CAD design and 3D modelling in Brisbane
We model parts in CAD from a sketch, photos, measurements or the physical part, at $80 per hour, and hand over STEP and STL files that you own.
- Sketch, photos or the part
- STEP and STL, yours to keep
- 3D scanning available
What our CAD service covers
Our CAD design and 3D modelling service turns an idea, a drawing or a physical part into a 3D model that can be printed, reprinted or sent to another supplier. It suits parts that have no file yet, and files that exist but won't print as drawn.
The design work is quoted and paid before any modelling starts. Printing is quoted separately, once the model is final.
A mechanical engineer on the team checks tolerances, fits and material choice. Our modellers cover both mechanical and organic shapes, and our scanning and reverse-engineering specialist comes from a civil-construction background. For bigger projects we work with a network of freelance modellers and drafters.
Who uses our 3D modelling service
- Product designers with a concept and no CAD yet
- Engineers and fabricators who need a bracket, jig, fixture or housing drawn up
- Owners of machinery or equipment with a broken part the manufacturer no longer makes
- Teams with a model that won't print as drawn
- Businesses with a large or organic-shaped object that needs capturing digitally
How a design job works
Four steps, and nothing is printed until you approve the model.
Send what you have
A sketch, photos, measurements or an existing STL, STEP or OBJ file. You can also bring the part to our Taringa workshop by appointment.
Scope and quote
We scope the design and quote it at $80 per hour. Design work is paid upfront, before modelling starts.
Model and review
We build the model and send it to you to review. Nothing is printed until you approve it.
Receive the files
You get the files. If you want it printed, we quote the print once the model is final.
★★★★★
"Really good communication with staff via email. They didn't print my 3D design until it was fully ok, because of a random bug in the file. The printed piece was neat and nice, excellent work."
What we model
Most of our design work falls into three kinds of job.
Parts that only exist as a sketch
Brackets, housings, fixtures and products modelled from your drawings, measurements or a description of the problem, ready for engineering prototype printing.
Broken or discontinued parts
Measured, scanned where it helps, and rebuilt in CAD, correcting for wear on the original. This is the modelling behind our replicas of discontinued parts.
Print-ready refinement
You have a model but it won't print: thin walls, unsupported overhangs, fits without clearance, or a part too big for one print that needs splitting into sections with designed connectors. We fix the file and tell you what changed.
3D scanning, and when measuring by hand is better
We tell you which approach your part needs before you pay for either.
When 3D scanning helps
3D scanning helps with larger objects and organic or freeform shapes, where surfaces are hard to measure with callipers. A scan produces a mesh, and that mesh needs processing into a clean model before it can be printed.
When measuring by hand is better
Measuring by hand is better for small mechanical parts with flat faces, holes and fits. Callipers give exact dimensions, and the result is a clean CAD model you can edit later.
Design and scanning rates
3D modelling and CAD design cost $80 per hour, including GST. Design is quoted and paid before any printing, and the print is quoted once the model is final.
3D modelling / CAD design
Modelling from a sketch, photos, measurements or the part itself, quoted and paid upfront.
3D scanning
For larger objects and organic or freeform shapes that are hard to measure with callipers.
3D scan processing
Turning the scan mesh into a clean model that can be printed.
All rates include GST. Printing, materials and delivery are on our 3D printing prices page.
What you receive
- The model as STEP and STL files (3MF on request)
- Ownership of the file: print it with us or with anyone else
- Notes on the assumptions we made and anything we changed
- A copy kept on file for 12 months so reorders don't need the design work again, then deleted
CAD and 3D modelling questions
Do I pay for the design before the print?
Yes. Design is quoted at $80 per hour and paid upfront, before modelling starts. The print is quoted separately once the model is final.
What do you need from me to start?
A sketch, photos, measurements, the physical part or an existing STL, STEP or OBJ file is enough to start. Mark the dimensions and fits that matter most.
Do I get the CAD file?
Yes. The file we make is yours, in STEP and STL (3MF on request). We keep a copy for 12 months so reorders don't need the design work again, then delete it.
How much does 3D scanning cost?
3D scanning starts from $250, and processing the scan into a printable model is $80 per hour. We quote both before starting.
How long does modelling take?
It depends on the part and how much information we start with. We give you a timeline with the quote.
Do you sign NDAs?
Yes, for business clients, after we have reviewed the agreement. Send it with your enquiry.
Send us the sketch, the part or the file
We'll scope the design and quote it before any modelling starts.
Send your files