What products can you have made?
An accessory for your shop
A stand, an organiser, a desk object: a simple product to sell on Etsy, Shopify or a marketplace.
A working prototype
A mechanism that has to work: a lever, a hinge, a clip, a rack. Clearances between parts are calculated.
Samples for a market test
A few copies to show at a fair, to customers or to a shop before you launch.
A compatible accessory
An adapter, a case or a part that completes a product you already sell.
A workshop tool
A jig or a tool that speeds up your own craft production.
A flat-pack product
Several parts that slot together, delivered with an assembly guide: easy to ship flat.
An idea that's still vague
Invent mode suggests three directions before designing the parts.
How much does a 3D printed prototype cost?
Designing a prototype of 2–4 parts costs 1,900 credits (3,400 credits for 5–8 parts, on the Creator plan), then each printed copy is paid in US dollars at the quoted price: a delivered order always includes a manufacturing minimum, delivery and the service (today, a delivered order starts at $23.90), and the starting prices of the public objects shown below range from $40.90 to $100.90, delivery included.
Design
In credits, once per generation; chat messages and edits are charged separately, while sliders, quotes and renders cost no credits.
| Size | Unique parts | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| M | 2–4 parts | 1,900 creditscovered by the 2,000 credits free at signup |
| L | 5–8 parts | 3,400 creditsCreator plan |
Delivered order · from
The minimum delivered price of an order today, at the cheapest printer available: an order always includes a manufacturing minimum, delivery and the service.
Real examples
Delivered starting prices (the cheapest offer in the quote), read on public designs less than 30 days ago.
- Vulpe, a low-poly fox figurine1 part · SLA resin$8.19 each for 10read on 7 November 2026
- Toy Racing Car "Comète", 100% 3D printed2 parts · PETG$12.97 each for 10read on 7 November 2026
- Vintage rolling scooter figurine3 parts · PETG · TPU 95A$25.95 each for 10read on 8 November 2026
Order limits
Up to 100 copies per online order, $2,278 incl. VAT at most; above that, a custom quote.
What brings the price down
- fewer copies
- switch to printed PETG (redo the safety calculation)
- hollow it (2–3 mm shell + ribs, two Ø 3.5 mm powder escape holes)
- split it into smaller pieces
The quote shows the price for the quantity you choose: ask for one copy, then for the batch. An online order stops at 100 copies and $2,278 incl. VAT; above that, it's a custom quote.
Objects with mechanisms and several materials cost more than the default budget: that's normal. Ask the AI to make the version cheaper: it names the main cost drivers and what it can simplify.
How do you go from a product idea to a manufactured object?
- Describe the product and its useWhat it does, who it's for, where it'll be used, and the fixed dimensions (an object to hold, a device to fit). A sketch or a photo of a similar product helps.
- Choose Design or InventDesign if you know what you want; Invent to get three directions on an idea that's still vague (Creator plan).
- Iterate with the slidersAdjust dimensions with the sliders at no credit cost; a change asked for in the chat is paid in credits, less than a new generation. Each part's colour changes in the chat or the Materials tab, without regenerating.
- Order a first copyTest it for real: grip, strength, fit. The firm price, VAT and delivery included, is shown before you pay.
- Move to the first copiesOrder up to 100 copies online, within $2,278 incl. VAT; above that, ask for a custom quote.
- Keep the filesDownload the STL, 3MF and STEP (paid plans) to produce elsewhere: STEP is the format design consultancies and mould makers expect.
What the AI will ask you
- Describe the use and the person who'll use the product.
- Give the fixed dimensions: the object to hold, the device to fit, the maximum footprint.
- Pick a delivered print budget range per copy, or “No limit”.
- Say how many copies you're aiming for and whether you'll sell them: the AI then favours parts that are simple to print.
- Mention the material and colour if you have a constraint: outdoors, flexibility, look.
Who owns your product's design?
You do, to the extent rights exist: any rights in the designs generated for you are assigned to you, but copyright protection of works produced by an AI is uncertain and not guaranteed (terms).
- Projects are public by default: turn off “Public project” when you create one (or later, with one click) so that nobody else sees it.
- If you publish one in the gallery, you choose the licence (CC BY, CC BY-NC or “Order only”, no remixes) and whether others can order it.
- You declare that you hold the rights in the trademarks, logos, photos and files you provide.
- An idea you want to patent? Don't publish anything before taking advice: see inventions and prototypes.
After the prototype, can you move to a manufacturer?
Yes, with your files: the STEP (paid plans) opens in the CAD software of design consultancies and mould makers, and the parametric source code (Pro and Studio) lets you vary the dimensions again.
3D printing remains a good choice for short runs, personalised products or shapes that can't be moulded. For large volumes, an injection mould can become the better option: ask a manufacturer for a quote with your STEP file.
Which objects has the community already designed?
Designs published in the gallery, to order as they are or to remix.
- F1 toy carAnonymous creator · 3 parts · PETG · TPU 95A179 × 80 × 47 mmNot orderable
- Vintage rolling scooter figurineAnonymous creator · 3 parts · PETG · TPU 95A172 × 89 × 117 mm$25.95 each for 10
- Toy Racing Car "Comète", 100% 3D printed@objekto · 2 parts · PETG120 × 60 × 36 mm$12.97 each for 10
- Vulpe, a low-poly fox figurine@objekto · 1 part · SLA resin101 × 73 × 120 mm$8.19 each for 10
Which material should you choose for a product?
