Trade shows and displays · 2026
3D printed trade show models, replicas and display pieces
Can a trade show model be 3D printed?
Yes: a scale model of your product, a cutaway replica that shows the inside, a model of a machine or a building, display stands and 3D logos. Small, detailed pieces are printed in resin; large ones in FDM, in parts that join invisibly. With an exhibition finish (sanded, primed and painted), ready for the stand. A medium FDM part costs €7–€19 and a resin piece of about 20 cm €21–€55, excluding VAT and shipping; larger pieces depend on size and finish. Fabrishare is a network of makers: post your project for free and get offers within 24–48 hours.
What gets printed for a trade show or a shop window
Your product to scale
A machine, a vehicle or a product that won't fit on the stand, scaled down to sit on a table.
Rapid prototypingCutaway replica
The product cut open to show what's inside: mechanisms, layers or ducts, often with each part in its own colour.
Building or plant model
A building, an installation or a factory, with its base, and in parts if it's large.
Dioramas and scale modelsExhibition prototype
A product that isn't manufactured yet, with its final look, to show before the tooling exists.
Display stands and holders
Plinths, custom holders for each product and trays, identical in a batch if there are several points of sale.
Small batch 3D printing3D logos and window pieces
Your logo in relief for the counter or the wall, and large eye-catching pieces for a shop window.
Large pieces printed in parts
How big can a single piece be?
What fits in the printer decides whether the model comes out in one piece or several. Approximate sizes of common printers, according to their manufacturers:
| Technology | Largest single piece | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Desktop resin | About 16–22 cm tall | Fine detail: small products, internal parts, small signs |
| Desktop FDM | About 25–35 cm per side | Medium models, display stands, logos |
| Large-format FDM | Up to 80 × 80 × 100 cm on the biggest | Large window pieces; few in the network |
Anything bigger is split into parts along lines you don't see (edges, changes of material or colour) and joined with pins, magnets or keyed joints. A model in parts also travels better.
The exhibition finish
On a stand the piece is seen up close under strong light, so the finish is a big part of the job. Say what you need in the project:
Sanding
Removes FDM layer lines and resin support marks. Unsanded, the piece looks printed.
Primer
A coat that shows any flaws before painting and helps the paint grip. If you're painting it yourself, ask for it primed.
Paint
In your brand colours or those of the real product. Some makers paint and others work with a painter; it's quoted separately. Send the colour references you use.
Varnish
Matt, satin or gloss, depending on the look you want; it protects the paint from handling and transport.
Want it painted?
Painted by the maker or a painter
Say so in the project: under “Finish”, tick painting and varnish. The maker includes it in their offer or tells you who they work with.
Miniature and figure painting serviceIn the colour of the material
For plain single-colour pieces, filament in the right colour may be enough, unpainted. Cheaper and faster.
Countdown to the show
The show date doesn't move, so the lead time is counted backwards. As a guide:
- 1
3–4 weeks ahead, post the project
With the file or drawings, the final size, the finish and the delivery deadline. Offers arrive within 24–48 hours.
- 2
Ask for a test if the piece is critical
One loose part or a small version to check colours and finish before printing the lot.
- 3
Printing and finishing
Machine time is the least of it: a medium FDM part takes about 2 hours and a 20 cm resin piece about 4 hours. What stretches the lead time is finishing, painting and the number of parts.
- 4
Delivery a few days before set-up
So you can check it and have time if anything arrives damaged. Agree the delivery address with the maker.
Transport and set-up on the stand
A large model travels better taken apart: each piece wrapped, fine parts protected and a box with padding. Ask for removable joints (magnets, pins or screws) if you'll take it to several shows.
Ask for a few spares of the most fragile bits too (antennas, railings, thin lettering): they're printed in the same batch and save the set-up if something breaks on the way.
If the maker you choose is nearby, you can arrange to collect it in person.
Your CAD file, protected while you get quotes
Upload your product's 3D file (STEP or STL) or, if you don't have one, drawings and measurements. While offers are being made, makers see the technical details and an image of the part, but not who you are or how to contact you, and they can't download the file. Only the maker whose offer you accept receives the file. If you need a non-disclosure agreement, agree it with them before accepting.
Reference prices
Prices for the complete job without finishing, excluding VAT and shipping, from the Fabrishare calculator. Each maker sets their final price after seeing the file.
| Piece | Technology | Range | Typical |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 cm figure | Resin | €21 – €55 | €34 |
| Medium case or cover | FDM | €7 – €19 | €12 |
| Run of 100 small parts | FDM | €219 – €585 | €365 |
For large models, models in parts or with an exhibition finish we don't give a figure: it depends on size, number of parts and painting. Post the project with the final size and compare several offers.
How to order your trade show model
- 1Post your project for free with the 3D file, drawings or photos, the final size and the date of the show.
- 2Say which finish you want (unpainted, primed or painted) and whether it must come apart for transport.
- 3Makers in the network send you their offer with price and lead time within 24–48 hours. You compare, choose, and the maker prints and ships it.
Frequently asked questions about trade show models
Can a trade show model be 3D printed?
Yes: scale product models, cutaway replicas, models of machines or buildings, exhibition prototypes, display stands and 3D logos. Small pieces in resin; large ones in FDM and in parts.
How much does a model for a stand cost?
A medium FDM part costs €7–€19 and a resin piece of about 20 cm €21–€55, excluding VAT and shipping. A large or painted model depends on size, number of parts and finish: post the project and compare offers.
How far ahead should I order it?
As a guide, 3–4 weeks ahead, more if it's large or painted. Put the deadline in the project: the maker takes it into account in their offer.
Can it be delivered painted in my brand colours?
Yes, if the maker paints or works with a painter; it's quoted separately. Tick painting under “Finish” and send your colour references.
Is my file protected?
While offers are being made, makers see the technical details and an image of the part, but not who you are or the file. Only the maker whose offer you accept receives it. If you need a non-disclosure agreement, agree it with them before accepting.
How big can it be?
In one piece, about 16–22 cm tall in resin and 25–35 cm per side in desktop FDM. Bigger, in parts that are joined; some large-format printers reach 80 × 80 × 100 cm.
Can it go to several shows?
Yes: ask for removable joints (magnets, pins or screws), a padded box and a few spares of the most fragile parts.
What if I need several identical ones for several shops?
Order them in the same project: in a batch each unit is cheaper because several fit on the same build plate.