What it is
Effortlessly turn your idea into a manufacturable 3D model
Every part we print, scan or machine starts from good CAD. Our designers work with you to build clean, parametric models that are dimensioned for the real world — ready for 3D printing, CNC machining, moulding or a full data pack for your own supply chain.
- Start from a napkin sketch, a 2D drawing, a photo or a physical sample.
- Parametric, editable models — not one-off surfaces you can't change.
- Design-for-manufacturing built in for your chosen process.
- Native and neutral files, plus 2D drawings and renders on request.
Capabilities
CAD & design services we offer
Concept & product modelling
From an idea or brief we build the first 3D concept, iterate the form and function with you, and lock a direction.
Mechanical & part design
Functional parts, enclosures, brackets, jigs and fixtures modelled with real fits, fasteners and tolerances.
Assembly modelling
Multi-part assemblies with mates, interference checks, exploded views and a bill of materials.
Design for manufacturing
Wall thickness, draft, radii, undercuts and tolerances tuned for 3D printing, CNC or injection moulding.
Reverse-engineered CAD
We 3D scan a physical part and rebuild it as a clean parametric model — as-built or redesigned.
2D drawings & GD&T
Fully dimensioned manufacturing drawings with datums, GD&T, finish callouts and title blocks.
Rendering & visualisation
Photoreal images with realistic materials and lighting for pitches, catalogues and packaging.
CAD file preparation
Repair, convert and optimise existing CAD or meshes — STEP, IGES, Parasolid, STL, OBJ, 3MF.
How it works
Our design process
Concept & brief
We start with as little as a sketch or as much as a spec. Existing 2D or 3D assets are the perfect starting point.
CAD modelling
We build the parametric model, sharing progress so you can steer form, fit and function as it develops.
DFM review
The model is checked against your target process — printing, machining or moulding — and adjusted for cost and quality.
Drawings & data pack
On request: dimensioned 2D drawings with GD&T, a BOM, and native plus neutral CAD files.
Rendering
Optional photoreal renders of the finished design for business pitches and marketing.
Cloud review & handover
Track progress through a browser link from anywhere, then receive the final files — location is no barrier.
DFM
Hard-edged or organic — designed to be made
We use the right approach for the job, whether it is an industrial component, a functional prototype, a giveaway or an aesthetic model. When a design leaves Printlay, it is ready for manufacturing — checked for the process, the material and the volume you are targeting.
Applications
Design areas we cover
Enclosure design
Industrial design
Functional parts
Automotive
Tools & dies
Product design
Medical parts
Design analysis
Formats you receive
Native & neutral files
FAQ
Common questions
What do you need to start a CAD design project?
As little as a hand sketch, a reference photo or a written brief, or as much as 2D drawings, an existing STEP file or a physical sample. The more detail and intent you can share — function, fits, materials, target process and volumes — the faster we converge on a final model.
Which file formats do you deliver?
You receive native CAD files plus neutral formats — STEP, IGES, Parasolid and STL — along with 2D drawings as PDF and DWG. Meshes can be delivered as OBJ or 3MF for printing.
Can you turn a physical part into a CAD model?
Yes. We 3D scan the part and reverse engineer it into a clean, parametric CAD model — either a faithful as-built copy or a redesigned version with your changes built in.
Do you check the design for manufacturability?
Every model gets a DFM pass for its intended process — wall thickness, draft, radii, undercuts, tolerances and assembly clearances for 3D printing, CNC machining or injection moulding — so the file is ready to quote and produce.
Will I get engineering drawings and GD&T, not just a 3D model?
Yes. On request we produce fully dimensioned 2D drawings with datums, GD&T, tolerances, surface finish callouts, a title block and a bill of materials for assemblies.
Can you produce photoreal renders for a pitch or catalogue?
Yes. We render the model with realistic materials, lighting and finishes for investor decks, marketing and packaging artwork before a single part is made.
Next steps with design
