to upload a file but is gave an error saying there are ‘unmatched’ edges, what does this mean?
Unmatched edges are loosely interpreted as open spots in a surface mesh used to model the part surface. In theory each STL facet has to have three adjacent facets. If one of these facets is missing, then a hole or unmatched edge is created. Unmatched edges make it difficult or even impossible to build. If possible, unmatched edges should be repaired before uploading. If you don’t have the ability to repair STL files, it is still possible to submit the part for building, but the service bureau will need to look at the part and repair it if necessary, which may incur additional charges.
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I don’t live in the USA, can I still use Xpress3D?
Anyone anywhere is welcome to use Xpress3D to order prototypes, however please be aware that delays may occur due the added shipping distances and customs delays.
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