What Xometry does and who uses it

Xometry is an online platform that connects people who need 3D-printed parts with manufacturers who own 3D printers. You upload a design file, get a price quote, and Xometry routes your order to one of their partner manufacturers. The manufacturer prints your part, ships it to you, and Xometry handles the payment and dispute resolution between you and the maker.

The service is used by product designers testing prototypes, small manufacturers who need short runs of parts, hobbyists making custom pieces, and businesses that don't own their own printers. You don't need to own equipment or find a printer yourself — that's what Xometry's network does.

Xometry also offers other manufacturing services beyond 3D printing: CNC machining, sheet metal work, injection molding, and laser cutting. This guide focuses on how their 3D printing service works specifically.

Key Takeaways

  • You upload a 3D design file (STL, STEP, or other formats) and Xometry's system generates an when ready price quote based on material, size, and print time.
  • Xometry does not own the printers — they match your order to one of their partner manufacturers, who then produces and ships your part.
  • You can choose from multiple 3D printing technologies (FDM, SLS, DMLS, and others) and materials depending on what your part needs to do.
  • Pricing varies widely based on part complexity, material choice, and how many copies you order, so getting a quote is the only way to know the actual cost.
  • Lead times typically range from a few days to two weeks, depending on the manufacturer's queue and your part's complexity.

How to get a quote and place an order

Start by going to Xometry's website and selecting "3D Printing" from their services menu. You'll see an upload area where you can drag and drop your design file or browse your computer for it. Xometry accepts STL files (the most common format for 3D printing), STEP files, IGES, and several others. If you're unsure what format your file is in, check the file extension at the end of the filename.

Once you upload, Xometry's system analyzes the file and shows you an when ready quote. The quote includes the base price for printing, material cost, and any finishing work (like removing support material or sanding). You can see the estimated lead time — how many days until the part ships to you. At this stage, you haven't paid anything yet.

If the quote looks acceptable, you add the order to your cart, enter your shipping address, and proceed to checkout. Xometry accepts credit cards and other standard payment methods. You'll receive an order confirmation with a tracking number, and the order is then sent to one of Xometry's manufacturing partners.

Choosing materials and printing technology

Xometry's quote system lets you select which 3D printing technology you want before you see the price. The most common options are FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), which uses plastic filament and is the cheapest; SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), which uses powder and is stronger; and DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering), which prints in metal and costs significantly more.

Each technology has different material choices. FDM typically offers PLA, ABS, and PETG plastics. SLS offers nylon and other powders. DMLS offers aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, and other metals. The material you choose affects both the price and how the finished part will perform — a plastic part won't handle heat the same way a metal one will.

If you're not sure which technology or material fits your needs, Xometry's website includes descriptions of each. You can also upload your file and see quotes for different options side by side before deciding. This lets you compare cost against the properties you actually need.

What happens after you order

Once Xometry receives your order, it goes to a manufacturer in their network who has the equipment and capacity to make it. That manufacturer may contact you if they have questions about the design — for example, if a wall is too thin to print reliably, or if a feature might fail. You can communicate with them through Xometry's messaging system.

The manufacturer then prints your part. Depending on the technology and their queue, this can take anywhere from two to fourteen days. During this time, you can check your order status on Xometry's website to see where it is in the production process.

Once printing is complete, the manufacturer removes the part from the printer, removes any support material, and performs any finishing work you requested. They then pack it and ship it to your address. Xometry provides a tracking number so you can follow the shipment.

Pricing and what affects the cost

Xometry's pricing depends on several factors, and there is no single "price" for 3D printing — two identical parts can cost different amounts depending on when you order and which manufacturer gets the job. The main cost drivers are material (plastic costs less than metal), part size (larger parts use more material), complexity (intricate designs take longer to print), and quantity (ordering ten copies is cheaper per unit than ordering one).

The quote you see includes the manufacturing cost and shipping. It does not include any taxes that may explore to your order, which Xometry adds at checkout based on your location. Some orders may have additional costs if you request rush processing or special finishing work beyond the standard removal of support material.

Xometry's pricing is competitive with other 3D printing services, but the only way to know if it fits your budget is to upload your file and see the quote. Prices change based on material costs and manufacturer availability, so the same part may cost different amounts on different days.

Comparing Xometry to other 3D printing options

If you own a 3D printer, Xometry is not necessary — you can print parts yourself using your own equipment and materials. The trade-off is that you need to buy and maintain the printer, learn the software, and spend time on each print.

If you don't own a printer, your alternatives are local makerspaces (which often have printers you can use for a membership fee), local print shops (which may offer 3D printing alongside other services), or other online services like Shapeways, Sculpteo, or Protolabs. Each has different material options, pricing structures, and lead times. Xometry's advantage is that they offer many technologies in one place and their quote system is when ready, so you can compare options quickly.

For very large orders or parts that need metal, Protolabs and some local shops may offer better pricing or faster turnaround. For hobby-level plastic prints, a local makerspace may be cheaper. Xometry works best when you need a one-off or small batch, want multiple material options, and prefer not to manage the printer yourself.

Common issues and what to do about them

If your design file has problems — like walls that are too thin, features that can't be printed, or geometry that's impossible — Xometry's system may flag it during quoting or the manufacturer may contact you before printing starts. You can then fix the file and re-upload it, or ask the manufacturer for information on how to modify the design.

If the finished part arrives damaged or doesn't match the quote, Xometry has a dispute process. You report the issue through your order page, provide photos, and Xometry works with the manufacturer to resolve it — usually by reprinting the part or issuing a refund. This process typically takes a few days to a week.

If you need the part faster than the quoted lead time, some manufacturers offer rush processing for an additional fee. Check your quote page to see if rush options are available for your specific order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need design experience to use Xometry?

No, but you do need a 3D design file in a format Xometry accepts (STL, STEP, IGES, or similar). If you don't have a file, you'll need to create one using 3D design software or hire someone to design it for you. Xometry does not design parts — they only print files you provide.

What file formats does Xometry accept?

Xometry accepts STL, STEP, IGES, OBJ, and several other 3D file formats. STL is the most common for 3D printing. If your file is in a different format, you may be able to convert it using free online tools or 3D software before uploading.

Can I order just one part, or do I have to order in bulk?

You can order a single part. Xometry's system quotes individual units, and you can order as few as one. Ordering more copies at once is usually cheaper per unit, but there's no minimum order size.

How long does shipping take after the part is printed?

Shipping time depends on your location and the shipping method. Most orders ship via standard ground shipping, which typically takes three to seven business days after the part leaves the manufacturer. Xometry provides a tracking number so you can follow the shipment.

What if my part needs to be a specific color?

Some 3D printing technologies and materials come in different colors — for example, FDM filament is available in many colors, and some SLS powders come in color options. Check the material options in your quote to see what colors are available for your chosen technology. If the color you need isn't available, some manufacturers offer post-print painting or dyeing for an additional cost.