FAQ'S
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Welcome to our FAQ page! Whether you're buying your first printer or stocking up on supplies, we've gathered answers to the most common questions about our hardware, filaments, and parts. If your question isn't answered here, please contact our support team: Support@3dcpstore.co.za
Category 1: 3D Printers
Q: I'm new to 3D printing. Which printer is the best for a beginner? A: We recommend beginners start with a printer known for its user-friendly setup and reliability. Look for features like assisted or auto bed levelling. Models from brands like Creality (e.g., Ender 3 series) or Anycubic are excellent starting points. Check the product descriptions, where we highlight "Beginner Friendly" models, or contact us for a personalised recommendation based on your budget and what you want to create.
Q: Do the printers arrive assembled or as a kit? A: This varies by model. Some printers arrive 95% pre-assembled and require only 15-20 minutes of final assembly. Others are DIY kits that can take a few hours to build. The product page for each printer clearly states its assembly requirements so you know exactly what to expect.
Q: What warranty is included with the printers you sell? A: All our 3D printers come with a manufacturer's warranty, which typically covers parts for 6-12 months. We facilitate this warranty process for you. As your local South African supplier, we also provide direct support to help diagnose issues and guide you through any claims.
Q: What happens if I get stuck during setup or have a technical problem? A: We're here to help! We offer local technical support for all printers purchased from us. You can contact us via email or phone, and our team, based right here in Gauteng, will assist you with setup, calibration, and troubleshooting.
Q: Do the printers come with filament to get started? A: Most new printers include a small sample coil of filament from the manufacturer. This is usually enough for a test print or two. We highly recommend purchasing at least one full 1kg spool of filament (we suggest starting with PLA) with your printer so you can start creating right away.
Category 2: Filaments
Q: What is the difference between PLA, PETG, and TPU? A:
· PLA (Polylactic Acid): The most popular and easiest to print. It's affordable, comes in many colours, and is great for cosmetic prints, prototypes, and figurines.
· PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): A great all-rounder. It's stronger and more temperature-resistant than PLA. Ideal for functional parts like brackets, phone cases, and mechanical components.
· TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): A flexible, rubber-like material. It's used for creating things that need to bend and stretch, like phone cases, grips, and vibration dampeners. It requires slower printing speeds.
Q: Is this filament compatible with my printer? A: The most important factor for compatibility is the filament diameter. The vast majority of consumer printers (including all models we sell) use 1.75mm diameter filament. Unless your printer specifically requires 2.85mm, our filament will be compatible. The second factor is printing temperature, which is adjustable in your printer's settings.
Q: How should I store my filament to keep it from going bad? A: Filament absorbs moisture from the air, which makes it brittle and causes poor print quality. To prevent this, store your filament spools in a sealed bag or an airtight container with the included desiccant (silica gel) packet. This is especially important in more humid parts of South Africa.
Q: My filament is snapping and seems brittle. What's wrong? A: This is a classic sign that the filament has absorbed too much moisture. You can often salvage it by using a dedicated filament dryer or by drying it carefully in an oven at a very low temperature (consult online guides for your specific material type before attempting this).
Category 3: Spare Parts
Q: How do I know if a spare part (like a nozzle or hotend) will fit my printer? A: We list the compatible printer models in the product description for every spare part. Please check this list carefully. If you are still unsure, the best way to guarantee a match is to contact us with your printer model and, if possible, a photo of the part you need to replace.
Q: Are these official manufacturer (OEM) parts or third-party compatible parts? A: We stock a mix of both to provide you with options for budget and performance. Each product listing clearly states if the part is a genuine OEM part from the original manufacturer or a high-quality third-party compatible part.
Q: I need a specific part that I can't find on your store. Can you order it for me? A: We can often source parts that are not listed. Please send us a message with the details of the part you need and your printer model, and we will do our best to find it for you through our network of suppliers.
Category 4: Ordering, Shipping & Local Support
Q: How long does shipping take within South Africa? A: We ship from our location in Gauteng. Delivery to major centres like Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban typically takes 2-5 business days. Outlying areas may take 5-7 business days. You will receive a tracking number once your order is dispatched.
Q: Are your prices in South African Rand (ZAR)? A: Yes, all prices listed on our store are in South African Rand (ZAR) and are inclusive of VAT.