Design Engineering — Makelab 3D printing service
DFAM

We optimize your parts for the machines.

DfAM, reverse engineering, scan-to-CAD, lightweighting. We take your geometry and make it printable, stronger, lighter, or cheaper — then hand back production-ready files.

DfAM
Core service
Scan-to-CAD
Reverse eng.
Lattice
Lightweighting
End-to-end
Sketch to file
01

Output

OutputOutput
DfAM optimization

We analyze wall thickness, support strategy, build orientation, and nesting to maximize print success and minimize cost per part.

Reverse engineering

Hand us a physical part or a 3D scan — we rebuild it as clean, parametric CAD ready for production printing.

Geometry rework

Not every CAD file is printable. We modify geometry for manufacturability while preserving your design intent and mechanical requirements.

Full file development

From concept sketch to machine-ready model. We handle the CAD so your team can focus on the product, not the print process.

02

Typical jobs

Typical jobsTypical jobs
Retooling for additive

Convert injection-molded or CNC-machined parts into geometries optimized for 3D printing — often at lower cost and faster turnaround.

Scan-to-CAD

Point cloud in, watertight solid out. We clean up scan data and deliver production-ready CAD files in your preferred format.

Lattice and topology optimization

Cut weight without cutting strength. We apply generative design and lattice infill strategies matched to your load cases.

Part consolidation

Collapse multi-part assemblies into single printed components. Fewer parts means fewer failure points, faster assembly, and lower inventory.

03

Engagement process

Engagement processEngagement process
Send us what you have

CAD files, 3D scans, napkin sketches, even just a description. We work with whatever starting point you have.

Feasibility assessment

We evaluate printability, flag risks, and scope the engineering work needed to get your part production-ready.

Collaborative iteration

We work alongside your engineering team — iterating on geometry, material selection, and tolerances until the design is locked.

Deliver production-ready files

Final deliverable is a machine-ready file in your format of choice — STEP, STL, 3MF. Ready to quote and print.

04

Production workflow

01Online

Quote

Upload files to the instant quoter or submit a ticket for complex jobs.

Check out online or get a custom invoice once specs are locked.

STLOBJ3MFSTEP
02File review

File review

Files in by 3:30pm — confirmed same day.

File issue? You get specific feedback — walls, orientation, supports.

03In production

Production

5,000+ parts a week off the floor. Every job has a named technician.

Track status via chatbot. Automatic notification when it ships.

043-point QA

QA

Every part initialed by the technician who inspected it.

Doesn’t pass? Reprinted immediately. No charge, no back-and-forth.

Pre-productionIn-processFinal delivery
05Dispatch

Dispatch

Notified the moment it ships or is ready for pickup.

Local pickupSame-day courierUS shippingInternational

Learn more about our full process →

05

Technologies & build volumes

Build Volume
360 mm360 mm360 mm360 × 360 × 360 mm
Materials
Build Volume
145 mm145 mm185 mm145 × 145 × 185 mm
Materials
Industrial SLA
Build Volume
1000 mm1000 mm600 mm1000 × 1000 × 600 mm
Materials
Build Volume
380 mm284 mm380 mm380 × 284 × 380 mm
Materials
FGF
Build Volume
1200 mm1000 mm1000 mm1200 × 1000 × 1000 mm
Materials
06

Technology comparison

FAST + PREMIUMSLOWER + PREMIUMFAST + AFFORDABLESLOWER + AFFORDABLELEAD TIME →COST →1 day7+ days$$$$$FDMSLAMJFIndustrialSLAFGFMakelab
FDM

Fastest turnaround, lowest cost per part.

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SLA

High precision and surface finish.

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Industrial SLA

Large-format precision up to ~1000mm.

MJF

Production-grade nylon at volume.

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FGF

Extra-large format, up to 1200mm.

Plan Your Project

Tools to plan your build

Check shipping transit times, estimate lead times by technology, and review design guidelines before you upload — so your parts print right the first time.

Check Transit Time

Enter your zip code to see how fast parts arrive from our Brooklyn facility.

Ready to start production?

Upload your CAD file and get a quote in minutes — or talk to our engineers about your next production run.