An idea or a sketch
Develop the shape, size, and features around how it will be used. Useful for new parts, accessories, and early product prototypes.
DESIGN ON DEMANDNEW JERSEY / NORTHEAST
Custom 3D CAD
Design & Modeling
DDA Maker Technologies provides custom 3D CAD design services in New Jersey for parts, prototypes, and replacement components. We develop models and technical drawings from sketches, measurements, existing objects, or files that need revision. Take the design files to your own fabricator, or have us 3D print the part.
2-inch telescope focuser capSee the part in use ↓
Discuss your design
A sketch, a sample, or a description is enough to start. Compare design deliverables ↓
Custom part designReverse engineering2D drawingsDesign for 3D printing
YOU DO NOT NEED A FINISHED FILE
What do you
have to work with?
Bring what you have. We can develop a new part, recreate an existing one, or revise a design you already use.
Reverse engineering an existing part
Measure and reconstruct an existing component, then discuss the changes needed. Useful for replacement parts, adapters, and discontinued pieces. Need the replacement made too? ↗
A design that needs work
Review an existing model or drawing for the next step: a different fit, a revised feature, or a version intended for 3D printing. File compatibility is checked first.
FROM AN EXISTING OBJECT
Where 3D scanning helps.
Some shapes are difficult to capture with a few measurements. 3D scanning can provide surface geometry to use as a reference when reconstructing a part in CAD.
A scan is not automatically an editable CAD model. Reconstruction and checks of critical dimensions may still be needed. For simple geometric parts, direct measurement may be the more practical starting point.
DDA WORKSHOP PROJECT / TELESCOPE ACCESSORY
From CAD model
to fitted telescope cap.
A custom cap for the 2-inch Crayford focuser on a telescope. The project moved from a CAD model and drawing to a printed part, with revisions informed by checks on the actual focuser.
ON THE TELESCOPE
THE PRINTED PART
The fit check changed the design.
Early fit checks showed that the initial dimensions needed revision. The model was updated and reprinted over several iterations before arriving at the cap shown on the telescope.
For a fitted part, measurements of the actual opening matter. A test print lets us check the fit before settling on the design.
See the dimensioned drawing MODEL → DRAWING → PRINT → FIT CHECK
The drawing records the cap’s geometry, including its radii, heights, flange, and slots.
Need only the design? That is a complete project too. We can discuss a handoff for your own equipment or another fabricator.
DESIGN AROUND THE JOB
CAD design for 3D printing and fabrication
Tell us how the part will be made and used. A printable model, a drawing for another shop, and an editable design each need different information.
- What it fits
- Mating parts, fasteners, available space, and dimensions that must be checked.
- What it does
- Movement, load, heat, wear, and the conditions the part will face.
- How it is made
- Material, wall thickness, clearances, and the requirements of your printer or fabricator.
PLAN THE HANDOFF
Choose the files
you need.
Choose how you plan to use the design. We agree on the files, drawings, cost, timing, and included revisions before work begins. You can order design work on its own.
FOR A PHYSICAL PROTOTYPE
A model for the intended print process.
Discuss the printer or printing service, material, quantity, and what the first part needs to demonstrate, such as fit or assembly.
- File to discuss
- STL or another agreed print format, with units and scale confirmed.
- Next decision
- Have DDA print it, or use your own equipment. Explore custom 3D printing ↗
- Worth checking
- Fit, clearances, assembly, and the purpose of the prototype.
FOR ANOTHER FABRICATOR
A handoff the receiving shop can use.
Ask the shop which formats and drawing details it needs before the design is finalized. The manufacturing process and shop requirements shape the handoff.
- Files to discuss
- A solid exchange format such as STEP, plus a dimensioned PDF drawing where needed.
- Next decision
- Identify critical dimensions, material requirements, and the chosen process.
- Worth checking
- Shop acceptance of the files and any required tolerances.
FOR THE NEXT REVISION
Plan for the changes you expect.
If the part is still evolving, identify the dimensions or features likely to change. Discuss source-file delivery and software compatibility alongside the exported model.
- Files to discuss
- The editable source model and useful exchange files, subject to agreed scope.
- Next decision
- Define the review points and revisions included in the project.
- Worth checking
- STEP and STL exports generally do not retain the original CAD feature history. If you need to edit individual design features later, discuss native source-file delivery.
CAD DESIGN / PRACTICAL ANSWERS
CAD design
questions
Can you create a CAD model from a sketch or idea?
Yes. A sketch or description is enough to begin the conversation. To develop the model, we work out the dimensions, intended use, mating parts, and other requirements needed for the agreed design.
Can you reverse engineer an existing part?
We can assess an existing component for measurement and CAD reconstruction. Access to the part, its condition, and the accuracy required determine the approach. Photos help with an initial review; they do not establish every dimension.
Do I need 3D scanning to recreate a part?
Not always. A simple part may be modeled from measured dimensions. Scanning can help capture more complex surfaces, but the resulting surface data may still need CAD reconstruction and checks of critical dimensions. We can discuss which approach fits the object and the result you need.
Do I have to order 3D printing as well?
No. You can commission design work on its own. Tell us whether you will use the files yourself or send them to another fabricator so we can agree on a suitable handoff.
What CAD files and drawings will I receive?
Deliverables are agreed for each project and may include STL files for 3D printing, STEP files for another fabricator, dimensioned PDF drawings, or editable source files. Tell us which software or fabricator will use them so we can confirm compatibility and scope.
Can you modify an STL or an existing CAD file?
We can review the file and the change you need. A mesh such as STL does not contain the same design information as an editable CAD model. Some changes may require rebuilding geometry rather than adjusting an original feature.
How much does custom CAD design cost?
Cost depends on complexity, the information supplied, required drawings and file formats, and the review or revision scope. Share what you need and any budget or deadline. We discuss scope, cost, and timing before work begins.
Can we work together if I am outside New Jersey?
Yes. DDA’s primary service area includes New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. Design discussions and file delivery can often be handled remotely. Projects involving an existing object may require shipping or arranging access for measurement.
LET’S LOOK AT THE IDEA
Tell us about
your part.
Tell us what it should do and what you have so far.
A useful first message
- What you want the part or design to do
- A sketch, photo, sample, or existing file you can share
- What it needs to fit, and any known dimensions in mm
- Whether you need files, drawings, or a printed part, and who will use them
- Your location and any deadline that matters
Missing details? Start with what you know.