FAQ
Printing, custom work, orders and sabers — everything in one place.
Ordering & Made to Order
Is everything made to order?
Prints, display stands, cosplay pieces and custom work are all made after you order. Sabers are different — some we hold here, others come in for your order.
How long until my order ships?
Items we hold in stock ship within 1–3 business days. Made-to-order printed items show their own lead time on the product page. Sabers we don't hold in house can take up to 3 weeks to reach you. Custom work is quoted with its own timeline.
Can I change or cancel my order?
Contact us as fast as you can. If the plate hasn't started we can usually change anything. Once a made-to-order piece is printing we can't cancel it — it was made for you specifically. Custom work can be changed freely up until you approve the proof.
Do you offer discounts?
Buy 5 or more prints and 10% comes off automatically at checkout. You can mix and match — five items in the cart is all it takes, they don't have to be the same design.
Saber pricing is flat. No codes, no sales, the same price every day of the year.
Do you offer local delivery?
Yes — free local delivery within 10 miles of our Roselle, IL workshop on orders of $25 or more. Choose Local delivery at checkout; it shows up automatically when your address is in range.
Deliveries go out on Tuesday and Thursday only. Items are printed to order (2–3 days), then delivered on the next Tuesday or Thursday. We'll text or email you before we head your way.
Is my payment taken before you print?
Yes. Made-to-order work begins at payment, so orders are charged in full when you check out rather than on dispatch.
3D Printing
What materials do you print in?
Everything that extrudes — PLA, PETG, ABS, carbon fiber reinforced filaments and more. Each product page lists what that item is printed in. If you need a specific material for a specific job, ask before you order.
Do you print in resin?
Not currently. Everything we make is filament based.
How big can you print?
Up to roughly 300 × 320 × 325 mm as a single piece. Anything larger is printed in sections and joined — most of our cosplay work is built that way, and the seams are finished so you can't find them.
How strong are printed parts?
Stronger than most people expect. We print at settings tuned for durability rather than speed, and we pick the material for the job — PETG or ABS where a part needs toughness or heat resistance, carbon fiber where it needs to stay rigid. Functional parts are built to be used.
Will I see layer lines?
Yes, and we'd rather you know that going in. Every piece carries a fine surface texture from the way it's built — run a thumb across one and you can feel it. It's the same reason no two come out identical, and it's how you can tell a made object from a molded one. Painted cosplay pieces are sanded smooth before finishing, where a flat surface is the point.
Can printed items go in the dishwasher or hold hot liquid?
No. Hand wash only, and keep them out of heat — a hot car dashboard is enough to deform some materials. Heat damage isn't covered. Nothing we print is food safe unless the product page says so.
How should I care for a printed item?
Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid solvents, abrasives and direct sun for long periods. Painted and finished pieces should be handled like any painted object — a knock will chip them.
Can printed parts be used outdoors?
Some can. PETG and ABS handle weather and UV far better than PLA, which will soften and warp in a hot car or in sustained sun. Tell us it's going outside and we'll print it in something suitable.
Are the designs your own?
Some are. Others are printed under commercial licenses from independent designers, and where the license requires it we credit the designer and link to the original file on the product page.
Colors & Finish
What color will my item be?
The color shown in the product photos. Catalog prints ship exactly as pictured, so there's nothing to choose at checkout.
Some products have several options — what are those?
Where a design comes in more than one version, each one is shown as its own tile with its own photo and colors. Pick the tile and the main image updates so you see exactly what you're buying.
Can I request a different color?
Yes, through a custom print request rather than the product page. Tell us what you're after on the Print My File form and we'll come back with the closest options we have on the shelf.
Can I get multiple colors on one item?
Yes. We run multicolor machines. Some designs are made as multicolor prints and are shown that way; for anything else, ask before ordering.
Will the color exactly match the photo?
Very close, but filament varies slightly between production batches and screens differ. If an exact match matters for your project, tell us before you order.
Do you paint printed items?
Cosplay and prop work is primed, painted and finished by hand. Catalog prints ship in the raw filament color unless the product page says otherwise.
What is a Mystery colorway?
We pick all five colors from what's left on the shelf, and never the Classic set. Every spool ends with too little for a full run and too much to throw away — that's what Mystery sets are printed from. Galaxy, rainbow, translucent, silk, color-shifting, whatever the remnants happen to be. Nothing gets wasted and no two sets come out the same.
Because of that, mystery orders can't be exchanged for a different color. If you want something specific, choose that colorway instead and you'll get exactly what's pictured. Everything else is unchanged: if it arrives faulty or damaged we'll reprint or refund it.
Custom Work & Your Own Files
Can you print a file I already have?
Yes. Send it through Print My File and we'll quote it. We'll tell you if it needs work before it can print, and we'll tell you honestly if we don't think it will come out well.
What file types do you accept?
All standard 3D formats — STL, 3MF, OBJ, STEP and others. Send what you have.
Can you design something from scratch?
Yes. Describe what you need through Custom Work and we'll come back with an approach and a price. Simple parts are quick; complex or organic shapes take longer and cost more.
Do I get to approve it before you print?
Always. Custom work goes through mockups and proofs, and nothing goes on the machine until you sign off. Changes are free right up to that point.
Can I get a refund on custom work?
No. Custom work is designed and made for one person and can't be resold, so it isn't refundable once printing starts. That's why we proof everything first — if the finished piece doesn't match the proof you approved, that's on us and we'll fix it.
Can you print copyrighted or licensed designs?
It depends. If we hold a license for a design you'll see it listed on our site, and we can print it.
For anything you bring us — a mascot, a school or team logo, a company mark — we need you to confirm you have permission to use it. We take you at your word, but that responsibility is yours.
