FAQ & Help Centre: On-demand Manufacturing

Help Center

Questions? Answers.

Quick answers to common questions. Starting with general topics, then dedicated sections for buyers and suppliers.

Who is LOCAT3D?

LOCAT3D is a sourcing platform for on‑demand manufacturing.

We connect buyers with suppliers across 3D printing, CNC & cutting, surface treatment and quality control.

Critical parts can be produced locally - fast, to specification, and on demand - speeding up response times, reducing downtime, and improving inventory management.

What do “Buyer” and “Supplier” mean?

Buyer: Organisation that need parts or services (often procurement, engineering, or maintenance). Buyers create RFQs, select suppliers, and approve delivery.

Supplier: A legally registered manufacturing company that produces parts and/or delivers services. Suppliers list capabilities, quote jobs, and ship finished parts.

You can hold both roles under one account (e.g., a company that buys prototypes and also sells spare capacity).

What does it cost to use LOCAT3D?

Registration is free. We charge a transaction fee for each purchase/sale, and pricing varies depending on your subscription package (different plans include different features and access levels).

Go to locat3d.no/pricing for more detailed information.

Do you own manufacturing equipment?

No. LOCAT3D operates a vetted partner network rather than owning machines. This gives you access to a wide variety of capabilities and materials while we coordinate quoting, contracting, payments and logistics.

Byers

Answers the most common questions from organisations that submit RFQs, compare offers, and place orders via LOCAT3D.

Why should I register as a Buyer?

Because it makes it faster and simpler to source parts when it matters. Critical parts can be produced locally - fast, to specification, and on demand. Speeding up response times, reducing downtime, and improving inventory management.

How do I request a quote?

Create a request and include drawings/files (or photos), material, quantity, required lead time, and any tolerance/quality requirements.

If you’re unsure, you can still submit - we will help structure the request.

How do you choose which Suppliers receive my request?

Matching is based on category fit, materials, process capability, location (if relevant), lead time, and quality requirements - so you avoid wasting time on suppliers who can’t deliver.

Suppliers

Answers the most common questions from manufacturers and service providers who list their capabilities and take jobs via LOCAT3D.

Why should I register as a Supplier?

You get access to relevant requests in your selected categories, reduce time spent on admin, and increase utilisation by filling your production pipeline more predictably.

How do jobs reach me?

LOCAT3D matches RFQs to suppliers based on a mix of category, materials, tolerances, lead time, geography, certifications, and past performance.

You can also browse open RFQs that match your profile.

Do I have to accept every job?

No. You pick the RFQs you want to quote and the orders you want to accept based on your current capacity.