CAD DESIGN
CAD Design for 3D Printing
Sketch · Photo · Physical Part → Print-Ready STEP & STL
From a concept on a napkin to a fully parametric CAD model optimized for FDM production. We design it, review it with you, then print a sample under the same roof.
48 hr
Typical first draft
100%
Print-optimized
3
CAD platforms fluent
In-House
Design + print
WHAT WE DO
Capabilities
- Sketch or napkin drawing to fully dimensioned CAD
- Photo and reference-part reverse engineering
- STL repair, mesh fixing, non-manifold cleanup, and file conversion
- Print-ready FDM optimization (wall thickness, draft, supports, orientation)
- Technical drawings for manufacturing or USPTO patent filings
- Native source files (STEP, IGES, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, Onshape)
- Parametric models so you can tweak dimensions without starting over
- GD&T tolerance callouts for vendor communication
DELIVERABLES
What's Included in Every Project
Print-Ready CAD Files
Native source files (STEP, IGES, Fusion 360) plus mesh exports (STL and OBJ) ready for production on any FDM, SLA, or SLS printer.
Technical Drawings
Dimensioned 2D engineering drawings with tolerances, GD&T callouts, and manufacturing notes for vendor communication.
Patent Documentation
USPTO-standard drawings for provisional and utility patent applications — line weights, shading, and multi-view layouts included.
Physical Sample
A 3D-printed sample ships on most projects so you can hold the design before committing to a production run.
GENERATIVE DESIGN
Geometry that only exists because we print it.
Topology-optimized and lattice structures cut part weight without giving up stiffness — the kind of geometry that is impossible to machine or mold but trivial for FDM. We use generative workflows in Fusion 360 and nTopology, then tune the output for real printability before it ever hits the plate.
- Topology optimization from load cases, mass targets, and keep-out zones
- Lattice infill (gyroid, octet, Voronoi) with graded density for stress paths
- Biomimetic and organic contouring for seating, grips, and wearables
- Printability pass so overhangs, minimum walls, and supports actually work
TECHNICAL SPECS
Software Stack & Deliverables
- CAD platforms
- Fusion 360 · SolidWorks · Onshape
- Input sources
- Sketches, photos, physical parts, STL meshes, PDFs
- Output formats
- STEP, IGES, F3D, SLDPRT, STL, OBJ, 3MF, DXF
- Drawing standards
- ANSI · ISO · USPTO patent drawing spec
- Tolerance callouts
- GD&T per ASME Y14.5, metric or imperial
- First-draft turnaround
- 48 hours for scoped projects
- Revisions
- Included — iterate until the part is right
- Print integration
- Files feed directly into our San Diego FDM farm
APPLICATIONS
Common Projects
Net-New Product Design
Take an idea from napkin to patent-ready part. We scope mechanical function, form, and manufacturability in one pass.
Legacy Part Replacement
Out-of-production hardware redrawn in modern CAD. Pair with our 3D scanning service for complex geometries.
Jigs & Fixtures
Assembly aids, drill guides, and inspection fixtures designed specifically for FDM production constraints.
Patent Drawings
USPTO-standard provisional and utility patent drawings prepared alongside your functional CAD.
PROCESS
How It Works
Free 15-Minute Consultation
We scope your project — requirements, function, materials, timeline, budget. No commitment, no form-gate.
Design & Engineering
Our engineers build print-ready parametric CAD files with the right wall thicknesses, draft angles, and tolerances for FDM.
Review & Refinement
We share the model, you review, we iterate. Revisions are included — the goal is a design you can actually ship.
Print & Deliver
Your approved file goes straight to our print farm for a physical sample, production run, or both. Same-roof handoff with zero friction.
Already have a file? Skip straight to FDM 3D printing for an instant quote. Working from a physical part? Our 3D scanning service turns legacy or hand-made parts into editable CAD.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you design a 3D model from a sketch or photo?
Yes — sketches, napkin drawings, reference photos, and physical parts are all fair game. For simple geometry we work from calipers plus a few reference photos. For complex organic shapes we pair the CAD work with our 3D scanning service. First-draft models are typically ready in 48 hours.
How long does CAD design for 3D printing take?
For a single part with clear requirements, first drafts are usually delivered within 48 hours. Multi-component assemblies or patent-grade documentation take 3–10 business days depending on scope. We set a concrete timeline during the free 15-minute consultation before any work starts.
What CAD file formats do you deliver?
Every project ships with STEP (neutral CAD), IGES, and mesh exports (STL, OBJ, 3MF). Native source files are included on request — Fusion 360 (.f3d), SolidWorks (.sldprt), or Onshape URLs. Technical drawings ship as PDF and DXF.
Do you do reverse engineering from physical parts?
Yes. For accurate geometry we run the part through our 3D scanning service, then rebuild it as a fully parametric CAD model you can edit. For simpler parts, calipers plus reference photos work fine. Either way, you get a clean, editable CAD file — not just a frozen mesh.
Can you create patent drawings?
Yes — USPTO-standard provisional and utility patent drawings, prepared alongside your functional CAD. Line weights, shading conventions, and multi-view layouts follow the official patent drawing specification so your filing attorney can submit without reworking the figures.
How much does professional CAD design cost?
Project-based pricing starts around $250 for a simple part and scales to $2,000+ for full product development with drawings. We scope every project against a flat-fee quote after the free 15-minute consultation — no hourly meter running while you think.
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