This Editorial Policy explains how PrintMettle approaches research, writing, product coverage, corrections and commercial relationships.
Our editorial objective
PrintMettle aims to publish clear, useful 3D printing information that helps readers understand a process, solve a problem or make their own purchasing decision. Search visibility and monetisation matter to the sustainability of the site, but they do not replace the requirement for useful content.
Research-led content
Articles may be produced from manufacturer documentation, technical specifications, reputable reference material and other appropriate sources. Product details that can change should be checked against current primary information when an article is written or materially updated.
Research-led coverage must not be presented as hands-on experience. Phrases such as “we tested”, “we measured” or “in our prints” should only be used when that work genuinely took place.
Human editorial oversight
PrintMettle may use software-assisted tools during research, drafting, organisation or editing. Content is intended to receive human editorial review and may be revised after publication for clarity, accuracy and usefulness.
Human review should add genuine judgement: checking whether claims are supported, removing awkward or repetitive wording, adding experience where it exists and correcting anything that does not reflect the evidence. Deliberately inserting mistakes or fake personal anecdotes to imitate human authorship is not part of the process.
Hands-on testing
When original testing is carried out, articles should explain enough about the relevant printer, material, settings or method for the reader to understand the context. Results from one setup should not automatically be presented as universal results for every printer or material.
Images
PrintMettle may initially use generated or licensed illustrative imagery where original photography is not yet available. Illustrative images should not be used to falsely imply that a specific product was physically tested. Original photographs can be added as equipment and test material become available.
Product recommendations
Recommendations should be based on relevant characteristics, documented specifications, appropriate evidence and, where available, genuine hands-on experience. A commercial link is not evidence that a product is good.
Prices and availability change frequently, so articles should avoid presenting volatile retailer information as permanent fact. Readers should confirm current price, stock, warranty and specification details before purchasing.
Affiliate relationships and advertising
PrintMettle may earn revenue from advertising and affiliate links, including eligible retailer programmes. Affiliate relationships should be disclosed and should not alter factual standards. Editorial content should remain useful even when a reader chooses not to follow a commercial link.
Corrections
Material factual errors should be corrected when identified. Minor wording, formatting and clarity improvements may be made without a formal correction notice. Where a substantial change alters the meaning of an article, the page should be reviewed carefully and its updated date handled honestly.
Updating older articles
Existing articles may be expanded with new photographs, test results, clearer explanations, current specifications or better internal links. Updates should improve the page rather than simply change a date in the hope that search engines will mistake administrative enthusiasm for new information.
Safety
3D printers involve heat, moving machinery, electricity and, in some workflows, chemicals. PrintMettle provides general information and should not override manufacturer safety instructions, safety data sheets or qualified professional advice where those are appropriate.