3D Modelling, Reverse Engineering & Inspection Services
In the digital era, 3D modelling has become absolutely central to the product design and development process — and with 3D printing, the need for skillful 3D modelers has extended right through to the manufacturing phase. From a sketch, photo or physical part, we deliver printable STL files and engineering CAD — and we reverse engineer and inspect existing components.
In the digital era, 3D modeling design has become absolutely central to the product design and development process. With 3D printing, the need for skillful 3D modelers has extended right through to the manufacturing phase. Even products that aren’t destined for 3D printing benefit from the efficiency of rapid prototyping, where additive manufacturing is used to quickly create functional prototypes that can easily go through several iterations with minimal overhead costs.
Accurate modeling is central to all 3D design projects. Our designers often work with clients to produce realistic 3D models of their inventions to help flesh out the form that the product will eventually take in the real world. Seeing how an idea would look in a three-dimensional environment instead of as an idea on paper is an invaluable step in the creative process. A realistic rendering of your product will help you identify problems and design potentials early on, and serve as a guideline once you begin prototyping.
3D Gadgets has extensive experience and knowledge of both 3D software and the rigorous requirements of manufacturing and prototyping. Our designers understand the manufacturing process and are experts in creating 3D models optimized for rapid manufacturing and 3D printing, which make it easier than ever for inventors to transition from design to production. STL files can then be generated that you can take right to a 3D printer.
What we deliver
Printable models
STL / 3MF files optimised for FDM or resin printing, with correct wall thicknesses and print orientations.
Engineering CAD
Parametric STEP / IGES models for manufacturing, editing and archival.
Reverse engineering
From a physical part or 3D scan to an editable CAD model, including repairs to worn or damaged geometry.
Manufacturing drawings
Dimensioned drawings generated from the model when your workshop needs them.
Reverse engineering
From a physical part or 3D scan to an editable CAD model — including repairs to worn or damaged geometry. It is ideal when the original drawings are unavailable, or when a component is broken or discontinued.
We measure or scan the remaining parts, rebuild the missing geometry in CAD, and deliver a model you can print, machine or archive. Where higher accuracy is needed, the part is first captured with 3D scanning and modelled from the scan data.
Typical reverse engineering work we take on:
- Legacy and obsolete parts — recreate components that have no drawings left, for repair or replacement.
- Worn or damaged components — reconstruct worn surfaces and missing geometry back to working condition.
- Castings, moulds and tooling — capture complex organic shapes that are hard to measure by hand.
- Retrofit projects — design a new part to fit an existing machine or legacy assembly.
- Product digitisation — turn a physical product into editable CAD to improve, resize or re-style it.
Deliverables: editable STEP / IGES CAD, printable STL / 3MF, and dimensioned 2D drawings when your workshop needs them.
Inspection & verification
We compare manufactured parts against the original CAD or design data — capturing the physical part with 3D scanning and reporting dimensional deviations, for single components or batches.
- First-article checks — verify a prototype or first part before committing to production.
- Batch verification — confirm consistency across a production run.
- Form and fit analysis — compare as-built geometry against the nominal CAD so your team can decide fit, function or rework.
Recent design & engineering work
A sample of recent projects — printed prototypes, reverse-engineered parts and CAD assemblies. Click a project to view the photos.
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5 photosFrom idea or part to CAD model
- Share the source. Sketches, photos, samples, an existing 3D scan — or the physical part itself.
- We review and quote. We assess feasibility and confirm the modelling scope, price and timeline.
- Draft models for review. You see the model early and we revise until the design is right.
- Final files delivered. Ready to 3D print or take to manufacturing.
Frequently asked questions
What file formats do you deliver?
STL or 3MF for 3D printing, STEP or IGES for engineering CAD, and native CAD formats on request. Tell us what your next step is and we will deliver in the format it needs.
Can you model from photos or a sketch?
Yes — photos or sketches with key dimensions are enough to start. Where higher accuracy is needed, we can 3D scan the physical part first and model from the scan data.
My part is broken or discontinued — can you reconstruct it?
That is classic reverse engineering: we measure or scan the remaining parts, rebuild the missing geometry in CAD, and deliver a model you can print or machine.
Do you provide dimensional inspection?
Yes — we capture the part with 3D scanning and compare it against the original CAD or design data. Tell us the tolerance you need checked and we will confirm what is possible.
How much does 3D modelling cost?
Modelling is quoted on the complexity of the part, the quality of the source data and the output you need — see the pricing guide. Quotations are free.
Can you also produce the part after modelling?
Yes — modelling, 3D printing and finishing are all under one roof, so the same team takes your project from file to finished part.
What do I need to provide for reverse engineering?
The physical part or sample is ideal — or existing scan data if you have it. Photos with approximate dimensions are enough for an initial quote.
Can you reverse engineer a part with no drawings or documentation?
Yes — that is the most common case. We reconstruct the geometry from the physical part and deliver editable CAD you can print, machine or archive.
Do you sign NDAs for confidential parts?
Your files and parts are treated as confidential, and we are happy to sign a formal agreement before you share sensitive designs — just ask.
Ready to start your project?
Send sketches, photos, a sample or the physical part — we will confirm the scope, price and timeline.
Prefer a form? 3D modelling quotation form · Request a quotation · Pricing guide