Frequently Asked Questions

LAPYS is a 3D printing marketplace that connects customers who want 3D prints with local print partners who own 3D printers. Designers can also upload their creations to earn royalties on every print.

No! Customers can browse designs or upload their own STL files and get them printed by local print partners. You only need a printer if you want to join as a print partner.

LAPYS is currently expanding. Availability depends on having active print partners in your area. Sign up and we'll notify you when partners are available near you.

Browse designs from our marketplace or upload your own 3D file. Once you place an order, a local print partner claims the job, prints it, uploads proof photos for quality check, and ships it directly to you.

We support STL, 3MF, OBJ, and STEP files. STL and 3MF are the most common formats for 3D printing.

Printing typically takes 1-3 days depending on the design complexity. Since your print partner is local, shipping is usually 1-3 days. Total turnaround is typically under a week.

We have a quality assurance process where proof photos are reviewed before shipping. If there's an issue with your print after delivery, you can open a dispute and our team will review it.

You set a royalty amount when uploading your design. Every time a customer orders a print of your design, you earn that royalty automatically. Payouts are processed through Stripe.

Yes. Every file is forensically watermarked with a unique fingerprint per job and sent directly to the print partner's enrolled printer — never downloaded to their computer. If a file is ever leaked, we can trace it back to the exact job and printer. Print partners act as fulfillment agents with access limited to active jobs.

Yes! During registration, check "I also have a 3D printer" to enable self-fulfillment. You'll earn both the royalty and the fulfillment payout, keeping everything except the platform fee.

Jobs from customers in your service area appear in your dashboard. You can claim marketplace design orders or bid on custom quote requests. Jobs are matched by geographic proximity.

Individual is for hobbyists with personal printers. Business is for print farms or professional services. Both tiers access the same job pool — the tier helps customers understand your capacity.

Payouts are processed through Stripe after job completion and customer acceptance. You receive the fulfillment payout (job price minus platform fee and designer royalty).

Yes, creating an account is completely free for all roles — customers, designers, and print partners.

LAPYS takes a 15% platform fee on each job. The remaining 85% is split between the print partner (fulfillment) and the designer (royalty).

For custom uploads, print partners set their own prices. Customers can compare quotes from multiple partners and choose the best offer for their needs.