RedEye Registration, Quoting, Quality STL Expectations and Ordering

Registration

• How do I create a RedEye account?

• How do I change my account information?

• I don't live in the USA, can I still use RedEye?

Quoting

• What is an STL file?

• What does the RedEye STL File Analyzer do?

• When I click on "Add Files" nothing happens, why?

• I'm using Firefox, and having problems getting a quote?

• How does RedEye handle security?

• How do I create an STL file from my CAD software?

• How do I create a quote?

• Can I quote on files other than STL?

• Can I quote on different materials and colors?

• How do you determine the cost of the parts?

• Does RedEye provide discount pricing?

• Why does the price for 3D printing vary so much?

• How does RedEye handle special requests?

• What if I am not able to upload files via the Internet?

• How does forwarding a quote work?

Ordering

• How do I place orders with RedEye?

• What happens after my order is placed?

• What happens if there is a problem with my order?

• What are the lead times for an order placed with RedEye?

• Will RedEye sign NDA, non-disclosure agreements?

• Is RedEye International Traffic in Arms (ITAR) Registered?

• What is Tax Exemption?

Quality STL Expectations

• How do I create a good STL file?

• Why is it important to create digitally optimized STL files?

• Do you have instructions on how to save my CAD files as STL?

• How can I validate my STL file for errors?

• How can I check my STL file for faceting?

• Do you have an application for viewing STL files?

• What are the most common STL file issues?

• What issues with STL files are deemed build-able, but may produce a lesser quality looking part?

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Registration
How do I create a RedEye account?
First time users can get to the Registration screen by clicking on either "My Account" or "RedEye Quote". Clicking on the 'Register Now" button will take you to the New User Registration screen.
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How do I change my account information?
Clicking on "My Account" will take you to the User Information screen. Here you can change your Personal Information, Login Information, Billing Address and Shipping Address. Note that Billing and Shipping address can also be changed when placing an order. You can also access your Saved Quotes from this page.
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I don't live in the USA, can I still use RedEye?
RedEye services are provided for anyone worldwide. Please note that additional delays may occur due to shipping distances and customs delays that are not in our control.
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Quoting
What is an STL file?
The .STL file format has become the rapid prototyping industry's defacto standard data transmission format. This format approximates the surfaces of a solid model with triangles. For more information on converting CAD files into STL files, refer to the CAD-to-STL page.
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What does the RedEye STL File Analyzer do?
The STL File Analyzer analyzes your parts statistics and checks the CAD files for unmatched edges and bad geometry. Once this is completed, the analyzer then sends the file statistics, not your part geometry, to the RedEye server for quoting. When you decide to order, the analyzer then compresses your STL file into a proprietary format and uploads it to our server. The STL File Analyzer allows you to obtain quotes through RedEye without anyone seeing your proprietary data. The STL File Analyzer works with Internet Explorer 4.0 or later.
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When I click on "Add Files" nothing happens, why?
There may be a new STL File Analyzer plug-in that wasn’t installed properly. The first thing to try is to remove the old Active X control plug-in. See directions below:

