Formada3D Rapid prototyping in Melbourne.
Formada3D 3D prints prototypes in Melbourne from your STL, STEP or a sketch: test a shape or a fit in your hands, change the design and reprint the same week. STL files get an instant price from A$8 at formada3d.com/quote; other files and briefs get a reply within 24 hours, and most jobs ship in 3–5 days.
How does rapid prototyping with us work?
Send a file or brief
STL, STEP or other CAD, or a sketch, photos and measurements.
Test it
Most jobs are printed and shipped in 3–5 days.
Change and reprint
No tooling, so a revised design can be reprinted the same week.
What kinds of prototypes can be 3D printed?
Form & ergonomics
Hold the shape before you commit to tooling. PLA is quick and cheap for this.
Fit checks
Check mating parts, screw holes and clearances. We can print a fit-test piece first.
Housings & enclosures
Cases for electronics, sensors and products, in PETG for function.
Functional prototypes
Parts that flex or grip in TPU 95A, or carry load in PETG.
Variants side by side
Two or three versions printed together to compare.
Pre-production samples
Then the same part in quantity, quoted as a whole job.
The drawings show part types. They are illustrations, not customer projects.
Which material should a prototype be printed in?
| Material | Good for | Status |
|---|---|---|
| PLA | Look-and-feel and fit-check models. Softens around 57 °C. | Printing today |
| PETG | Functional prototypes, housings and brackets. Softens around 69–71 °C. | Printing today |
| TPU 95A | Flexible parts: grips, seals, bumpers. | Printing today |
| ASA / ABS | Outdoor and heat tests. | On request |
| PETG-CF / PLA-CF | Stiff prototypes with a matte finish. | On request |
| Resin (Formlabs Form 4) | Fine-detail, smooth-surface prototypes. | Coming soon, not available yet |
| SLS / MJF nylon, metal | Production-grade nylon or metal prototypes. | Via our partner network |
Examples of our print quality
Real photos of our own designs, printed in our workshop. They are not customer jobs.
How much does a 3D-printed prototype cost?
Priced by estimated material weight on our instant quote, from A$8 a job.
| Part weight | Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to 100 g | A$0.15 / g |
| 100 – 300 g | A$0.18 / g |
| Over 300 g | A$0.22 / g |
| Instant-quote minimum | A$8 |
Worked examples
- 100 g part: about A$15
- 200 g part: about A$33
- 300 g part: about A$51
- Materials marked "on request", design work and business jobs are quoted per job. A business minimum may apply.
Common questions
Where can I get a prototype 3D printed in Melbourne?
Formada3D prints prototypes to order in its Melbourne workshop from STL, STEP or a sketch. STL files get an instant price from A$8 at formada3d.com/quote; we reply to other enquiries within 24 hours and most jobs ship in 3–5 days.
Can you model the prototype for us?
Yes. Send a sketch, photo, measurements or a description of what the part has to do. We model it in CAD, iterate with you, then print it.
What tolerances can you hold?
Plan on about ±0.2–0.3 mm on most FDM features. Holes and slots print slightly undersize, so for bearings, press fits and mating parts tell us the fit you need and we design in the clearance or print a fit-test piece first.
How much does it cost?
Our instant quote prices by estimated material weight: A$0.15/g up to 100 g, A$0.18/g from 100 to 300 g and A$0.22/g beyond, from A$8 a job. A business minimum may apply to B2B jobs; we confirm the full price, including any minimum, before anything is printed.
How fast can you turn parts around?
We reply to custom enquiries within 24 hours. Most jobs are printed and shipped in 3–5 days depending on size; for larger quantities we confirm timing with the quote.
What files can I send?
STEP, STL or other CAD exports, or a sketch, photos and measurements. STL files get an instant estimate in our online quote tool at formada3d.com/quote; send STEP and other files to [email protected] and we quote them manually or model the part for you.
Will you sign an NDA?
Yes, NDAs are available on request. Say so in your enquiry and we sort it out before you send any files.
Have a file? Get an instant quote.
STL files are priced instantly from A$8. STEP files, sketches and briefs: use the enquiry form or email [email protected] and we reply within 24 hours.
Last updated 10 October 2026.