What can be designed?
- Practical parts: mounts, holders, organisers, adapters, enclosures and covers
- Replacement parts copied from a broken original (see replacement parts)
- Prototypes of a product idea, to hold in your hand before spending on tooling
- Signs, labels and nameplates for a business or a shed
- Figurines, models and custom art pieces
- Family crests, QR code stands and baby monitor camera covers
- One-off gifts and personalised pieces
What do I need to send?
Whatever you have. A clear photo, a sketch on paper with the important measurements written on it, or a description of what the thing has to do and what it has to fit. If it has to fit something you own, measurements of that are the most useful thing you can send.
How does the design process work?
The part is modelled in CAD to your measurements. Before anything prints you get a view of the model to check, and changes are made then, when they are cheap. For parts that have to fit precisely, a quick test print of the critical section can be done first.
Can I just buy the 3D file?
Yes. If you have your own printer, or want the file for later, design-only jobs are quoted separately from printing. Files are supplied as STL or 3MF, and STEP where the part was modelled in a format that supports it.
What will not be designed?
Safety-critical parts, copies of other companies' logos or characters for sale, and weapons or weapon parts. If a job is not a good fit for 3D printing, you will be told so in the quote rather than charged for something that will not work.