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I’m new to 3-D printing. I have a design sketch. How do I go about creating a soft copy design of this sketch and ultimately a 3-D printed model? Can I do the design myself by downloading an app or is it preferable to have this done by the service provider who will do the printing? How do I get quotes for this?

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Hi @Csabav, welcome to the world of 3D printing! We have a super useful guide to getting started on designing your own 3D model and eventually printing it, which you can find here. In the guide, you’ll find a variety of software applications that’ll help you bring your sketch to life. Alternatively, you can search for a Hub on our platform that can help you with 3D modeling by:

1. Heading over to our Start a 3D Print page;

2. Entering your location;

3. Under the ‘More filters’ tab, selecting ‘Can help with 3D Modeling’.

This will then show you Hubs in your local area that can help in translating your designs to 3D for you. Choose a Hub that looks good to you and you can begin discussing your project. I hope this helps and good luck!

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There are lots of free programs for doing 3d design, the ones I use are 123D design, sketchup and opened… but there are loads out there and I’m sure you will get lots of suggestions… it all depends on yourself and your ability to pick up whichever programming you decide to use… check out some YouTube videos there an excellent learning resource.

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Many thanks for your replies. Will follow up …

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Hey Csabav,

Creating 3D models for 3D printing can be quite a learning curve. Just getting used to the modelling software can take a while to get to grips with.

If you have a sketch you can ask for a 3D modeller, who has experience creating models, to create the model that your after. This will allow you to get your model ready within a short time frame without you having to invest time learning how to model.

However if 3D printing is something you want to get into then I’d suggest finding out how to create your own models from scratch. Now, this may take a while to perfect, but really pays off when you have no limit from charges, time frames or miss communication.

If you’d like I can make a model for you from your sketch and if your interested I can teach you how to create your own models. I’ll can provide this free of charge so you don’t need to worry about a quote.

Just let me know if your interested so that I may help you.

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Hi Kane

Thanks for the good advice. Actually, I need to have a specific model done for a current project, which as you correctly point out, doesn’t allow me much time to play around with modelling software. So I will take your recommendation and engage with a 3D modeller to do this for me. Down the line I may invest some time in learning to model myself as the industry does interest me …

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It’s good to hear that you know what your going to do.

If you do consider learning about 3D modelling in the future your best starting with a basic design package like google Sketchup so you can get used to the basic functionality. Then when your comfortable more on to more complex CAD. When you to so don’t try learning everything. Most have features you may never use so just research what you need when you need it and make a few notes. This makes the learning process far easier.

Just remember that the only limitation is your imagination and knowledge of modelling. If you find yourself stuck just post/ comment, so that someone, if not me, can help you out.

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Many thanks again for the valuable advice. I think this is a facinating industry with many opportunties. I also think you are quite right that I need to figure out what I want to achieve and how, otherwise this learning exercise could end up being long and arduous …