Layers are laid one on top of another. That sentence explains almost everything that follows.
Strength depends on direction
A printed part is strong across the layers, where material is continuous, and weaker at the bonds between layers, where it relies on one layer adhering to the one below.
An upright hook can therefore break under its first serious pull, while the same hook printed lying down can withstand much more. The geometry is identical; the layer direction is different.
The practical rule: orient the part so the load runs across the layers, rather than pulling them apart.
Supports are material for the bin
Anything overhanging at more than about 45° needs supports: temporary structures printed, broken off and discarded. They cost money because the machine has to make them.
Rotating a part often removes half the supports. Sometimes turning it onto its back is enough.
Height is paid for in layers
Layer count depends on height. A part lying 40 mm high with 0.2 mm layers has 200 layers; stood up at 200 mm, it has 1,000. Machine time grows proportionally, and accounts for half the bill.
Lay the object down if its shape allows. Sometimes that makes the difference between €12 and €30 for the same model.
The visible surface
The top surface is smoothest, the sides show layers, and the bottom carries the build plate texture. Face a presentation surface upwards.
Sloping surfaces show steps, increasingly visible on shallower slopes. Thinner layers help, but take longer to print.
What we do
We choose the orientation during preparation, as part of the work covered by the setup fee. If the part has a particular load direction or a face that must look clean, tell us in the order notes. Otherwise, we aim for the fewest supports and a reasonable print time.
Upload a model for a quote or see how the price is calculated.