1. Open Internet Explorer browser (Don't have the RedEye site open)

2. Click on Tools

3. Click on Internet Options

4. Click on Settings

5. Click on View Objects

6. Right click "RedEyeQuote" or may be called "RedEyeQuoteCab"

7. Select Remove

8. The next time you quote, you will be prompted to install the Active X control "RedEye STL File Analyzer".

9. Click to install this Active X control

10. Adding files should now work.

11. If still having problems please email GoDigital@redeyeondemand.com or call Toll Free: 1.866.882.6934, Int'l: 1.952.906.2725
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I'm using Firefox, and having problems getting a quote?
The STL File Analyzer browser plug-in is not supported by Mozilla Firefox. If this plug-in is enabled you will not be able to "Add Files" and generate a quote. Please refer to the Firefox Users page for more information.
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How does RedEye handle security?
RedEye utilizes 128-bit encryption for all CAD STL file transfers and credit card transactions.
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How do I create an STL file from my CAD software?
Almost all of today's CAD systems are capable of producing an STL file. The process is often as simple as selecting File, Save As, and STL. For more information refer to the CAD-to-STL page.
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How do I create a quote?
Creating a quote is an easy process. Simply add your STL files and click on "GET QUOTE". From here you can select other materials and quantities. You can change and update your quote any number of times until you are ready to save or place an order. For more information see the RedEye Tour.
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Can I quote on files other than STL?
When using the browser plug-in, RedEye accepts only STL files. The STL files need to be in uncompressed format (no ZIP or GZ allowed). If the plug-in is not installed, STL and ZIP files can be loaded. Without the plug-in though, these files are required to be uploaded to our server for analysis before instantly quoting.
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Can I quote on different materials and colors?
The RedEye Quote table is designed for flexibility. You can quote any variation of material and color. You can also quote the same part by adding it again with a different material or color.
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How do you determine the cost of the parts?
Pricing is based on several measurements from each STL file. These measurements are run through our proprietary algorithm to instantly determine the cost.
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Does RedEye provide discount pricing?
Yes. Discounting is applied to orders with quantities of five or more on an individual part. Additional discounting occurs at incremental quantities. NOTE: For large quantity orders of 25 or more, please contact us directly for special pricing. E-mail us at GoDigital@redeyeondemand.com or call us at 1 866-882-6934.
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Why does the price for 3D printing vary so much? (among materials, colors, etc.)
The main difference in price variance is the amount of manual labor required. ABS and ABSi use a water-soluble support structure. These parts are put in tanks where the support structure is dissolved. They require minimal manual touch up.

Polycarbonate is a higher grade engineering material, which requires manual removal of the support structure, therefore is higher in price.

PC/ABS is also a newer high grade engineering material which costs more to produce.

Most customers prefer the white colors of both ABS and PC, so when a color is requested a manual change over is required on one or more of the systems, depending on the variety of colors ordered.
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How does RedEye handle special requests?
Special requests can be made during the quoting process. After adding your STL files and getting a quote, click "Save". First, you will be prompted to upload your STL files. Next type out your request and save the quote. Upon saving, an e-mail is sent to RedEye indicating a special request. A project coordinator will open up your quote and download your STL files if needed. The project coordinator can respond to your request, adjust pricing in the quote if necessary, and return the quote to you. When you retrieve this updated quote you can proceed with ordering. See the Save Price Quote animation for detailed information on how this works.
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What if I am not able to upload files via the Internet?
Our project coordinators will be happy to help you if you cannot upload your files. You can either e-mail your files to us or send them to our FTP site. For more information please call us at 1-866-882-6934 (International 1-952-906-2725) or send e-mail to GoDigital@redeyeondemand.com When sending e-mails, please include all contact information as well as quote information (desired material, quantities, etc.).
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How does forwarding a quote work?
Forward allows you to send the quote information to others in your organization for review or to order. With the "Forward" function, you have two options:

1. Simply forward quote information to others for review. Make sure "Authorize recipients to order" is unchecked. Enter an optional message and click "Send".