We can't print licensed characters or trademarked designs we don't hold rights to, even from a file you own.
Can you reverse engineer or copy an existing part?
For a broken bracket, a discontinued knob or a part nobody sells any more, usually yes. We won't reproduce a product that's still commercially available in order to avoid buying it.
How much does custom work cost?
It's quoted per job. Price comes from print time, material weight, finishing work and any design time needed — which is why we look at the model properly before giving you a number. Allow 1–2 business days for a quote.
Sabers — Boards & Technology
What soundboard comes standard?
Every Blackforge saber ships with the Xenopixel V3 (XENO3.0) as standard. This is the current generation board featuring Bluetooth connectivity, 34 pre-installed sound fonts on SD card, 8 blade effects, and full app control via XenoConfigurator on iOS and Android. Proffie 2.2 is available as an upgrade on most models for full open-source customization.
What is the difference between Xenopixel V3 and Proffie 2.2?
Xenopixel V3 is plug-and-play. It comes pre-loaded with 34 professional sound fonts, connects to a free Bluetooth app, and requires no technical knowledge to customize. It's the right choice for most customers.
Proffie 2.2 is an open-source board popular with enthusiasts who want to install custom fonts, write their own blade styles, and access deeper configuration. If you're new to neopixel sabers, Xenopixel V3 is the right choice. If you're an experienced builder who wants full control, Proffie is worth the upgrade.
What blade effects are available on Xenopixel V3?
Eight built-in effects: Steady, Pulse, Rainbow, Candy, Unstable, Crack, Fire, and Flash. All are selectable via the XenoConfigurator app or the button controls on the hilt.
How many colors can I set?
27 preset colors plus infinite custom mixing via the XenoConfigurator app. You can dial in any hue precisely.
Can I add my own sound fonts?
Yes. The Xenopixel V3 reads fonts from the included SD card. You can add any compatible sound font package by copying files to the card via the included SD card reader. The Proffie 2.2 supports any ProffieOS-compatible font.
Sabers — Blade & Build
What type of blade does it use?
All Blackforge sabers use neopixel blades — a 244-LED strip runs the full length inside the polycarbonate tube. This gives true full-blade color and effects, unlike cheaper base lit sabers which only light from the bottom.
What is the default blade length and can I change it?
The default blade is 92cm (36"). Most models support shorter blade lengths of 82cm, 72cm, and shorter on request. Short-hilt models like VERDANT use a 72cm blade by default.
Is the blade removable?
Yes. All blades are fully removable for transport and storage. A blade plug is included to protect the emitter opening when the blade is detached.
What are the hilts made of?
Yes. All Blackforge hilts are aircraft-grade aluminum alloy. No plastic components on the hilt body.
What is the blade made of?
2mm thick polycarbonate — the same material used in full-contact dueling sabers. It is rated for heavy dueling and sparring.
Sabers — Battery & Charging
What battery does it use?
A Samsung 3600mAh 3.7V protected 18650 cell. This is a standard size cell and is user-replaceable.
How long does the battery last?
Approximately 1–2 hours of continuous active use depending on brightness settings and blade effect mode. Lower brightness and simpler effects extend runtime significantly.
How do I charge it?
Via the USB-C port on the hilt. Supports fast charging — a full charge takes approximately 2 hours. Do not use the saber while it is charging.
Sabers — Durability & Dueling
Can I duel with this saber?
Yes. All Blackforge sabers are built for dueling. The 2mm polycarbonate blade withstands heavy contact. The aluminum hilt is impact-resistant. We recommend removing the blade for full-contact sparring and using a dedicated dueling blade for competition-level combat.
Will the LEDs break from impact?
The neopixel strip is flexible and seated inside the blade tube. Light-to-moderate dueling contact is fine. We do not recommend striking the very tip of the blade directly as this puts the most stress on the strip.
Is it weatherproof?
The sabers are splash-resistant but not waterproof. Do not submerge or use in heavy rain.
Is it safe for cosplay and convention use?
Yes. These are used extensively for cosplay, photo shoots, stage performance, and display. The hilt weight and blade illumination both look and photograph exceptionally well. For convention carry, check the event's prop weapon policy — most allow sabers with polycarbonate blades.
Orders & Shipping
Where do you ship from and how long does delivery take?
Everything printed in-house ships from our workshop in Roselle, Illinois. Orders are processed within 1–3 business days. US delivery takes 5–8 business days; international 7–18. All orders include tracking.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, and it depends what you're buying. Free shipping on every cooler. Other printed pieces ship for a flat $3.99 within the US on orders under $15. Sabers are $9.99 and ship free over $350, because they come direct from our supplier rather than out of the Chicago workshop. International rates are calculated at checkout.
Can I return my saber?
Yes — 30-day return policy. The item must be unused and in its original packaging. Contact us to initiate a return.
What does the warranty cover?
12 months against manufacturing defects including electronics, battery, and hilt construction. It does not cover physical damage from dueling, drops, or misuse. Contact us to make a claim.
App & Setup
Where do I download the XenoConfigurator app?
Search "XenoConfigurator" on the iOS App Store or Google Play. It is free.
What can I control via the app?
Blade color, brightness, volume, sound font selection, blade effect mode, and sensitivity settings for motion detection.
Do I need the app to use the saber?
No. The saber is fully functional without the app using the button controls on the hilt. The app adds convenience and deeper customization.
My saber isn't working — what should I do?
First, charge it fully via USB-C for 2 hours. Most issues on first use are battery-related.
If it still doesn't power on, check that the blade is fully seated — some models require the blade to be inserted before powering on.
If the issue persists, contact us with your order number and a description of the problem. We cover all manufacturing defects under our 12-month warranty.
STILL HAVE A QUESTION?
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