Custom 3D Modeling & CAD
You do not need a CAD file to get something printed. Bring a sketch on a napkin, a photo of a broken part, or a set of caliper measurements, and we will build a clean, print-ready 3D model from it. We reverse-engineer parts that are no longer sold, repair messy STLs that will not slice, scale and hollow existing models, and prep files so they actually print the first time. Design work is $85/hr with a half-hour minimum. And if you just want an existing model, we will point you to the free library at MakerWorld — send us the link and we will print it.
Great Idea, No File — the Usual Dead End for 3D Printing
Most 3D print services need you to show up with a finished, print-ready file. But the people who most want a part printed often do not have one: a bracket broke and the maker is gone, you have an idea sketched on paper, or you downloaded an STL that simply will not slice. Without someone to turn that into a clean model, the project stalls before it starts.
An STL That Will Not Slice
Files from sculpting apps, scanners, or random downloads are full of holes, flipped faces, and non-manifold edges. The slicer errors out and you have no idea why.
A Broken Part You Cannot Buy
The knob, clip, gear, or housing that failed is discontinued or was never sold separately. Without a model, there is nothing to print — and nothing to replace it.
An Idea With No CAD Skills
You can picture the part exactly, but CAD software is a steep, expensive learning curve for a single design. The idea sits in your head instead of on your desk.
We Build the File So You Do Not Have To
Our custom modeling service exists for everyone without a print-ready file. We design parts from sketches, photos, and measurements; reverse-engineer broken and discontinued pieces; repair STLs that will not slice; and scale, hollow, and prep existing models so they print cleanly. Work is billed at $85/hr with a half-hour minimum, always estimated before we start — and if you only need an existing model, we will send you to MakerWorld instead of charging for design you do not need.
“From a napkin sketch, a broken part, or a messy download to a clean, print-ready model you own — designed and printed in Bellingham at $85/hr.”
Everything You Get
Our CAD & Modeling package includes everything you need. No hidden fees, no surprise add-ons.
Design From Scratch
We model new parts from whatever you can give us — a sketch, reference photos with a ruler for scale, or caliper measurements — and build them to print well, with the right wall thickness, tolerances, and orientation in mind.
- Modeling from sketch, photo, or measurements
- Print-oriented wall and tolerance design
- Render or draft STL for your review
- Revisions until the model is right
Reverse Engineering & Repair
We recreate broken, worn, or discontinued parts as clean models — and often improve the weak point that caused the failure. We also fix STLs that will not slice, making them watertight and print-ready.
- Replacement parts from a broken original
- Reinforcement of known failure points
- Mesh repair for non-manifold STLs
- Watertight, slice-ready output
Scaling, Prep & File Delivery
We scale models to the size you need, hollow them to save material, add features, and prep any file for clean printing. You receive the finished file in STL, 3MF, STEP, or OBJ — and it is yours to keep.
- Resizing and remixing existing models
- Hollowing to reduce material cost
- Print-ready file prep
- STL / 3MF / STEP / OBJ delivery
How It Works
We've refined our process over 100+ projects. Here's exactly what to expect.
Share What You Have
Send a sketch, photos with a ruler for scale, caliper measurements, or the broken part itself. The more reference the better, but we have started from a napkin drawing more than once.
Scope and Estimate
We review feasibility, flag anything that will not print well, and give you an hourly estimate up front — $85/hr, half-hour minimum — so you know the design cost before we model.
Model and Review
We build the part in CAD and send you a render or a draft STL to check fit and features. You request changes; we revise until the model is right before a single gram is printed.
Print-Ready Handoff
You get a clean, watertight, print-ready file — and if you want it printed, we move straight into production on the right machine and material. The files are yours to keep.
Choose Your Package
Design is billed at $85/hr with a half-hour ($42.50) minimum, always estimated before we start. Printing is quoted separately at our machine and material rates. Most modeling jobs fall into three tiers:
File Prep & Fixes
$42.50 – $85
STL repair, resizing, hollowing, and prepping a MakerWorld or existing model to print cleanly
- 0.5–1 hour of work
- Mesh repair and watertighting
- Scaling and hollowing
- Print-ready output
Reverse Engineering
$85 – $340
Recreating a broken or discontinued part from the original plus measurements
- 1–4 hours typical
- Modeled from a physical part
- Failure-point reinforcement
- Replacement you can reprint
Custom Design From Concept
$255 – $850+
A new part designed from a sketch or idea, with review and revision rounds
- 3+ hours depending on complexity
- Ground-up CAD modeling
- Render and draft review
- Revisions to final
What Affects Pricing
- Design complexityOrganic shapes, tight tolerances, and moving assemblies take more hours than simple geometry
- Reference qualityClear measurements and photos cut modeling time; a vague sketch adds it
- Revision roundsEach round of changes after the first review adds billable time
- PrintingMachine time and material are quoted separately from design once the model is ready
What's Not Included
- Printing the partDesign is modeling only; machine time and material are a separate line on your quote
- Engineering certification or stress analysisWe design for printability and fit, not stamped structural or load certification
- Existing MakerWorld modelsIf a free model already works, we skip design and just quote the print
Who This Is (And Isn't) For
Custom modeling is for people who need a part but not necessarily a CAD education. Here is where it fits.
This Is Perfect For You If:
- Anyone with an idea but no 3D file — a sketch or measurements are enough
- Replacing a broken, worn, or discontinued part that is not sold anymore
- Fixing a downloaded STL that will not slice or print cleanly
- Resizing, hollowing, or remixing an existing model to fit your need
- Prototyping a new product and iterating through revisions quickly
- Businesses needing a one-off jig, fixture, or custom tool designed to spec
This Probably Isn't Right If:
- Parts needing stamped engineering or load-bearing structural certification
- Mass production of thousands of units — we design the prototype, not the factory line
- Designs the client cannot describe, measure, or reference in any form
- Food-safe, medical-grade, or metal parts that FDM cannot produce
If We're Not The Right Fit
Browse MakerWorld, send us the link, and skip the design fee entirely
We will refer you to a licensed mechanical engineer for stamped analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Get a Quote for CAD & Modeling
Send us your model or a link to one. We'll slice it, check it prints cleanly, and come back with a firm price — usually within one business day.
