this post was submitted on 14 Jun 2025
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3DPrinting

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How do I go about using/having printed purchased files off Etsy? How safe is it? (lemmy.zip)
submitted 2 months ago by v4ld1z@lemmy.zip to c/3dprinting@lemmy.world
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I'm looking into 3D-printing some props for a cosplay and stumbled upon a pretty handy listing on Etsy (if I'm not allowed to post the link, I'll edit it out).

Now, I'm a complete beginner to 3D printing and know barely anything, so I've got a couple of questions.

  1. How safe is it to buy files off Etsy? Apparently, STL files are a little too large to be uploaded to Etsy, so upon making the purchase I'd get sent a txt file that includes a download link to the required files. Is that trustworthy?

  2. Are there any file types that I should steer clear off for commercial 3D printing places? I've got a place to go in my city, I think, but I'm not sure if there are any limitations to which file types can be printed at all.

  3. How likely is it that the arm prop won't fit? The listing does not specify if there are different sizes, and I'm not sure if they are even needed in the first place. In case it wouldn't fit out of the box, how difficult is it to scale the file to fit my arm proper?

  4. How expensive would printing be? Probably hard to answer unless I know where I'm going and what they are charging, but I'd imagine the cost of material is probably not too high, right?

  5. I think the seller also has the same files over on Cults 3D. Would buying there be preferable to Etsy for any reason (apart from pricing)?

That should be it. I hope my post is an ok fit for here - I'll post somewhere else if it isn't.

Thank you guys in advance!

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[–] einkorn@feddit.org 3 points 2 months ago
  1. I have not personally purchased files off Etsy, but the way you describe it this has clearly the potential for a scam.
  2. I am not aware of any current attacks on 3D printers or the software ecosystem around it using prepared files. In any case, you should research what file formats the service you want to use accepts.
  3. Since we all a little different, as you say it is unlikely to be a good fit straight out of the box. How easy it is to adjust the model depends on the type of files the model maker provides. STLs are basically finished models meant to be directly used in a slicer software to create the necessary machine code for production. Many slicers have basic capacities to scale or stretch models, but for complex geometry this is hardly sufficient for adaptations. For example, this maker included a project file for Fusion360 that is able to be easily adjusted via parameters. However, AFAIK it is not common for commercial makers to include a project file, because that's effectivly like giving away the construction blueprint for your product. Depending on the makers willingness they might provide you with an model tailered to your messurments.
  4. That depends entirely on the volume and complexity of the model. Of course the model itself uses material but also support structure to hold the model while printing adds to the price.
  5. As Cults3D as a commercial provider handels hosting of the files I'm personally much more inclined to buy there instead of Etsy with the promise to receive a link to the actuall files.