Customer help center
This guide gathers the essentials for working with Matter24: how to choose between 3D printing and laser cutting, which material fits your goal, and how to upload files that arrive ready for review.
Recommended path
Upload STL, OBJ, or STEP. Make sure the model is watertight, scaled correctly, and free from unnecessary floating parts.
Upload vector DXF or SVG. Ideally, everything should be at real scale and already separated by operation if you know the workflow.
The clearer the context arrives, the fewer back-and-forths your project needs before being quoted.
Best practices
These recommendations reduce rework, file cleanup, dead time, and surprises when you receive the final part. If you cannot meet one of them, mention it in the notes so the team can review it with you.
Real-scale diagram with critical dimensions visible before export.
Export in millimeters or state the units explicitly. If you send a visual reference, include at least one critical final dimension.
Visual comparison between production-ready geometry and faulty geometry.
A file can look good visually and still be problematic if it has open faces, floating solids, duplicate lines, or unclosed contours.
Example of color separation for cutting, line engraving, and fill engraving.
When a file includes cutting, line engraving, and fill engraving, make it clear which geometry belongs to each operation. This speeds up quoting and reduces ambiguity in production.
Clearance reference between parts to validate final use and assembly.
Even the best file is incomplete if we do not know what the part will do, how it fits, or which tolerances are critical.
Flow inside Matter24
This is how the process is divided so you always know where to check your project: first quote, then payment, and finally order tracking.
Ideal if you want to request a quote quickly and create your account later.
This is the most convenient path if you want to keep files, revisions, and quotes in one place.
Once the charge is validated, the commercial quote gives way to fabrication tracking.
Order stages
The tracker only appears once a payment has already been confirmed. Before that, the correct reference is My quotes.
We already received the file and linked it to the order. This is where production preparation begins after payment.
The payment was validated and the job can now move into preparation and internal scheduling.
We are preparing your file for manufacturing: cleaning geometry, checking material, nesting parts, and getting production ready.
Your part is already being manufactured or printed.
We review dimensions, finish, and general condition before packing or delivering.
The product is being protected and prepared for shipping or pickup.
Your order is ready for delivery or pickup according to the selected method.
The cycle is finished: the order was already delivered or marked as completed.
Laser operations
In the editor you can mark each geometry according to the manufacturing result you need. These references help you choose quickly between cutting and engraving levels.
Cuts all the way through the material to separate contours, holes, and final parts.
Engraves the material lightly for subtle marks, guides, or soft contrast.
Engraves the material more strongly to achieve higher visual presence and contrast.
Marks closed surfaces with a light, even engraving. It is useful for filling icons, backgrounds, or soft-contrast zones without cutting through the part.
Fills surfaces with a stronger engraving to create solid zones, more prominent logos, or backgrounds that need to stand out.
Process knowledge
Quick guide
Geometry, finish, and lead time change dramatically from one process to another. This guide helps you choose more confidently.
Volume and complex forms
Best for functional prototypes, enclosures, assembly parts, and models with curves, cavities, or shapes that cannot come from flat stock.
Flat and repeatable parts
Excellent for panels, templates, boxes, signage, and 2D components cut from MDF or acrylic at high speed.
3D materials
There is no universal material. Rigidity, heat resistance, flexibility, finish, and cost all change depending on the application.
Reference supplier for the 3D printing materials and colors shown in these guides. Final availability is always confirmed during quoting.
Visit vlakno.mx
Easy to prototype
Good finish, accessible cost, and excellent print stability. Very useful for presentation models, shape validation, and early prototypes.
More resistant in use
Handles heat and impacts better than PLA. Good for enclosures, functional parts, and components that will live in more demanding environments.
Flexible and cushioning
A flexible material for covers, bumpers, seals, and parts that must absorb impact or deform without breaking.
Technical performance
Nylon reinforced with carbon fiber. Chosen when stiffness, weight-to-strength ratio, and a more technical appearance matter.
Laser materials
Here the decision usually depends on the stiffness you need, the look of the part, and whether you want an economical result or a more premium finish.
Light and affordable
A good option for quick prototypes, lightweight panels, models, and low-weight boxes.
More body and support
Adds rigidity for boxes, frames, and flat parts that need more support.
Clean and attractive
Excellent for displays, signage, covers, panels, and parts where appearance matters.
More presence and thickness
A more robust version for premium parts, bases, supports, and elements with stronger visual presence.
3D printing settings
Quality defines layer height and print speed. High precision prioritizes tolerances and stability for parts where fit matters more than speed.
Fastest
Higher layers and faster production. Useful for early iterations, volume validation, and parts where finish is not the main priority.
Recommended balance
Balances time, detail, and cost. It is the safest setting for most functional prototypes and technically presentable parts.
Maximum detail
Lower layers and slower production to improve surface finish, small details, and the overall visual quality of the part.
Dimensional fit
Not always the smallest layer height; it prioritizes calibration, tolerances, and stable printing conditions for parts that must assemble or respect key dimensions.
Material color
Color depends on material, process, and stock. Choosing it here helps us quote better, but some combinations may still require confirmation.
Reference supplier for the 3D printing materials and colors shown in these guides. Final availability is always confirmed during quoting.
Visit vlakno.mx
Neutral base
The most flexible option when color is not critical. It helps quoting and production move faster because it allows the most immediate stock to be used.
Defined color
Choose a defined color when presentation, visual consistency, or a client-facing use makes the appearance of the piece important.
Listo para avanzar
If you still doubt between materials or processes, add notes. Our team can guide you during the review.
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