Not having CAD skills shouldn't be a barrier to bringing an idea to life. We can take your sketch, photo, written description, or napkin idea and turn it into a 3D model ready to print - and print it for you in the same project if you want.
Who this service is for
- You have an idea but can't model it yourself.
- You have a physical object you'd like to replicate or adapt.
- You have a 2D drawing or photo and need it converted to 3D.
- You have a CAD file from another source that needs cleanup or fixes for printability.
What's included
- A 3D model file in your preferred format (STL, STEP, 3MF).
- Optional rendered preview before printing.
- 1-2 revisions included in the base quote.
- Print-ready output - you own the file and can use it elsewhere.
What's not included
- Full industrial design (we model what you describe; we don't engineer products from scratch).
- Reverse engineering of complex mechanical assemblies.
- Designs that infringe on others' intellectual property - we'll politely decline.
- Architectural or engineering drawings requiring a stamped seal.
Recommended materials
Once the file is ready, you can have us print it (any of our standard materials) or take the file elsewhere. Your choice.
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Pricing approach
Design assistance is billed at $60 per hour, with simple jobs (a custom nameplate, a basic part replacement) often quoted as a flat fee. Complex designs are quoted per project. If you'd like us to print the finished pieces too, we can usually reduce the design fee as part of a combined quote.
What we can model from
- Hand sketches or napkin drawings.
- Photographs of an existing object (multiple angles helpful).
- Detailed written descriptions with dimensions.
- Reference designs you’d like adapted (with appropriate IP rights).
- Existing files (STL, STEP, OBJ) that need fixing for printability.
How it flows
- Describe what you want - Form, sketch upload, or both.
- We give you a quote with rough timeline.
- We model the part and send a preview render for sign-off.
- You approve or request changes - typically 1-2 revisions included.
- We deliver the final file (and can print it for you in the same project if you want).
Recommended pairings
- File ready, just need it printed? See Custom 3D Printing.
- Designing for an iterative product? Combine with Prototyping.
- Choosing the right material for the design? See Materials.
Frequently asked
How much does design assistance cost?
Design assistance is billed at $60/hour. Simple jobs (a custom nameplate, a basic part replacement) are usually fixed-fee. Complex designs we quote per project. If you'd like us to print the finished pieces too, we can usually reduce the design fee in a combined quote.
What can I send as a starting point?
Hand sketches, photos of an existing object, written descriptions with dimensions, reference designs you'd like adapted (with appropriate IP rights), or existing files that need fixing for printability.
Will I own the file?
Yes. The CAD file we deliver is yours to use elsewhere - we don't lock you in.
Will I see a preview before printing?
On request, yes - we'll send you a render of the model for sign-off before any print starts.
How many revisions are included?
Typically 1-2 revisions are included in the base quote. Additional revisions are billed by the hour.