Manufacturing guidelines

make.direct manufacturing platform

These Manufacturing Guidelines form an integral and binding part of the Terms and Conditions of the make.direct platform. By placing an order, the Client confirms that they have reviewed and accepted these Guidelines.

1. Purpose and Scope

These Manufacturing Guidelines define the technical limitations, production realities, tolerances, material behavior, and post-processing scope applicable to all manufacturing services provided through the Platform.

They exist to set objective expectations and to clarify what constitutes acceptable variation versus a manufacturing defect.

2. Manufacturing Technologies

The Platform supports multiple manufacturing technologies, including but not limited to:

  • FDM / FFF
  • SLS
  • MJF
  • MSLA / SLA
  • CNC machining and other processes (where applicable)

Each technology has distinct characteristics affecting:

  • surface finish,
  • dimensional accuracy,
  • mechanical properties,
  • visual appearance.

Results produced by different technologies are not directly comparable, even when using similar materials or identical models.

3. Surface Finish and Visual Appearance

Additive manufacturing inherently produces layer lines, texture variations, and surface artifacts.

Manufactured parts will not resemble injection-moulded or mass-produced items unless explicitly stated and technically feasible.

Visual representations, renders, or photographs displayed on the Platform are illustrative only and do not constitute guarantees.

Subjective criteria, including but not limited to appearance, color perception, texture, feel, aesthetic uniformity, or visual preference, shall not constitute manufacturing defects.

4. Dimensional Accuracy and Tolerances

Dimensional accuracy depends on technology, material, geometry, orientation, and process conditions.

Applicable tolerances are published on material or technology information pages and form part of these Guidelines.

Deviations within stated tolerances are considered acceptable and do not qualify as defects.

Measurement disputes shall be resolved using objective measurement methods at the Platform Operator's discretion.

5. Material Properties and Variability

Materials used in manufacturing may vary between batches.

Variations may include:

  • color shade differences,
  • surface texture differences,
  • minor variations in mechanical properties within datasheet limits.

For large orders, production may involve multiple machines or material batches, resulting in visible or measurable differences within the same order.

Such variations are inherent to manufacturing and do not constitute defects.

6. Sampling and Prototyping

Clients are strongly advised to order samples or prototypes when:

  • appearance is critical,
  • functional performance is critical,
  • large quantities are intended.

If the Client proceeds with full-scale production without prior sampling, the Client accepts the associated risks.

The Platform Operator shall not be responsible for expectation-based dissatisfaction where sampling was reasonably advisable but not performed.

7. Client-Supplied Designs

The Client is solely responsible for the correctness, integrity, and suitability of uploaded files.

The Platform Operator does not validate designs for structural integrity, safety, or fitness for a particular purpose unless a separate design review service is explicitly ordered.

Functional failure of a part resulting from design flaws does not constitute a manufacturing defect.

8. Automated Checks and Warnings

The Platform may provide automated warnings regarding printability, geometry, wall thickness, or similar issues.

These checks are advisory only and non-exhaustive.

The absence of warnings does not imply design approval or suitability for use.

9. Post-Processing Scope

Unless explicitly ordered otherwise, only basic post-processing is included.

Basic post-processing is limited to simple support removal where easily accessible and not labor-intensive.

The following are excluded unless explicitly agreed in writing:

  • polishing, sanding, tumbling,
  • vapor smoothing,
  • painting, coating,
  • glueing, assembly,
  • cleaning of internal cavities,
  • removal of inaccessible supports or trapped material.

Post-processing is performed on a best-effort basis and does not guarantee cosmetic outcomes.

10. Batch Production and Scaling

Results obtained from small batches or prototypes do not guarantee identical results at scale.

Scaling production may introduce additional variability due to material sourcing, machine allocation, or production scheduling.

11. Defect Determination

A defect exists only if:

  • the manufactured item materially deviates from the uploaded file, or

  • stated tolerances are exceeded, or

  • a confirmed manufacturing error occurred.

Cosmetic or expectation-based complaints do not qualify as defects.

The Platform Operator retains final authority to determine defect status.

12. Relationship to Terms and Conditions

These Manufacturing Guidelines are incorporated by reference into the Terms and Conditions. In case of conflict, the Terms and Conditions prevail.