2.  You can also authorize the recipient to order the quote. They don't have to be a registered user of RedEye to do this. Enter their email address, check "Authorize recipients to order", enter an optional message and click "Send". The recipient will receive and email with the quote information and a hyperlink that will take them to the quote where they can continue to order. You will receive confirmation after they place the order.
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Ordering
How do I place orders with RedEye?
Ordering prototypes is easy with RedEye. From the quote page click on "Order Parts". You will then be prompted to upload your STL files. Next you will enter your shipping and payment information. Click on "Verify Order" to display a screen with all of your order information for verification. If everything looks good, click on "Submit Order" to activate your order. You will be able to print this screen for your records. After reviewing your order, a Project Coordinator will contact you with specific delivery information.
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What happens after my order is placed?
All pertinent order information is uploaded via secure 128-bit encryption to the RedEye server. An order notification e-mail is sent to RedEye where a Project Coordinator takes ownership of the order. The coordinator downloads all the information from the server. After checking and verifying all the parts in the order, the coordinator will respond to you with lead-time information. Once your order has shipped, you will receive an e-mail with shipping/tracking information.
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What happens if there is a problem with my order?
If there is problem with any of the files in your order a Project Coordinator will contact you. The coordinator will explain the issues with the STL files. We may require new STL files before we can proceed with the order.
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What are the lead times for an order placed with RedEye?
After receiving the order a Project Coordinator will process the files and schedule the parts on the machines. The coordinator will respond to you with lead-time information. Average delivery is 3 - 5 business days based on current workload and project description. Shorter lead-times may be available for smaller projects. Lead times will be longer for orders containing large quantities and/or large parts. Partial shipments are allowed.
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Will RedEye sign NDA, nondisclosure agreements?
RedEye and its employees maintain confidentiality with all customer information. See the Customer Agreement for more information on confidentiality. If your company requires a NDA to be signed, please call RedEye at 1-866-882-6934 or send e-mail to GoDigital@redeyeondemand.com. Fax your nondisclosure agreement to 952-906-2765.
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Is RedEye International Traffic in Arms (ITAR) Registered?
At the request of our valued RedEye customers, Stratasys has received ITAR registration. This registration is renewed yearly. The Military, Defense and Government segments constitute an important part of our business. With ITAR registration, we are pleased to provide our unsurpassed rapid prototyping and DDM technologies that help defense companies develop and commercialize their products.
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What is Tax Exemption?
Some organizations are exempt from paying state taxes for services provided by RedEye. If your organization is tax-exempt, check the box labeled "tax-exempt" on the Order Parts page. No state taxes will be applied to your order. You are however required to send us a tax exemption certificate. The tax exemption certificate must be faxed to 952-906-2765 after the submission of your order via RedEye. Orders cannot be processed and shipped until the tax exemption certificate is on file with RedEye. This is required for each and every order made with RedEye.
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Quality STL Expectations

How do I create a good STL file?
Check out our Guide to Quality STL Files for information on where to find common mistakes when creating a STL file.
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Why is it important to create digitally optimized STL files?
Not all STL files are alike. In the world of Additive Manufacturing, a digitally optimized file is one that is ready for 3D printing or digital manufacturing. Depending on the default settings in your CAD application, just saving it as an STL may produce a file that is fine for website viewing or emailing, but is not properly optimized for digital manufacturing. By optimizing your files, you can make sure that what you see is what you get. Check out our Guide to Quality STL Files for information on how to create digitally optimized STL files.
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Do you have instructions on how to save my CAD files as STL?
Yes, check out our Saving CAD files in STL format guide. These are general guidelines for creating STL files from some of the most popular CAD applications. Please consult your software programs user's guide or technical support for more information.
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How can I validate my STL file for errors?
Use our proprietary viewer to validate STL files before uploading for digital manufacturing. Download our easy to use viewer Discover.STL.
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How can I check my STL file for faceting?
It’s easy. Just download our proprietary STL viewer, Discover.STL, to review and evaluate your parts for digital manufacturing.
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Do you have an application for viewing STL files?
Yes, Discover.STL – RedEye On Demand’s proprietary viewer, Discover.STL, is an application used to validate STL files for our FDM technology. Using Discover.STL, you can view your STL and check for faceting, and evaluate errors. Click here to download.
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What are the most common STL file issues?
There are seven very common STL file issues. First, check to make sure your file is water tight. Please refer to our Guide to Quality STL Files section; “Inversed Normals, Edges and Surfaces” to fix this issue. Second, files that contain thin walls may also cause holes or flimsy areas within your part. Refer to section; “Wall Thickness” for more information. Third, we are not able to provide quoting or part building service when multiple files are saved as one STL. To easily separate your files, please read the section; “Multiple Shells, Nested or Tabbed Parts”.
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What issues with STL files are deemed build-able, but may produce a lesser quality looking part?
If you’ve ever received a part from a digital manufacturing service provider that didn’t look as smooth as you would have liked, you’ll want to check out our Guide to Quality STL Files. This helpful guide will walk you through the process of changing Angle, Deviation and Chord Height. By doing so, you can easily manipulate your surface finish ensuring your part will look as smooth as you desire.
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