Every machine in our shop needs a specific kind of file. Our SLS, SLA and FDM printers work from 3D models, usually STL, 3MF, STP, STEP, etc. Waterjet needs clean 2D DXF or DWG files of the areas to be cut, and laser marking needs crisp vector artwork, which can be 2D or 3D. If you already have a file that’s ready to go, perfect. You’re one step closer to a finished part. If all you have is a PDF drawing, old CAD format or a rough mesh, we’ll convert it into whatever format the job needs.
File conversion is $50/hr, billed in 15-minute increments with no minimum. The fee applies only when we have to rebuild a file by hand, for example a dimensioned PDF drawing that won’t export to a usable DXF, or a sketch that needs to become a 3D model. Files that are already ready to print, cut or mark have no conversion fee. Upload your file below and we’ll review it and send you an estimate.
For creating drawings from sketches, doodles, photos or stray thoughts, please refer to our design/drafting services.
The Right File for Every Service
Tell us which service you need and we’ll deliver the file that service runs on.
3D Printing
Print-ready STL, 3MF or STEP models for SLS, SLA and FDM, built from sketches or drawings, or repaired from broken meshes.
Waterjet Cutting
Clean, closed DXF or DWG cut paths from paper drawings, PDFs, images or other CAD formats.
Laser Etching & Marking
Vector artwork for logos, serial numbers and text, cleaned up from low-resolution images or scanned artwork.
Vacuum Forming
3D models of your part or mold, ready for us to make the forming tool.
3D Scanning
Scan meshes turned into clean STL files or editable CAD models through reverse engineering.
SolidWorks Modeling
Sketches, photos and PDFs rebuilt as SolidWorks parts, assemblies and 2D drawings.
What You Can Send Us
- Ready-to-use files: STL, STEP/STP, 3MF, OBJ, IGES, DXF, DWG or AI (no conversion fee)
- PDF drawings, hand sketches and photos with dimensions
- Logos and artwork as PDF, JPG or PNG
- A video of the part, or a ZIP file of everything you have
- No file at all? We can 3D scan the physical part.
Preparing your own waterjet file? See our post File Design for CNC Waterjet Cutting.