FREDWhat to know before making your first object.
Files, colours, quotes and shipping: answers to help you sell 3D printed objects with FRED, without inventory or printers to manage.
What is 3D printing on demand?
It's a production model where each part is 3D printed only after a sale, then shipped straight to the end customer. You sell with no inventory and no machines: FRED handles manufacturing and fulfillment.
Which 3D file formats can I upload?
STL, 3MF and OBJ. Every file goes through automatic geometry validation (watertight mesh, dimensions, printability) before it can be ordered.
How is the price of a part calculated?
Pricing is available after your file is sliced. It includes material, machine time, preparation, service fees, shipping and any inserts. VAT is detailed before confirmation. Calculation time depends on the model.
Do you ship under my brand?
Your brand information is used in the shipping workflow. Configure your brand and documents in FRED; tracking remains available from your order.
I don't have 3D models — can I still sell?
You can use a catalogue model subject to its licence. AI Studio can also generate an image and a 3D model when enabled for your account. AI creations still need to be checked for manufacturing.
How do I join the beta?
Sign-ups are invite-only during the private beta. Tell us about your project in the access request: we open spots gradually, for stores and for print farms alike.
How does multicolour printing work?
A compatible 3MF file can preserve your model’s colours. Review the colours and their placement before approving the quote. Options depend on the file and workshop capabilities; colour changes can increase production time and material use. STL files do not contain these colour assignments.
Is an AI creation ready to print?
Not automatically. AI Studio creates an image and then a 3D model. Geometry, dimensions and colours still need checking. A quote and any required approvals come before manufacturing. AI credits are separate from manufacturing and shipping costs.
What are the delivery times?
Timing depends on the model, workshop availability and destination. Review manufacturing and delivery estimates in your quote. A destination listed in the form does not guarantee an available offer.
Can I connect my store or AI assistant?
Shopify has a dedicated connector, with installation and activation to be confirmed during the beta. The API supports custom integrations. MCP connects your FRED account to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor and compatible assistants. Etsy and WooCommerce are planned and are not available yet.
How do I join FRED as a manufacturer?
Introduce your workshop on the manufacturers page: machines, materials, prices and production capacity. Your application must be approved before you can receive manufacturing requests. You can accept or decline proposals according to your workshop’s capabilities.