Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does it sometimes take a few days before my order ships?

This is because it takes time to create your order. These are all made to order (Print on Demand). They are created specifically for you in the color of your choice. All my statues take between 5 to 50 hours to print. Then I have to perform clean up on the statue and remove all the support material that is printed to support the status as it is printed. Some models take a lot of clean up.

Although rarely, sometimes the model fails mid-print. This means I have to start over. If this puts me behind schedule getting your order to you, I will reach out and and let you know.

The last reason could be due to volume of orders at any one time. Sometimes my 3D printers are tied up with other orders and I need to wait for a printer to be available.

How often do you create new statues?

Generally speaking, I try to create a couple of new models a month. All depends on the time I have to do it. Some models by the time you see them listed in my store have gone through several versions. They don't always print well and I have to change the model to get it to print better. Once I have a working model and can take pictures of it, I then post it in my store.

How do you calculate your pricing?

All my prices take into account the following:

Cost of the type of material used (mostly PLA).
Design time to create the model.
How long it takes to print the model (time and amount of material used). This is the biggest factor.
Once printed, how much effort is there to clean up the model.
What type of finishing is applied to the model (cost and time).
Size for shipping.

Once I have all that information, then I use a formula to calculate the price of the statue on my store.

What is PLA Plastic?

PLA, aka Polylactic Acid, is a multipurpose material commonly used in 3D printing. PLA is a bioplastic, which means it is made from renewable natural resources such as corn starch and tapioca products. As a biodegradable material it is much better for the environment, especially compared to petrochemical-based alternatives (such as ABS).

Is PLA UV Resistant?

Unlike other synthetic fibers, PLA does not absorb light in
the visible region of the spectrum; this leads to very low strength loss compared to petroleum-based fibers when exposed to ultraviolet light. UV light does not affect PLA.

If PLA is biodegradable, how long will it last?

This is a common question. In a domestic environment (aka your home), your PLA statue will last many many years. Possibly even your life time if taken care of. The only way to start the biodegrading process, you would need an industrial composting facility with the right temperature, humidity, and microorganisms. Even in a home based composting pile, it wouldn't be enough to start the PLA degrading.

Your PLA statue, however, can be damaged or deformed (melted) by high heat (such as hot car or direct sunlight). It is a form of plastic after all.

Are your statues perfectly smooth or blemish free?

Simple answer, no. Many of my statues ARE very smooth. But many of them have blemishes or rough spots. That is part of 3D printing. These are not molded parts you find from China. They are designed by myself, and essentially handmade in my house (using a 3D printer). I am not a professional.

No single statue is identical to another one. I am selling handmade art. Not production pieces. I get them as smooth as I can within what the 3D technology allows me to, and minimal post processing after. Some statues are designed to be rougher.

Sanding will dull the color/finish. If you do not like the blemishes or rough spots, you can sand them, or 3D printing may not be for you. Please ask if you have any questions before ordering.

Does your shipping require a signature for delivery?

At our discretion we may require a signature for delivery. However, orders over $200 dollars will automatically require a signature. Any order that needs to be resent for any reason will require a signature for delivery. In some cases our VIP repeat customers we may waive signature for delivery. This again, will be at our discretion.

Why do some colors not match my other statues I have ordered?

This can happen often. While I make every effort to get the same manufacturer and the same colors, sometimes color shades vary between manufactures, lots, etc. This is out of my control. Especially due to COVID-19, it is very difficult to get some colors so I have to use alternate manufacturers of the material.