- PA12 (MJF): the default choice for a product. Strong, an even grey or black, accurate for parts that fit together.
- PA12 (SLS): close to MJF, in white or dyed, with a large maximum size.
- Printed PETG (FDM): a quote's “Economy” option, for a market test or a simple product; the layers stay visible.
- TPU 95A: the flexible parts, such as pads, living hinges and grips.
- Resin: for a very smooth presentation model; too brittle for a product in daily use.
| Material | Min. wall | Min. detail | Min. clearance | Max. size (mm) | Properties | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA12 white (SLS) | 0.7 mm | 0.2 mm | 0.5 mm | 650 × 550 × 350 | rigid · outdoor | $ |
| PA12 dyed black (SLS) | 0.7 mm | 0.2 mm | 0.5 mm | 320 × 230 × 180 | rigid · outdoor | $ |
| PA12 dyed colours (SLS) | 0.7 mm | 0.2 mm | 0.5 mm | 320 × 230 × 180 | rigid | $ |
| PA12 vapour smoothed (SLS) | 1.5 mm | 0.5 mm | 0.7 mm | 440 × 375 × 345 | rigid · outdoor | $$ |
| PA12 natural grey (MJF) | 0.5 mm | 0.2 mm | 0.6 mm | 380 × 380 × 284 | rigid · outdoor | $ |
| PA12 matte black (MJF) | 0.5 mm | 0.2 mm | 0.6 mm | 360 × 210 × 210 | rigid · outdoor | $ |
| PA12 black vapour smoothed (MJF) | 1.5 mm | 0.5 mm | 0.7 mm | 360 × 210 × 210 | rigid · outdoor | $$ |
| Flexible TPU 95A (FDM)rules to be confirmed | 1.6 mm | 1 mm | 0.8 mm | 250 × 250 × 250 | flexible · outdoor | $ |
| Standard resin (SLA, Somos GP Plus) | 1 mm | 0.4 mm | 0.2 mm | 790 × 790 × 590 | rigid | $$ |
| PETG (FDM) | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm | 0.5 mm | 300 × 300 × 300 | rigid · outdoor | $ |
Compare the materials: PA12 vs resin vs TPU.
What doesn't objekto do for a product?
- No mass production: an online order stops at 100 copies and $2,278 incl. VAT; above that, a custom quote.
- No more than 12 unique parts per object, and each part must fit the material's maximum size.
- No “made in France” claim: parts are produced by partner industrial 3D-printing workshops, not necessarily in France; delivery is in France.
- No certified products: no toys, no food contact, no medical devices, no guaranteed load.
- No legal advice, no patent or trademark filing.
The full list is in the content policy.
Start from an existing 3D file
Already have a model of your product (STL, 3MF, OBJ or STEP)? Import it: the AI adapts it (dimensions, fixings, details) before having it printed. Only for your own models, or models whose licence allows it.
objekto, a design consultancy or a print service: which should you choose?
Each stage of a product has its tool: objekto covers the idea, the prototype and the first copies.
| objekto | Design consultancy or designer | Online print service | Injection moulding | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting point | A description, a sketch | A specification | Your 3D file | A validated file and a mould |
| Who designs | The AI, with you | A professional | You | You or your consultancy |
| First copies | Yes, printed and delivered | Depends on the provider | Yes, printed and delivered | Once the mould is made |
| Volumes | Prototype and small batch | Any | Small batch | Large runs |
| Best for | Testing an idea fast, without CAD | A complex or certified product | Making a file that's ready | Producing in large volume |
To compare print services for an existing file: objekto vs Craftcloud.
Frequently asked questions
How do you prototype a physical product without CAD skills?
Describe the product to objekto: its use, its fixed dimensions, a sketch if you have one. The AI designs the parts in parametric CAD, checks they're printable, shows an exploded view and an assembly guide, then you order a first printed copy. No software to learn.
How much does a 3D printed prototype cost in 2026?
Design costs 1,900 credits for 2–4 parts, then the print is paid at the quoted price, VAT and delivery included. A delivered order always includes a manufacturing minimum, delivery and the service; a mechanism in several materials costs more. The detail is on the 3D printing prices page.
Can I order a small batch of my product?
Yes: up to 100 copies per online order, within $2,278 incl. VAT. Above that, objekto prepares a custom quote. The quote shows the price for the quantity you ask for; nothing guarantees a lower price per copy before you see it.
Can I sell the objects I design with objekto?
Yes, if it's your own creation and you hold the rights in what you provided (trademarks, logos, files). Any rights in the design are assigned to you, with no guarantee of protection. A design someone else published under CC BY-NC can't be sold.
How do I get a STEP file of my product for a manufacturer?
On a paid plan, download the STEP from the workspace, along with the STL and 3MF. STEP keeps the exact geometry of the parts and opens in the CAD software of design consultancies and mould makers. The parametric source code is for the higher plans.
Do my product designs stay confidential?
Yes, if you make them private: a project is public by default and appears in the gallery once its first version is ready. Turn off “Public project” before creating it (or with one click in the project); for an invention you want to patent, do it from the start and take advice.
Updated 5 November 2026 · Prices read on 8 November 2026