Everything you need to know about ordering custom 3D printed parts from Export Commodity in Houston, TX.
Can’t find your answer here? Contact our team directly — we’re quick to respond.
We stock 50+ materials across four printing technologies. Our most popular materials include:
If you need a material not listed, contact us — we source specialty materials on request. See our full Materials page for detailed specifications.
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) melts plastic filament and deposits it layer by layer to build parts. It’s the most affordable 3D printing method, supports a wide range of thermoplastics (PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, PEEK), and produces strong, functional parts. Layer lines are visible on the surface. Best for structural parts, enclosures, jigs, and production runs.
SLA (Stereolithography) uses a UV laser to cure liquid resin into solid layers. It produces extremely smooth surfaces with very fine details — tolerances to ±0.1mm and layer heights as thin as 0.025mm. Best for dental models, jewelry prototypes, presentation pieces, and any part where surface quality matters most.
Not sure which is right for your part? Tell us what it needs to do and we’ll recommend the best technology. See our Technologies page for full comparisons.
For FDM printing, we offer 20+ filament colors and can come close to most standard Pantone and RAL references using our available color palette. An exact color match to a Pantone swatch from filament alone is not always possible due to the nature of extruded thermoplastics.
For precision color matching, we recommend printing in a neutral color (white or grey) and applying a paint finish — which we offer as a post-processing service. Using automotive or model paints over a primed surface, we can match Pantone and RAL colors accurately. Please note color-matched painting is quoted separately and adds to lead time.
We currently specialize in polymer-based 3D printing — including high-performance engineering plastics like PEEK, Polycarbonate, and Carbon Fiber composites that can replace metal in many applications at a fraction of the cost and lead time.
If your application truly requires metal (e.g., DMLS aluminum or steel), we can refer you to trusted metal printing partners we work with. In many cases, however, we can design a polymer solution that meets your structural, temperature, and chemical requirements — contact us to discuss your specific needs.
Some materials we stock have food-safe certifications, but food safety of a finished 3D printed part depends on multiple factors: the material itself, the printing process, surface finish, and intended use.
Generally food-safe-compatible materials: food-grade PETG (with correct processing), certain PEEK grades. Not food-safe: Standard PLA, ABS, most resins (photopolymers are not food safe).
Important caveat: FDM layer lines create micro-crevices that can harbor bacteria even with food-safe materials. For food-contact applications, we recommend SLA with food-safe resin and a food-safe clear coating, or discussing your specific application with our team. We do not recommend any printed part for long-term food storage without proper finishing and compliance review.
There is no minimum order quantity at Export Commodity. We accept orders for a single part as readily as orders for 1,000 units. Whether you’re a solo inventor printing one prototype, or a product company placing a recurring production run, we treat every order with the same level of care and professionalism.
Volume pricing is available for larger quantities. Contact us for a custom bulk quote if you’re ordering 50+ units of the same part.
Requesting a quote is simple:
We respond to all quote requests the same business day, usually within a few hours.
Yes. Our in-house CAD and design team offers several levels of design support:
Export Commodity is a US-based manufacturing operation producing all parts in our Houston, TX facility. We currently operate as a professional commercial 3D printing and manufacturing service with quality control processes including DFM review, dimensional inspection, and post-production quality checks on every order.
We do not currently hold ISO 9001, AS9100, or FDA certifications. If your project has specific certification or compliance requirements (medical device, aerospace, food contact), please discuss this with our team before ordering — we’ll advise on feasibility and material options accordingly.
Dimensional inspection reports are available on request for engineering and industrial parts.
Lead times depend on the technology, part size, complexity, and our current queue. Typical turnaround times:
Batch orders may have longer lead times depending on quantity. Your quote will include a specific estimated completion date. Rush service is available — note your deadline when submitting.
We accept the following 3D file formats:
Maximum upload size: 50MB per file. For large assemblies, please zip multiple files before uploading. No 3D file yet? Our team can create one from sketches, drawings, or reference photos.
Achievable tolerances vary by technology:
If your part requires tighter tolerances than above, please note your critical dimensions when submitting a quote. In some cases, we can design in machining stock and recommend secondary operations. Dimensional inspection reports are available on request.
Maximum build volumes by technology:
Parts larger than these volumes can be printed in sections and bonded or assembled. We have experience producing large-format architectural models, sculptures, and signage pieces using segmented printing. Contact us if your part exceeds these dimensions.
Yes. Export Commodity ships to all 50 states. We use FedEx, UPS, and USPS for domestic shipments, with tracking provided on every order. Shipping cost is calculated at the time of quoting based on part weight, dimensions, and your delivery address.
For local Houston-area clients, in-person pickup is available at our facility during business hours (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm CST). Please coordinate pickup timing with our team when your order is ready.
International shipping may be available for select orders — contact us to discuss international requirements.
We serve a wide range of industries from our Houston, TX facility. Our primary client sectors include:
See our full Industries page for detailed use cases and examples.
Our team is happy to answer any question about materials, technologies, tolerances, lead times, or your specific application. No question too basic or too technical.
Upload your file or describe your project. Same-day quotes on most requests. No minimums. Made in USA.
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