Question 1

What printers are supported?

Accepted Answer

We've designed the site to support most standard FDM printers, specifically popular models from Bambu, Prusa, and Creality. We're also adding new printer profiles every month. All of our STLs are universal, meaning you can download them and use your own slicer to dial in your preferred settings. If you're looking for a shortcut, we also provide pre-sliced G-code files that we've tested ourselves so you can get printing faster.

Question 2

What software do I need?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how you want to handle your prints. If you're going with our universal STL files, you'll need what's called "slicer" software to get the file ready for your specific printer. Most manufacturers provide this for free on their websites—look for names like Bambu Studio, PrusaSlicer, or Creality Print.

If you'd rather skip the technical setup, our pre-sliced G-code files are ready to roll. You can just download the file directly to a thumb drive or SD card, plug it into your printer, and you're good to go.

Question 3

Are the files tested before release?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we test every file for practicality and field use before they go live on the site. However, it's important to keep in mind that 3D printing is still a bit of an experimental process, and the settings you choose will play a huge role in the strength and effectiveness of your part. Our G-code files are developed using settings specifically optimized for durability, but we can't offer a 100% guarantee. Every printer has its own unique factors and variables that are out of our control which can affect the end part. We always recommend doing a quick "stress test" on your gear at home before you rely on it out in the woods or on the water.

Question 4

What print settings should I use?

Accepted Answer

If you are using our pre-sliced G-code files, you don't need to worry about settings—we've already handled that for you. We customize those settings based on the specific part, ensuring it has the right balance of detail or structural strength where it counts. If you prefer to slice your own STL files, the best settings will depend on the part's intended use, but we make sure to include our recommended print settings with every download to help you get the best result possible.

Question 5

What material is best for outdoors?

Accepted Answer

Selecting the right material is one of the most important steps in ensuring your gear doesn't fail when you need it most. Different materials have different properties—some handle the heat better, while others are designed to flex without breaking. For the vast majority of our outdoor prints, PLA+ and PETG are the go-to choices because they offer a great balance of strength and ease of use.

Here is a quick breakdown of the materials you'll see used most often at Outpost 3D:

• PLA+: This isn't your standard, brittle PLA. PLA+ is an enhanced version that is much tougher and has better impact resistance. It's incredibly easy to print and holds its shape well, making it great for gear that needs to be rigid but can handle being dropped. Just be careful about leaving it in a roasting hot car, as it can still soften in extreme heat.

• PETG: Think of this as the "all-weather" filament. It's more heat-resistant than PLA and has excellent UV and water resistance, which is perfect for items that will spend all day in the sun or rain. It's slightly more flexible than PLA, so it tends to bend rather than snap under pressure but can be more difficult to print.

• TPU: This is a rubber-like, flexible material. It is highly resistant to oils and chemicals. Several of our prints like our Shotgun Shell Belt Clip are designed to be made out of TPU. It does require a slower print speed, but the durability is worth the wait.

Question 6

Do I need to use supports for these prints?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the specific design. Many of our files are optimized to be "support-free" to save you time and material, but some of the more complex gear will require them for the best results. We always specify if supports are needed in the file description. If you're using our pre-sliced G-codes, we've already placed the supports exactly where they need to be, so you don't have to guess.

Question 7

Can I scale these files up or down?

Accepted Answer

You can certainly scale the universal STL files in your slicer, but be careful! Scaling down can make thin walls too weak for outdoor use, and scaling up or down will change the tolerances for items that have moving parts or need to fit specific hardware (like screws or bolts). Our pre-sliced G-codes are set to 100% scale and cannot be changed, as they are locked into the specific dimensions of the design.

Question 8

What file formats are available to download?

Accepted Answer

We primarily provide STL and G-code files. The STL is the universal raw model that you can drop into any slicer, while the G-codes are the "ready-to-print" files we've already optimized for specific machines.

That said, we know the tech is always evolving. Some newer printers use variations of G-code, such as 3MF (which is a more modern "project" file that includes things like part orientation and support settings) or .bgcode (a compressed binary G-code used by newer Prusa machines). If your specific printer calls for those specialized formats to run correctly, we make sure to provide them so you don't have to jump through hoops to get your print started.

Question 9

Can I modify the files?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is no. Our pre-sliced G-code files are set and cannot be edited or changed, as they are already exported with specific instructions for the printer. While the STL files offer some flexibility within your slicer—allowing you to adjust things like scale, orientation, or density—you cannot modify the actual 3D geometry of the design itself. We put a lot of work into testing the dimensions and tolerances of our gear to ensure it performs as intended in the field.

Question 10

How long are downloads available?

Accepted Answer

Your access to the library is tied to your active subscription. As long as your membership is current, you can download any of the files available in our repository whenever you need them. If your subscription happens to lapse, you will lose access to the file library and the ability to download new files or updates to previous ones. We recommend keeping your favorite files backed up locally so you're always prepared for your next outing, regardless of your subscription status.

Question 11

What is included in a Premium subscription?

Accepted Answer

Our Premium subscription is built for the power user and the entrepreneur. When you go Premium, you get a Commercial License, giving you the legal right to sell physical prints of our designs—just keep in mind this is for the physical products only, not for redistributing or reselling the digital files themselves.

On top of the commercial rights, Premium members get access to exclusive "drops" throughout the year. These aren't just simple accessories; they are typically more complex, multi-part projects like DIY filament recyclers, specialized drones, and advanced survival kits. If you're looking for our most technical and high-value projects, the Premium subscription is where you'll find them.

Question 12

Can I cancel my subscription?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cancel at any time from your account settings. You'll retain access until the end of your current billing period.

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Bambu Lab A1 & A1 Mini — Quick Setup

Bambu Lab P1P & P1S — Quick Setup

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