Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who is Shapeways?
Q2: What is 3D printing?
Q3: What are the drawbacks of 3D printing?
Q4: How do I order RMW's products?
Q5: How do I handle 3D printed materials?
Q6: In what materials can I get your products?
Q7: Do you produce ready made kits?
Q8: How can I be sure I receive the products I ordered?
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Q1: Who is Shapeways?

A: Shapeways is the service company that handles the ordering, payment, production and shipping for RMW.

Q2: What is 3D printing?

A: 3D printing is a form of additive printing, in which materials are added, layer by layer. No forms are required.

Q3: What are the drawbacks of 3D printing?

A: Every print is unique; minor variations in quality can occur; in that sense is comparable with handmade items. The quality is not fully comparable yet with e.g. resin model fabrication, as the surface is not that smooth yet.

Disclaimer: Please note that the 3D printing materials we use for manufacturing the models make the models suitable only for decorative purposes and they are not suited for any other purpose. The models are not suited to be used as toys, to be given to children. The models should not come in contact with electricity or food&drinks and should be kept away from heat.

Q4: How do I order RMW's products?

A: You order RMW's products online via Shapeways shopping-cart; create your account at Shapeways, or login via your Facebook or Twitter account. Order and pay, then Shapeways will produce and ship the products to you.

Q5: How do I handle 3D printed materials?

A: The treatment of 3D printed materials, varies slightly with the type of material you selected. Our models are generally only produced in the materials as listed in question 6 below.

After receiving your material, you do a general cleaning with a cloth/brush first Alternatively, if you have an ultrasonic cleaner, you can clean the product in there for about 3 minutes. Use cold or lukewarm water, with some dish washing liquid added. Next you can do some light sanding (numbers 400-800-1000). Spraying with a white base layer is optional. Next spray with your desired color (several times).

For budget white material, some extra step might be useful, as the material is porous. Either repeat the spray painting with many layers, to fill the holes, or before the sanding, fill the holes by dipping the product in a bath of liquid filling material.

For glueing, only use superglue (CN).

Q6: In what materials can I get your products?

A: The supported materials are:

1. Ultra Detailed transparent (Shapeways: FUD = Frosted Ultra Detail): for very high detail level, smooth finish, good for e.g. small parts/models
2. Extra Detailed transparent (Shapeways: FD = Frosted Detail): Expensive material, for high detail level, smooth finish, good for e.g. small parts/models
3. Budget white (Shapeways: WSF = Strong, White & Flexbile): Budget material, medium detail level, for e.g. concrete models
4. Detailed white (Shapeways: WD = White Detail): Similar as FD, but the material is cheaper & different but better then WSF
5. Detailed transparent (Shapeways: TD = Transparent Detail): Like WD, but more transparent

Q7: Do you produce ready made kits?

A: Currently we are only producing kits which you still need to paint and assemble yourself.

Q8: How can I be sure I receive the products I ordered?

A: Ordering, payment, production and shipping is outsourced to Shapeways. You deal with them. They are based in The Netherlands and the US and serve many customers worldwide.