How much does 3D printing cost?

It depends on volume and material. A small PLA bracket runs about $8–16, a PETG enclosure $26–55, ten resin 28 mm miniatures $30–60, and an SLS nylon prototype housing $220–480. Per cm³, PLA is $0.18–0.40 and SLS nylon $0.90–2.00. See the price guide for the full table.

How do I get a 3D printing quote?

Post the part once with your STL or STEP, material, quantity, finish and date. Makers on The Spool List reply with bids: a price and a turnaround. You compare and pick one; posting is free.

STL or STEP — which file should I upload?

STL is what printers slice, so it's fine for most jobs. STEP keeps the true geometry, so upload it too if you have it — makers can check tolerances, fix issues and quote CNC from the same file. Say the units (mm or inches) either way.

Can you print a replacement part from a photo?

Yes. Upload photos, dimensions and what the part does. Makers who offer 3D modeling charge extra for it (roughly $20–80 for a simple part) and can send you the STL before printing. If you have the broken original, measure it with calipers and note the critical dimensions.

Is there a minimum order?

The platform doesn't set one, so a single part is fine to post. Makers usually have a per-part minimum price (roughly $4–30 depending on material). Batches of 10+ usually get volume pricing, and you can reorder from the same maker later.

How long does it take?

A simple PLA or PETG part is done in 2–5 days. Nylon and SLS take 4 to 10 days, and batches of 20 or more parts take 5 to 8 days. Add shipping. A 48–72 hour rush carries a surcharge of around 50%.

Which material should I choose?

PLA for display parts and prototypes, PETG for functional parts and anything outdoors, ABS/ASA for heat and UV, nylon or carbon fiber for load-bearing parts, resin for fine detail, SLS nylon for production-grade parts with no support marks. If you're not sure, describe the use and let makers recommend.

Who sees my files? Is my design protected?

Put only what makers need to quote in your post, and discuss confidential details in messages with the maker you choose. You can also ask for an NDA in your post.

How it works

Four steps. The platform holds your payment until you confirm delivery.

From STL to your door

Post your partUpload your STL or STEP, specify material, quantity, finish, delivery date, ship-to country and postcode, plus a budget range.
Compare bidsMakers reply with a price and a timeline. Check their profiles, completed jobs and reviews before you pick.
Accept and payPay by card through Stripe. The platform holds the payment and releases it to the maker only when you confirm delivery.
Receive and release paymentThe maker can post progress photos in the app. When it arrives and you confirm delivery, the payment is released to the maker.

Replacement parts · Right to Repair

Don't replace it. Print the part.

A dishwasher clip, a vacuum bracket, an appliance knob: parts the manufacturer no longer sells can often be printed for a few dollars instead of buying a new machine. Makers quote from your STL or your photo.

Get a quote →

Why post on The Spool List instead of a DM

Payment held until delivery

You pay when you accept a bid. The platform holds the payment and releases it to the maker when you confirm delivery.

Makers compete for you

Post once and verified makers can send quotes. Compare price, turnaround, reviews and past work before you choose.

No buyer fee on top

You pay the maker's quoted price. No platform fee is added on top for buyers.

Reviews from real orders

Reviews are tied to completed orders, so ratings come from buyers who actually ordered.

No design? No problem

Need a design first? Post that too: CAD, STL repair, vector conversion or 3D scanning. Makers who offer it can quote.

Dispute resolution

Something wrong? Open a dispute in the app. Unresolved disputes are reviewed by The Spool List.

Every job on The Spool List has a written scope: material, tolerances, finish and date. What you both agreed is on record before any money moves.

A maker near you usually means cheaper, faster shipping. If you pick a maker in another country, ask for the shipping cost and transit time before you accept.

If the part arrives different from what was agreed, a dispute process reviews the scope, the photos and the messages. You don't get that from a shop that only answers over chat.