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Custom 3D printing in Nairobi — how it works
5 min read · Reviewed June 2026
You've got something in your head — a replacement knob that snapped, a bracket nobody sells, a gift no shop stocks, a prototype for a product idea. Custom 3D printing is how that becomes a real object you can hold. Here's exactly how the process works with us, start to finish.
The good news: you don't need to be technical, and you don't need to own any software. Plenty of our custom jobs start with nothing more than a phone photo and a measurement.
Step 1 — Tell us what you need
Message us with whatever you have. Best case, you've got a 3D file ready to print. If not, a clear photo or a hand sketch plus the rough size works perfectly — we'll take it from there.
The more context the better: what the part is for, how big it should be, whether it needs to be strong, flexible or just look good.
Step 2 — We quote it (free)
We check the design and send back a firm price and turnaround. If there's no 3D file yet, we'll model one — simple shapes from a photo are usually part of the job, and anything more involved we agree with you before starting.
Quoting costs nothing, so there's no risk in asking.
Step 3 — We print it
Once you're happy with the quote and pay by M-Pesa, the print goes on the machine. We choose the material and settings to match the job — tougher plastic for functional parts, finer settings for display pieces. Our standard turnaround is 48 hours; we'll always tell you up front if a large or complex job needs longer.
Step 4 — We finish it by hand
A print isn't done when it leaves the machine. We remove supports, clean it up, and finish it so it's ready to use, not a rough prototype. Multi-part pieces are assembled and checked before they go anywhere.
Step 5 — Pickup or delivery
Collect it in Nairobi, or we deliver. Within Nairobi we send to your nearest Pickup Mtaani agent; outside Nairobi it ships via a parcel service near you. Standard delivery is KSh 300, free on orders of KSh 3,000 and above.
What we can (and can't) print
We print in a build volume up to roughly 256 mm on a side — about the size of a shoebox face — and larger pieces can be split and joined. We're a great fit for desk gear, gaming accessories, replacement and spare parts, prototypes, props, signage, planters, decor and one-off gifts.
If you're not sure whether your idea is printable, just ask — telling you honestly is free, and we'd rather steer you right than take on a job that won't work.
Frequently asked
Do I need a 3D file to get something printed?
No. If you have one, great — but a clear photo or sketch with the rough dimensions is enough to start. We'll model simple parts from your image as part of the job.
How long does a custom 3D print take in Nairobi?
Our standard turnaround is 48 hours. Large, detailed or multi-part jobs can take longer, and we always tell you the timeline up front when we quote.
How big can you print?
Up to roughly 256 mm on a side in a single piece. Bigger objects can be printed in sections and joined, so size alone rarely rules a project out.
Can you print a replacement part that's no longer sold?
Often, yes. Send a photo of the broken part with measurements (or the old part itself). Reverse-engineering simple components is one of the most common custom jobs we do.
// Keep reading
Pricing
How much does 3D printing cost in Kenya?
What actually drives the price of a 3D print — and honest shilling ranges for desk gear, gaming accessories and custom jobs.
File prep
What file do you need for 3D printing?
The formats we accept, what makes a model actually printable, and what to send when you have no file at all.
Ideas
What can you make with a 3D printer?
Real, useful things people order most — desk gear, gaming setups, decor, spare parts, prototypes and one-off gifts.
Got a print in mind?
Free quote, 48-hour turnaround, delivery across Kenya.