What do you need to start?
No 3D file and no knowledge of design software. What does help:
- a sketch on paper, from the front and from the side, with the main measurements;
- a photo of where it will go, ideally with a ruler or tape measure in view;
- the measurements of whatever it has to fit on, in or around;
- what it is for: what does it need to hold, carry or absorb?
A rough sketch is fine. What matters is the purpose and the measurements, not a neat drawing.
An example: a phone holder for your bike
Say you want a holder for your phone on the handlebar of your bike. Then it helps to pass on:
- the make and model of your phone, and whether it has a case;
- the diameter of the handlebar where the holder will sit;
- a photo of that spot, so it is clear what else is there, such as a bell or a brake lever;
- whether the phone should be upright or sideways.
With those four things the design can start. If anything is missing, you will get a few questions by email.
From sketch to CAD design
CAD is design software in which a part is drawn in 3D with exact measurements. That design produces the file that gets printed. You do not need to draw anything yourself.
Printing is taken into account straight away: walls that are thick enough, as little overhang as possible and a print orientation that handles the load well. A printed part is strongest along its layers and weakest between them. There is more on this in the guide printing your STL or STEP file.
Where will it be used?
The location decides the material. Indoors and away from heat, PLA is often fine. Outdoors or in the sun, ASA and PETG are the more obvious choices, ASA or ABS where it gets warm, and TPU for something that has to bend or spring back.
For the phone holder on a bike, outdoors in sun and rain, ASA is the best choice and PETG is suitable; both can take a knock. PLA is not suitable for outdoors, and ABS is less suitable: it can discolour and become brittle in the sun.
Say in your request where the part will go, and the material is chosen to match. The values for each material are on the materials page.
What decides the price?
The price depends on:
- the design work: a simple bracket is quicker to draw than a shape with lots of curves or parts that must fit precisely;
- the material;
- the print time;
- the quantity.
You get the price before the design work starts. The quote is free and without obligation, and you pay only after you approve.
One first, then more
With a new design it is wise to have one piece printed first and to test it where it will be used. If everything is right, more can follow, including as a small batch. There is more on this in the guide having a prototype or small batch 3D printed.
The design is yours
A design made to order belongs to the client. On request, you get the CAD file (STEP) as well, so you can have it printed again or changed later. Confidentiality (an NDA) is possible on request.
Describe your idea in the quote form. Read more about having a 3D design made, with previous work.