A NEW IDEA
From sketch to 3D.
Develop housings, brackets, fixtures and product concepts from sketches, photographs and key dimensions.
Home 3D Design & CADNo 3D file?
3D DESIGN & CAD
No 3D file?
Start here.
Turn a sketch, an existing part or an idea into a 3D model. Work through the details, review the design and get ready for your first print.
✓ Sketches & photos welcome✓ Design scoped before printing
Make the details work before you print.
01 / YOUR STARTING POINTBring what you have.
Bring what you have.
We’ll build from there.
You don’t need to know CAD. Tell us what the part should do, how it will be used and what you’ve worked out so far.
AN EXISTING PART
Recreate what’s missing.
Explore a digital replacement for a broken or discontinued part. Photos, measurements and the original part help establish the geometry.
A MODEL TO REFINE
Get it ready to print.
Review wall thickness, fit, clearances and assembly. Refine the model around its intended use and the printing process.
02 / SEE THE PROGRESSIONA sketch is a start.
A sketch is a start.
A model moves it forward.
See how the same enclosure develops from a rough concept into CAD geometry and a tangible printed part.
Sketch it.
Capture the shape, purpose and important features.
Model it.
Develop dimensions, wall thickness and assembly details.
Print it.
Check the physical result and identify the next refinement.
Illustrative design progression. Every project has its own requirements and review stages.
A CLEAR SCOPE. A PRACTICAL NEXT STEP.
Design first.
Print with purpose.
Design work is scoped separately from printing. Once the model is ready, the printing requirements can be reviewed and quoted against the agreed geometry, material and quantity.
03 / HOW IT WORKSFrom your first brief
From your first brief
to a print-ready model.
A clear brief helps us focus the design work on what your part actually needs to do.
Share the starting point.
Send sketches, photos, dimensions or existing CAD files. Explain how the part is used and which features matter most.
Agree the design work.
Review the requirements, proposed deliverables and estimated design effort before work begins.
Review the 3D model.
Check the form, dimensions and assembly details. Discuss changes against the agreed scope.
Plan the prototype.
Agree the next step: prepare files, quote a print or identify any further testing and refinement required.
04 / WHAT TO PREPAREA better brief.
A better brief.
A clearer starting point.
Share what you know. We can work through the gaps together.
Show the idea or original part.
Clear photographs, a simple sketch or an existing model are useful starting points.
Include the important dimensions.
Overall size, mounting positions and mating parts help define the design.
Explain the environment.
Tell us about handling, load, heat, moisture or outdoor exposure.
Describe the outcome.
A display model, fit check and functional test may need different approaches.
05 / DESIGN QUESTIONSA few details,
A few details,
cleared up.
Can I start with just a sketch?+
Yes. A rough sketch can communicate the idea, especially with photographs and key dimensions. The design scope will depend on how much development is needed.
Can you improve an existing CAD file?+
Yes, subject to a review of the file and your requirements. STEP files are useful for solid geometry; STL and 3MF files may require a different editing approach. Include the source file if you have it.
Are design and printing quoted together?+
Design is scoped first. Printing is quoted once the geometry and printing requirements are sufficiently defined. Revisions or a change in scope may affect either estimate.
What files will I receive?+
File formats and deliverables are agreed in the design scope. Depending on the project, these may include STEP geometry and a print-ready STL or 3MF file.
How long does CAD design take?+
Timing depends on the complexity, the information available and the number of review stages. We’ll discuss a schedule when the design work is scoped.
Does a printed prototype prove the final product will work?+
A print can help assess shape, fit and selected functions. Strength, durability, safety and suitability for manufacture may need further engineering, different materials and testing.
LET’S WORK THROUGH THE DETAILSYour idea.
Your idea.
A clearer next step.
Start with what you have. Prepare a brief that explains the part, the problem and what you want to achieve.