Online Help

BuildFDM provides the front-end for generating instant quotes for building Rapid Prototypes on FDM systems.

Here are the basic steps for getting a fast quote to build your models:

1. From the BuildFDM Worksheet, click "Add Part" to select STL files.
2. Select Inches or Millimeters, material type and quantity.
3. Click 'Create Quote', and your quote is instantly calculated and presented!

BuildFDM Animation: General Operation

Registration

Registration of BuildFDM is required for New Users only. Registration will allow you access to the instant quoting engine, which will deliver instant quotes to your personal desktop.

If any of the information in this registration changes, simply use "Commands/Edit Profile" to make updates.

If you are already registered, login to BuildFDM by entering your Email Address and Password. You can get to the login screen at anytime by clicking on "Commands/Logout".

Generating Instant Quotes

After login, you will go directly to the BuildFDM Worksheet page. This is where you can start creating quotes for you rapid prototype needs. You can get to the worksheet page at anytime by clicking on "Commands/Open FDM Worksheet".

1. Add Part: Choose the STL files from your local hard drive or network drives. You can use the "ctrl" key or "shift" key to select multiple parts.

2. Choose the units used for your STL files, "Inches or Millimeters". All STL files must be in the same units for the quoting engine to work correctly. Note: When clicking on a file, the Part Data will be displayed at the bottom. This data is taken directly from the STL file. If these are values are very large, chances are the file is in metric.

3. Choose material. Click in the "material cell" to make active, and select the desired material. Check "Use Same Material for All Parts" box, if you require the same material for all parts. You must select the material for at least one part first.

4. Enter the desired "Quantity" for each part. Click in "Quantity" field to highlight and enter a number.

5. Click the "Create Quote" button. The Quote should be generated within a few seconds. The Quote Total will be displayed along with the individual part prices. Note: There is a minimum order price and discounting for multiple parts and/or quantities.

6. During this process you can make changes at any time and click on the "Create Quote" button to get a new quote. New parts can be added or others removed, change materials and/or change the quantities.

BuildFDM Animation: Generating a Quote Advanced

Printing Quotes

After the quote is generated a hard copy can be printed by clicking on the "Print Quote" button. This will open the Formal Quote Form in a web browser. Then simply click "File/Print" from the browser.

Retrieving Quotes

Anytime you generate a quote from above, the quote is automatically saved under your login account. Each quote generates its own Quote ID number.

To retrieve an old quote click on "Commands/Retrieve Old Quote". A list of all the quotes you have generated in the last 30 days will be displayed (quotes valid for 30 days). Each quote will also display all the parts associated with that quote. You can also search for a quote by entering the Quote ID number.

Highlight the desired quote and click "OK". The quote will open up on the Worksheet page where changes can be made if necessary. Click on the "Order Parts" button to process your order.

Saving Quotes

Quotes are saved automatically under your personal login account. These quotes can retrieved at a later time.

Ordering Parts

NOTE: Current problem with Order Parts screen. Do not leave the shipping option field blank.
If you intend to have the shipping cost's included in the invoice then enter "Prepaid". If you are using your own account number, simply type it into this field. Screen Shot

Click on the "Order Parts" button. This will take you to the Order Parts screen.

Choose your payment option, either Credit Card or Purchase Order. Fill in all the appropriate fields.

Choose the preferred shipping option, FedEx or UPS. If you have no preference, don't enter anything. The price of shipping will then be added to your invoice.

You also have the option of using your own account number. When you highlight either FedEx or UPS, another field will appear where you can enter the account number.

Verify Shipping Address. Check "Use Billing Address" if this is the shipping address.

Click on 'Order Your Parts' and all of your project data will be packaged, compressed, and transmitted to BuildFDM via a Secure 128-bit Encrypted upload, the most secure data transmission available today.

Once the data transfer is complete, you will see a Confirmation Box, and then shortly receive a confirmation Email message.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need An Internet Connection?
Yes. BuildFDM provides real-time binding quotes. When you click 'Create Quote', BuildFDM communicates with the BuildFDM server in order to calculate and deliver the quote.

Since no large datasets are uploaded during the quoting process, you do not need a high-speed connection to use BuildFDM. A standard dial-up connection will work just fine.

Is There Somebody I Can Talk To?
Yes. A BuildFDM coordinator can be reached toll free at 1 866 882-6934 or via email at buildfdm@stratasys.com.

If you have problems with the BuildFDM program, we are still here to quote your files manually. Just send the files to buildfdm@stratasys.com.

What File Types Can I Use?
BuildFDM will only quote STL files. You can export your 3D Model in STL format from any 3D software.

For more information on STL file go to the CAD-to-STL page.

Is my data secure?
Yes, all of your project data will be secure. This includes your STL files as well as any payment information. BuildFDM uses a secure 128-bit encrypted upload.