Ordering custom parts can be exciting—but it can also be overwhelming if you’re not sure what information your manufacturer needs. Asking the right questions upfront helps you avoid delays, redesigns, and unexpected costs. Whether you’re prototyping a new product or producing a small batch of functional components, these five questions will set you up for success.

1. What Tolerances Does Your Design Actually Require?

Tolerances are one of the biggest drivers of cost and complexity. Many designs default to unnecessarily tight tolerances, which can:

Increase production time
Limit material options
Require additional post-processing

If a dimension isn’t critical, loosening the tolerance can save time and money. A good manufacturing partner—like the team behind our printing and design services—will help you determine what’s realistic and what’s essential.

2. What Material Properties Do You Need?

Material selection affects everything from strength to heat resistance to flexibility. Before ordering, consider:

Will the part experience mechanical stress?
Does it need to withstand high temperatures?
Will it be exposed to chemicals or UV light?
Is weight reduction a priority?

Choosing the right material ensures your part performs as intended. If you’re unsure which material fits your application, our Get a Free Quote form lets you share details so we can recommend the best option.

3. How Will the Part Be Used?

Context matters. A part that looks perfect on a screen may fail in real-world conditions if the manufacturer doesn’t understand its purpose. Think about:

Load direction
Assembly method
Environmental conditions
Wear points

Sharing this information helps your manufacturer make informed recommendations. You can also browse our Projects page to see how we’ve solved similar challenges for other customers.

4. What’s Your Timeline?

Lead times vary depending on complexity, material, and finishing requirements. Be clear about:

Your ideal delivery date
Your absolute deadline
Whether you’re open to material or design adjustments to speed things up

Early communication prevents last-minute surprises. If you’re working on a tight schedule, reach out through our Contact page so we can help you plan effectively.

5. What Post-Processing or Finishing Do You Need?

Finishing can dramatically change the look and performance of a part. Options may include:

Sanding or smoothing
Painting or dyeing
Machining critical surfaces
Adding threaded inserts
Coating for durability

Each step adds time and cost, so it’s important to plan ahead. If you’re unsure which finishing process your part needs, we can walk you through the options based on your project.

Compact infographic showing five key preparation steps: define tolerances, choose appropriate materials, explain part function, share timeline, and specify finishing needs. Minimal technical icons and a clean, modern layout.

Bonus: Do You Have a Clean CAD File?

A well-prepared file reduces errors and speeds up production. If you’re unsure, your manufacturer can help review or repair your model.

Conclusion

Asking these questions before ordering custom parts ensures a smoother process and better results. At MBS 3D Solutions, we work closely with customers to clarify requirements, optimize designs, and deliver parts that meet real-world needs. When you’re ready to start your next project, we’ll be here!

5 Questions to Ask Before Ordering Custom Parts