FAQ
Questions, answered.
What jewellers, designers and first-time clients usually ask before sending work. If yours isn’t here, ask directly — you’ll get a straight answer.
Working with us
What services does Manufactorist offer?
Investment casting, mouldmaking in rubber and silicone, wax injecting, spruing, resin printing of masters, and finishing — cut-off, pickle and tumble are included on every job. We cast silver, gold and bronze in runs from a single piece to about 200, and we help clients prepare their models for casting.
Do I need to be a professional jeweller?
No. Trade accounts serve working jewellers, designers and brands; public projects serve everyone else — artists, inventors, first-time creators. Same bench, same metal, two front doors.
How do I get a quote?
Send a CAD file, sketch, photo or description through the estimate page. Public projects begin with a $50 estimate deposit, credited toward your job — it keeps estimating time fair for everyone. Approved trade clients skip the deposit.
What file types do you accept?
STL and 3DM are ideal; most common CAD formats work. No CAD file? A sketch, a physical object or a clear description is enough to start the conversation.
Metal & materials
What metals do you cast?
Silver, gold and bronze. We supply metal at daily market price plus an alloy fee and 15% — or we cast your own metal if you hold a trade account.
Can I supply my own metal?
Yes, with a trade account. At least 50% of the melt must be new metal, and a $0.50/g shot-making fee ($10 minimum) covers preparing client metal for the crucible. All client-supplied metal is approved before production.
Do you print in castable resin?
No — we print in a plastic resin and make a mould from the printed master. Some geometries aren’t possible with this setup; if yours is one of them, we’ll tell you before any money changes hands. Moulds are priced separately from printing.
Pricing & process
What does casting cost?
The full rate card is public on the pricing page: flasks $50–$200 by size, rubber moulds $50–$165, silicone moulds $75–$195, wax injecting $2–$5 per piece (exceptionally difficult injections may run higher), resin printing $15 + $1.50/g. Cut-off, pickle and tumble are always included.
How fast is turnaround?
Most jobs ship within 5–10 business days of model approval. When the schedule allows, rush service is available at +50%.
What’s your minimum order?
One piece. Typical runs are 1–200 pieces — exactly the batches larger foundries often decline.
Do you keep my mould?
Yes — storage is free for active clients. Moulds inactive for 12 months are disposed of, and we’ll always try to reach you first.
Is my design confidential?
Completely. Your models, moulds and finished pieces are never photographed, shown or shared without your written permission.
Logistics
Where are you, and do you ship?
Vancouver, BC. Most work arrives as files or mailed objects, so distance is no barrier. Finished pieces ship at cost plus a $10 handling fee, anywhere in Canada and the US.
Ready to put it in metal?
Estimates are straightforward, and the rate card is already public.