3d printed items are not "cut from a larger block".. they start out as powder that is welded together by a laser, or as a liquid that is hardened by UV rays. You pay only for the volume of material consumed.

If you had the option of making the item hollow, then you could reduce the price considerably, but if you want to use it to tighten/loosen bolts.. hollow won't withstand the torque.]]>stonysmith2012-12-31T00:56:35-00:00Re: Reduce material usage/costhttp://www.shapeways.com/forum/index.php?t=rview&goto=59404&th=12199#msg_59404