3D Printing FAQs

Each project is assigned a technical sales manager and a lead project engineer, who will be there from project launch to the delivery of your parts.

For quoting GreatLight prefer 3D CAD file in format in STEP, IGES, X_T or STL.
2D CAD drawings with reference dimensions in format DWG and PDF.
All of the GreatLightn processes are dependent on good 3D CAD solid models.

GreatLight rely on our reputation of working with hundreds of thousands of unique designs over many years, we always keeps customer information confidential and have a strict policy within our factory. If needed, we can sign an NDA with customers who require this documentation.

There is no minimum order quantity requirements at GreatLight.Our services can support you scale from one-off prototypes all the way to mid- and high-volume production.

Our standard terms are Ex Works (EXW) for rapid prototyping and regular production orders. This means the customer is responsible for shipping, customs clearance and all other associated fees once the goods have left our premises. We also offer terms of Delivery At Place(DAP) by DHL Express air freight, customers are responsible for import duties and fees associated with international shipping. Customers also have the option to use their own shipping accounts (e.g. DHL,FedEx or UPS) during checkout if applicable.

There is no single answer to this question but a few rules apply. For customers in USA, Prototypes to be used exclusively for development, testing, product evaluation, or quality control purposes,allow for a MFN Duty Rate of duty-free import into USA(US HTS Number: 9817.85.01.). Import duties vary widely between countries, and are dependent on the type of good being imported. Most countries in the world conform to the international Harmonized System (HS) codes that categorize virtually all commercial trade goods.

Each process is different and depends on part size, quantity required, and finishing requirements. Quality prototyping parts can be made in 3-9 days. Rapid injection molding may take 2-5 weeks to complete. More complex parts requiring or other special features will take longer. As for shipping, most of our shipments are via air freight, which can take a few days from China to Europe or North America.

GreatLight accepts payment in two ways:
Bank to bank wire transfer. GreatLight has accounts in Hong Kong and ShenZhen, China.
GreatLight can send you a PayPal invoice and you can use your PayPal account or credit card to pay.

Unless otherwise agreed upon, all new rapid prototyping customers must pay in advance, we will consider giving 30 days credit based on the order quantity after a period of cooperation between the parties.
Except in very special cases, all tooling orders require a 50% deposit in advance, even for clients who have credit terms. Typically the balance must be paid after T1 approval of samples. Terms are negotiable with each individual customer.