Prototypes, Fit, and Functional Parts

For objects that must fit another component, the first print should usually be treated as a prototype.

FDM printing, customer measurements, material shrinkage, part orientation, and printer tolerances can affect the final fit.

A successful print does not automatically guarantee that a customer-designed part will perform correctly in its intended application.

When fit or mechanical performance is important:

• A test piece may be recommended
• Critical dimensions should be identified
• Multiple prototypes may be required
• Revised prints are priced separately unless the problem resulted from my production error

Engineering CAD service means that I can create dimension-based models and technical designs. It does not include professional engineering certification, structural approval, or safety certification.

Surface Finish and FDM Expectations

FDM-printed objects naturally have visible layer lines.

Depending on the geometry and orientation, the finished print may also have:

• Support contact marks
• Small seams
• Minor stringing
• Slight color variation
• A different texture on the bottom surface
• Small dimensional variation
• Less detail on downward-facing surfaces

I will select an orientation that balances appearance, print reliability, material usage, and strength. When several orientations are possible, I may ask which surfaces are most important to you.

Basic support removal is included when the supports are easy to remove. Extensive cleanup, sanding, assembly, or finishing is charged separately.

Reprints and Customer-Provided Designs

A replacement print may be provided without an additional production charge when:

• The wrong material or color was used
• The printer malfunctioned
• The approved settings were not followed
• The part was damaged because of inadequate packaging
• The delivered print materially differs from the approved production specifications because of my error

A new order or additional charge may be required when:

• The customer’s measurements were incorrect
• The supplied model was designed incorrectly
• The print matches the file but does not fit its intended application
• The customer changes the design after approval
• The customer requests a different size, material, orientation, or finish
• Normal FDM layer lines or disclosed support marks are considered undesirable
• The customer selected a material that was not recommended
• Another prototype is needed to improve fit or performance

Design Rights and Accepted Projects

Customers must own the submitted file or have permission to reproduce it.

Please do not submit stolen models, unauthorized commercial files, or designs that you do not have permission to manufacture.

Aka Miniverse may decline projects involving:

• Unauthorized copyrighted designs
• Illegal items
• Weapons or weapon components
• Medical-use parts
• Food-contact applications
• Life-safety applications
• High-temperature applications beyond the available material
• Parts requiring formal engineering certification
• Projects outside the printer’s size or material capabilities

Submitting a file does not transfer ownership of that file to Aka Miniverse. Customer files will be used only as necessary to review, prepare, and produce the requested order.

For new models created by Aka Miniverse, file ownership, commercial-use rights, exclusivity, and delivery of the digital source file must be agreed upon separately before modeling begins.

Purchasing a physical print does not automatically include the editable CAD file or commercial reproduction rights.