Frequently Asked Questions
How long does shipping take?
We ship as soon as possible, often same day. Because of this we cannot modify or merge orders once they have been placed. If you’ve confirmed an order, it cannot be changed. Please make sure you carefully confirm your order before you check out.
All packages are shipped with tracking. We ship Incoterms ExWorks.
How long does a typical order take?
In stock items are shipped as soon as possible. Orders placed Monday-Friday before 10am PST can ship same day.
Preorders and backorders are handled the same way: they will ship when your order is completed in our warehouse.
Do you ship to outside of Canada?
We ship to your country unless you live in a country that is embargoed by the Canadian government. Most international shipments will incur additional fees in the form of duties and taxes. These fees are your responsibility and are in addition to the shipping cost we charge at checkout. We ship from Vancouver, Canada. Orders to the USA take 4-10 business days. International shipping time varies greatly depending on destination. Delivery is usually made in 2-4 weeks, but can take as long as 6 in some cases.
As mentioned above, we are not able to ship anything to any address in the countries of Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, and Syria. Beyond that, we also sell some items that are known as “dual-use items”. These are products designed for civilian use, but that could be used for devious purposes in the wrong hands. The rules vary by item, but we’ll be in direct contact with you if we need further information. Please contact Customer Service if you have any questions regarding an item and/or its destination.
What about taxes?
All duties and taxes for international shipments are the responsibility of the customer. Marginally Clever is not responsible for any extra charges once the original package has been shipped. If the customer refuses to pay these extra charges, the return shipping and any additional fees will be taken out of the cost of the order with any remaining funds being refunded to the customer. In the event that the extra charges exceed the value of the order, we may charge those amounts to the account originally used for the order.
Is my signature required for delivery?
International shipments’ signature requirements vary by carrier and destination. If you have questions regarding your particular shipment, contact Customer Service.
Using your own FedEx/UPS account
If you have a FedEx or UPS account, you may choose to use it to cover the shipping charges for your order. To do so, please contact us. We will charge a $10 CAD handling fee, and will submit the shipping charges to your account. Please note: Your contracted rates may vary greatly from ours. The shipping estimate you see at checkout has no relation to what you will eventually be billed. Please do not use your FedEx or UPS account number unless you are absolutely certain you want to ship on your own account instead of ours.
What is the return policy?
Please contact us before returning any package! We’re reasonable people and we hope you are too! Contact us if you have any issues and we’ll do our best to help you out. Returns billed to us will be charged to your account.
We can only accept returns of unopened kits and products within 30 days of receipt. Return shipment is the responsibility of the customer. All returns are refunded to the original method of payment. Return amount may be different if there are missing components, damage, or some other non-trivial reason.
How large can I order a 3D print?
We have three printers that reach up to 11,025 cm3 (25 x 21 x 21 cm or 9,84 x 8,3 x 8,3 in)
What 3D printing materials are used?
We print exclusively in PLA, a biodegradable plastic safer for the environment. We have a rainbow of colors and can probably get your favorite if it isn’t already in stock.
How detailed are the prints?
Each layer printed by our Prusas is as small as 0.05mm (0.001968504in). The nozzle hole is 0.35mm in diameter. We have successfully printed gears that mesh, any number of parts for robots, and even a 3D jigsaw puzzle.
Are there shapes that can’t be 3D printed?
The machine prints one layer at a time. Imagine it’s a miniature house made from tiny bricks. You can print an archway if it curves gently enough. We can’t print overhangs – a ceiling with nothing to hold it up. We can sometimes turn a shape on it’s side to work around this problem. We can also add support columns that have to be cleaned off after the print is finished.
How much does 3D printing cost?
Marginally Clever Robots charges by time, at $1/minute. At this time there is no setup fee.
I have an STL file. How much will it cost?
Excellent! You are well organized. Upload the file to send us the file. From there we can
- confirm that we can open the file right to do the job and
- ask the laser cutter how long the job will take, which gives us the price.
To save time, please include maximum dimensions in your email. Not all STL files are the same.
How do I create an STL file?
All major design software that we’re aware of now come with an “Export” or “Save As…” option to create an STL file.
I have a model I’d like to copy. Can you scan it and then 3D print it?
We would love to get a scanner and make that happen. We can measure it and build a new digital model. In some cases, we can make a resin cast of your part. Sometimes casting is cheaper than 3D Printing!
Please be aware that we may say no to copying your part if there are copyright issues.
What if I don’t have a digital or physical version of my design?
Marginally Clever Robots does not specialize in design services at this time. We can recommend several great designers who can help you realize your projects.
How much does consulting cost?
As of October 2013, Marginally Clever Robots charges $125/hour for consultation. Send us an inquiry of your needs!
What equipment is used for laser cutting?
Our primary machine is a 60-watt laser with a cutting area of 900mm x 600mm (35.4″ x 23.6″). It can cut up to 12mm (1/2″) thickness.
What materials can be laser cut?
Our machine can cut and/or etch:
- wood
- bamboo
- jade
- marble
- organic glass
- crystal
- plastic
- garments
- paper
- leather
- rubber
- ceramic
- glass
- other nonmetal materials
How much does laser cutting cost?
We charge $2/minute for Laser Cutting. At this time there is no setup fee.
If you are a member of the Vancouver Hack Space we offer a special price of $1/minute.
What do I need for getting a design laser cut?
We supply all the material for cutting.
To laser cut your design, we need a file in DXF format from you. Submit one here. From there, we can:
- confirm that we can open the file right to do the job and
- ask the laser cutter how long the job will take, which gives us the price.
How do I create a DXF file?
Every major design program today can save as DXF file. Please try the “Save as…” or “Export” options in your software.
What if I don’t have a digital version of my design?
Marginally Clever does not specialize in design services at this time. We can recommend several great designers who can help you realize your projects.
What is your privacy policy?
Marginally Clever Robots does not share your information with anyone without your permission.
No, we won’t sign your NDA. We don’t have time to send it to our lawyers.
