CAD Design & Engineering
Parametric modeling, mechanical components, assemblies, design refinement and practical engineering for real-world use.
Explore capability ↗From an unusual mechanical challenge to a production-ready component, we combine CAD design, material knowledge and advanced additive manufacturing to develop solutions that work in the real world.
Bring us a concept, a broken component, a drawing, or a difficult requirement. We help determine the design, process and material that make sense for the application.
Parametric modeling, mechanical components, assemblies, design refinement and practical engineering for real-world use.
Explore capability ↗Translate concepts into physical prototypes, evaluate fit and function, and refine a design before committing to final production.
Explore capability ↗In-house precision polymer FFF manufacturing, from detailed prototypes to functional components using engineering-grade materials.
Explore capability ↗Evaluate strength, temperature, environment, appearance and manufacturability—not just what's easiest to print.
Explore capability ↗Specialty components, replacement parts, fixtures and assemblies—designed for the process that best fits the job.
Explore capability ↗Not sure what to make—or whether additive manufacturing is the right approach? We can help evaluate the options.
Explore capability ↗Our core production capability is precision polymer additive manufacturing. But a successful design may call for a different process. We can own the design and development process, validate prototypes in-house, and coordinate outside production when a specialist process is the right solution.
Parametric CAD, iterative prototypes, functional testing and production of polymer components using available engineering materials.
Explore capabilities ↗DESIGN FOR SPECIALIST PROCESSESCNC machining, sheet metal, thermoforming, SLS, MJF, SLA, PolyJet and metal additive manufacturing—evaluated according to the geometry, tolerances, material and production needs.
Explore capabilities ↗Specialist manufacturing may be sourced from external suppliers when required. Process suitability, supplier capability, lead time and final pricing are evaluated per project.
A part is only successful when its design, material and manufacturing method work together. We evaluate those decisions early—whether production happens in our workshop or at a specialist manufacturer.
Building a part layer by layer enables intricate geometry, internal channels, consolidated assemblies and features that may be impractical to machine or mold. It also introduces process-specific considerations that must be designed around.
CNC milling and turning remove material from stock. They can be the better choice for certain tolerances, surface finishes, material requirements and production quantities. We design with tool access, setups and machining constraints in mind.
For polymer FFF, we consider build orientation, layer bonding, load paths, wall geometry, tolerances and environmental exposure. For molding, sheet metal, thermoforming or specialist additive processes, we evaluate their own tooling and geometry constraints.
We can develop and validate a design in-house, then coordinate specialist production when another process or material is the better final answer.
We look at what a part needs to do, the environment it will face, the constraints around it and the most practical way to make it. Sometimes that means printing a prototype. Sometimes it means rethinking the design entirely.
The objective isn't the most complicated solution. It's the solution that meets the requirement.
Explore Materials Intelligence ↗
Explore completed projects and the growing materials reference we use to support informed engineering decisions.
Real projects, case studies and the design challenges behind them, presented in an interactive portfolio.
View selected projects ↗EX3D Materials IntelligenceA living reference for comparing engineering materials, reviewing properties and exploring practical applications.
Explore the materials database ↗Exact 3D Design is driven by decades of hands-on engineering, technical design and practical problem-solving. Our approach is rooted in understanding the application first, then using the right tools and processes to deliver a useful result.
We work with individuals and organizations that need thoughtful solutions, not simply another item produced from a file.
Read Our Story ↗From a first sketch to specialist manufacturing, here are answers to common project questions.
No. A sketch, photos, measurements, an existing part or a description of the problem may be enough to begin. We will identify what additional information is needed before design work starts.
Our primary in-house process is fused filament fabrication (FFF), sometimes called FDM, using a range of standard and engineering-grade polymers. Other additive processes, including SLS, MJF, SLA, PolyJet and metal printing, may be considered through specialist suppliers when appropriate.
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) is a trademark of Stratasys. FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) is the generic term for the same broad category of filament-extrusion additive manufacturing, and is the term we prefer. You will often hear both used informally.
Yes, we can discuss designing components with those processes in mind. We do not claim to operate every type of equipment in-house; specialist fabrication can be quoted or coordinated with outside manufacturers as appropriate.
Yes. We consider loading, temperature, exposure, appearance, durability and manufacturing method—not simply which filament is easiest to print. Explore our Materials Intelligence reference for a growing comparison of options. Explore Materials Intelligence ↗
Often, yes. An original component, photographs, dimensions and information about how the part functions are useful starting points. Suitability depends on the part’s function, operating conditions and available information.
It depends on the selected process, geometry and whether a part can be divided into an assembly. We evaluate size limits for each project rather than publishing a single maximum that may not apply.
Finishing and post-processing needs can be reviewed during quoting. Available options depend on the material, desired appearance, tolerances and production process.
Shipping can be discussed as part of a project quotation. Packaging, destination and delivery requirements affect the available options and cost.
We treat customer project information as confidential in our working process. If a formal nondisclosure agreement or specific handling requirements are needed, please raise them before sharing sensitive designs.
Lead time depends on design complexity, prototyping cycles, materials, quantity and whether outside manufacturing is required. We provide project-specific timing after reviewing the scope.
Additive manufacturing creates parts by adding material, typically in successive layers. Subtractive processes such as CNC milling and turning remove material from a larger piece of stock. Additive can produce complex internal features and integrated geometries that are difficult or impossible to access with cutting tools; machining can offer advantages in particular materials, tolerances and surface finishes. We evaluate the tradeoffs for your application.
Sometimes, especially for prototypes, customized parts, complex geometries and low-volume production. Injection molding is often more economical at higher volumes once tooling is justified. Each method has different geometry, tooling, material and cost constraints; the best choice depends on the project.
We account for how the manufacturing process affects the finished component. For FFF, that includes build orientation, layer bonding, load direction, wall structure, material selection, tolerances and service conditions. The goal is to engineer around process limitations and use its strengths—not simply print a model and hope it performs.
Yes. We can develop the design, prototype and refine it, prepare appropriate production files and specifications, and help source and coordinate manufacturing through an outside supplier. Final supplier selection, cost, lead time and manufacturing requirements are confirmed for each project.
Email bill@Exact3Design.com with a brief description, photos or drawings if available, quantity, intended use and any deadline. A dedicated online quoting portal is planned; it is not yet active.
You don't need all the answers before you start the conversation.