Design guides
Think through the next step.
Practical notes on developing parts, learning from prototypes and preparing a design for manufacturing. These guides have been updated to reflect the studio's current focus on design and project-based collaboration.
Nylon, PETG or ASA: Questions for Choosing a Material
Compare material grades against your part's environment, loading, interfaces and fabrication process instead of relying on a generic strength table.
Read the guideDesign for 3D Printing: Five Ways to Reduce Waste
Wall design, orientation, infill, supports and part consolidation: five questions to review before sending a design for fabrication.
Read the guideWhat Your PLA Prototype Can—and Cannot—Tell You
A shape or fit model can answer useful questions without proving the performance of a final product. Plan each prototype around the decision it supports.
Read the guideFrom Broken Part to Replacement: Scan, CAD & Review
How a physical reference can inform a replacement design, from scanning and measurements to CAD reconstruction, prototypes and supplier handoff.
Read the guide3D Printing vs. Injection Molding: Compare the Full Cost
Compare real supplier quotes using tooling, unit cost, revisions, minimum orders and design readiness, without assuming a universal crossover quantity.
Read the guideRush Fabrication: Questions Before Committing to a Deadline
Separate design readiness, supplier capacity and the real need date when evaluating an urgent prototype or fabrication request.
Read the guideStartup Prototyping: Learn Before Committing to Tooling
A staged approach to concept models, functional questions, pilot feedback and manufacturing decisions for a developing physical product.
Read the guidePlanning a Small Batch: From Design File to Supplier Handoff
The design, sampling, finishing and acceptance questions to resolve before a batch order. Quantity alone does not determine a production schedule.
Read the guide3D Scanning Resolution Is Not a Guarantee of Fit
Understand the difference between scan resolution, dimensional accuracy and CAD reconstruction before using a mesh as a design reference.
Read the guideCarbon Fibre Nylon vs. Standard Nylon: What to Compare
Evaluate reinforced nylon using the actual grade, process, load direction and test data. More stiffness is only one part of a material decision.
Read the guide
Put the questions into a project.
Share what you are developing and the decision you need help making. Scope and deliverables are agreed for each engagement.
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