3D Design & CAD Services
Professional CAD modeling, reverse engineering, and design-for-manufacturing services from Houston’s most capable 3D printing studio. We turn concepts, sketches, and physical objects into production-ready digital files.
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Professional CAD Modeling for Every Industry
Export Commodity’s design team delivers parametric and solid-body CAD models built to exact client specifications. Whether you have a rough sketch on a napkin, an existing physical part that needs to be digitized, or a partially complete design that needs engineering refinement, our designers work in the same software your team uses — SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Rhino, and beyond.
Every model we deliver is print-ready and manufacturing-ready. We don’t just create pretty 3D files — we build geometry that accounts for material behavior, wall thickness minimums, assembly tolerances, and post-processing shrinkage. This design-for-manufacturing (DFM) approach means your first print is much more likely to be your final prototype.
Located in Houston, Texas, we serve engineers, product developers, architects, prop fabricators, and entrepreneurs across the Gulf Coast and ship digitally worldwide. Our NDA-protected design workflow keeps your IP safe at every stage.
Software & File Format Support
We work natively in the industry’s leading CAD platforms and accept files in virtually every format. No conversion headaches — we start from wherever you are.
| Format / Software | Type | Use Case | Import / Export |
|---|---|---|---|
| SolidWorks (.SLDPRT, .SLDASM) | Parametric CAD | Mechanical parts, assemblies | Both |
| Fusion 360 (.f3d, .f3z) | Parametric CAD | Product design, prototyping | Both |
| STEP (.stp, .step) | Neutral solid | Cross-platform exchange | Both |
| STL (.stl) | Mesh / print-ready | Direct 3D printing | Both |
| OBJ (.obj) | Mesh | Artistic, organic modeling | Both |
| DXF / DWG | 2D / flat patterns | Laser cut, sheet metal, architecture | Both |
| Rhino (.3dm) | NURBS surface | Jewelry, product aesthetics | Both |
| IGES (.igs) | Neutral surface | Aerospace, legacy systems | Both |
| 3MF (.3mf) | Print-optimized mesh | Full-color & multi-material printing | Both |
| Blender (.blend) | Polygon mesh | Organic, artistic, props | Import |
CAD & Design Services We Offer
Parametric Solid Modeling
Feature-based, history-driven 3D models in SolidWorks or Fusion 360. Every dimension is parametric — changes propagate through the entire design. Ideal for engineered parts with tight tolerances and revision cycles.
- Part and assembly modeling
- Drawing and GD&T annotation
- Design tables for part families
- Motion studies and simulation
Reverse Engineering
We digitize physical objects into accurate CAD geometry using calipers, digital measurement tools, and structured-light scanning references. Perfect for recreating legacy parts with no surviving drawings.
- Legacy part digitization
- Competitive product analysis
- Worn part reconstruction
- Scan-to-CAD conversion
Surface & Organic Modeling
Complex curved surfaces, ergonomic forms, and organic shapes that parametric tools struggle with. Built in Rhino or Blender with controlled surface continuity for aesthetic products, props, and art.
- Class-A surface modeling
- Organic character and prop forms
- Ergonomic handle and grip design
- Architectural ornament and detail
Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
We review your existing CAD files and flag issues before you spend money on prints. Wall thickness, draft angles, undercuts, support-unfriendly geometry, and tolerance stacks all get addressed upfront.
- Print-readiness audit
- Wall thickness analysis
- Support optimization
- Tolerance and fit analysis
File Repair & Optimization
Broken meshes, non-manifold geometry, and incorrect normals are common in files sourced from internet repositories or scans. We repair and optimize STL and mesh files for clean, reliable prints.
- Mesh healing and repair
- Polygon reduction for large files
- Normal correction
- Shell separation and cleanup
Assembly & Mechanism Design
Multi-part assemblies with moving components, snap fits, threaded inserts, hinges, and interlocking features. We model for fit, function, and assembly sequence to ensure parts go together the first time.
- Snap-fit and press-fit joints
- Threaded boss design
- Living hinges for flexible materials
- Printed-in-place mechanisms
Who Uses Our CAD Services
Product Prototyping
Startups and inventors use our CAD services to take ideas from sketch to first prototype in days. We model around your function requirements and iterate rapidly based on physical test results.
Architectural Models
Architects and developers commission highly accurate scale models of buildings, interiors, and site plans. Our CAD team translates architectural drawings and BIM exports into print-ready geometry.
Custom Props & Replicas
Film and TV productions, cosplay creators, and museums need accurate prop files. We model from reference images, existing props, or original creative briefs to create print-ready prop geometry.
Engineering Parts
OEM replacement parts, jigs, fixtures, and tooling inserts modeled to print-and-install specifications. Our engineers understand GD&T, material behavior, and functional load requirements.
Jewelry & Wearables
Rings, pendants, and wearable art modeled with the tight tolerances required for casting masters and direct-print pieces. Rhino and Blender surface workflows ensure smooth, organic forms.
Medical & Dental Devices
Anatomical models, surgical guides, and medical device prototypes. Our CAD team works from DICOM references, specification sheets, and engineering requirements to produce compliant geometry.
Technical Specifications
±0.1mm or better
24–48 hours
3–7 business days
Same day (surcharge applies)
2 included, additional billed hourly
STEP + STL + native file
Available on request
SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Rhino, Blender
Our Design Process
We follow a structured design workflow that keeps projects moving and keeps you informed at every milestone.
Brief & Reference Intake
You send us sketches, reference images, physical samples, or a written brief. We review all materials and ask clarifying questions before starting — no guessing games.
Modeling & Draft
Our designer builds the initial model and sends a render or screenshot for visual approval before finalizing geometry. This catches conceptual mismatches early.
DFM Review
Every model goes through our DFM checklist — wall thickness, overhangs, tolerances, and print orientation are all verified before file delivery.
File Delivery
You receive your native CAD file, STEP export, and print-ready STL. Renders and technical drawings are available as add-ons.
Print (Optional)
If you’re printing with us, your file moves directly to our production queue. CAD design fees are credited toward print orders over a certain threshold.
Iteration
Physical test reveals issues? We revise the model. Our parametric workflow means changes are fast — not a rebuild from scratch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to provide a CAD file to get a print?
No. We can create the CAD file for you. Many clients come to us with only a sketch, a reference image, or a physical sample. Our design team produces print-ready files as a standalone service that can then feed directly into your print order.
Will you sign an NDA before seeing my design?
Yes. We routinely execute mutual NDAs before design work begins, particularly for product development clients with novel IP. Contact us before sending files and we’ll get the NDA in place first.
What if I already have a CAD file but it won’t print correctly?
File repair and DFM optimization is one of our most common services. Send us your file, we’ll diagnose the issues, and provide a fixed print-ready version. We’ll always explain what was wrong so you can avoid the same issues in future designs.
How do you handle complex assemblies with multiple parts?
We model multi-part assemblies with fit tolerances baked in from the start. Our standard approach is to print a first-article assembly test — checking fit, clearance, and function — before proceeding to any production quantity.
What is the minimum I need to provide to get started?
At minimum, a written description of the part’s function, approximate dimensions, and any critical features. Sketches, reference images, or similar products help us model faster and more accurately. The more reference material you provide, the faster and cheaper the design work will be.
Ready to Build Your Design?
Send us your sketch, reference, or idea. Our CAD team will review your project and send a detailed quote within one business day.