Frequently Asked Questions
About Our 3D CAD Design Services

MiniCAD is a 3D CAD design studio specializing in 3D CAD modeling, technical drawings, product rendering, and 3D printing file preparation. With 9+ years of CAD work and 7,000+ completed orders, we work with inventors, engineers and product brands worldwide.

You work directly with a senior CAD engineer — not a rotating team. The same engineer handles your project from start to finish, ensuring consistent quality and clear communication.

We have been operating since 2017 with 7,000+ delivered projects and 4,470+ verified Fiverr reviews, rated 4.9 out of 5. Our clients include engineers, startups, manufacturers, and product teams worldwide.

We serve all industries including consumer products, mechanical engineering, electronics enclosure design, industrial prototyping, medical devices, automotive, aerospace components, furniture, architecture, and Amazon FBA product design.

Both. We serve individual inventors, hobbyists, students, startups, small businesses, and large manufacturing companies. Every project gets the same level of professional attention.

Ordering directly gives you several advantages: lower prices (no platform fees passed on to you) and direct WhatsApp communication with no middleman. The same engineer handles your project with the same quality standard.

Our core services include 3D CAD Modeling, 2D Technical Drawings, Product Rendering, 3D Printing File Preparation, Reverse Engineering, and more. Visit our Services page for the full list and descriptions.

We always use the latest version of SolidWorks for 3D modeling and assembly design. For 2D drawings we use both SolidWorks and AutoCAD. Rendering is done with SolidWorks Visualize and KeyShot.

Absolutely. Send us a sketch on a napkin, a hand drawing, a photo, or even a verbal description — we turn it into a precision-engineered SolidWorks model with exact dimensions and tolerances. Many clients start with nothing more than a rough idea.

Yes. Multi-component assemblies are available as a package option. We deliver fully constrained SolidWorks assemblies (SLDASM) with individual part files. Exploded views and bills of materials are available as add-ons.

Yes, this is one of our specialties. We deliver optimized STL/3MF files with proper wall thickness, support considerations, and printer-specific settings for FDM, SLA, and SLS printing.

Yes. We produce professional technical drawing packages with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5-2018 or ISO 1101, matched to where your part is made, including section views, detail views, and material specifications. Manufacturing drawings are available as an add-on — ask for them in your quote request.

Yes. We design products optimized for manufacturing and create photorealistic renders suitable for Amazon listings, Kickstarter campaign visuals, and investor presentations. Renders are available as an add-on.

Simple parts have basic geometry — boxes, cylinders, flat brackets — with straightforward features. Complex parts involve organic shapes, intricate details, curves, mechanisms, or tight tolerances. If you are unsure which package fits, describe your part and we will recommend the right one.

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) is the most common desktop 3D printer — it uses plastic filament. SLA (Stereolithography) uses liquid resin for high-detail models. SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) uses nylon powder for strong, durable parts. Tell us your printer type when ordering and we will optimize the file accordingly.

Absolutely. Mention your printer model and specs (build volume, material, nozzle size) when describing your project. We design parts to fit your printer's constraints at no extra charge — it is part of our standard design process.

Renders are high-quality visualizations of your 3D model with realistic lighting, materials, and backgrounds. They are ideal for Amazon or Shopify product listings, investor decks, Kickstarter campaigns, and marketing materials. Much faster and cheaper than photographing a physical prototype. Available as an add-on, priced in your quote.

Reverse engineering means recreating a digital CAD model from an existing physical part. You send us photos, measurements, or a 3D scan of the object, and we rebuild it as a fully editable SolidWorks model. This is ideal when you have a part but no CAD files — for example, replacing discontinued components or improving legacy products.

The Prototype-to-Print Bundle is a CAD package plus the 2D drawing add-on, quoted together in one order: your model as a print-ready STL or 3MF and a STEP file (with the native SolidWorks file on Complex Part and Assembly), and a dimensioned technical drawing as PDF and DWG. Describe your part on the quote page and mention the bundle; the drawing is priced in your quote.

STL file repair is part of our CAD design for 3D printing service. It fixes common 3D printing problems: non-manifold geometry, bad normals, thin walls, scaling errors, open meshes, and self-intersecting faces. We also optimize wall thickness, support structures, and orientations for your specific printer type (FDM, SLA, or SLS). If your file fails to print or produces poor results, we diagnose and fix it.

White-Label Delivery is an add-on where your files are delivered without any MiniCAD branding, watermarks, or metadata. File properties, custom properties in SolidWorks, and PDF headers will be blank or set to your company name. Ideal for agencies, resellers, or consultants who deliver CAD files to their own clients. It is priced in your quote.

The 360° Turntable Animation is an add-on — a smooth rotating product video (MP4) showing your 3D model from every angle. Rendered with studio lighting and a clean background, it is ready to upload directly to Amazon listings, Shopify product pages, Kickstarter campaigns, or social media. It is priced in your quote.

The Exploded View + Assembly Guide is an add-on showing how every part in your assembly fits together. Parts are shown separated with lines indicating assembly order and direction. It is useful for manufacturing instructions, user manuals, patent applications, and warehouse assembly teams. It is priced in your quote.

It depends on your package. Every package includes a print-ready STL or 3MF (STL is the usual choice) plus STEP, and a basic 3D render. Complex Part adds the native SLDPRT. Assembly adds SLDPRT + SLDASM. Additional formats — the native source file on a Single Part, IGES + OBJ, manufacturing drawings (DWG/PDF) — are available as add-ons. Ask for any of them in your quote request.

The native SolidWorks source file is included with Complex Part (SLDPRT) and Assembly (SLDPRT + SLDASM). On a Single Part it is available as an add-on. It gives you a fully parametric, editable file that you or your engineer can modify anytime. Ask for it in your quote request and it is added to your invoice.

Yes. If you need a format not listed (e.g., Parasolid, CATIA, Inventor, Fusion 360), mention it in your quote request or contact us. We can export to virtually any CAD format.

SolidWorks native files (SLDPRT/SLDASM) are fully parametric — you or your engineer can modify dimensions, features, and geometry. They are included with Complex Part and Assembly, and available as an add-on for Single Part. STEP files preserve solid geometry and can be edited in most CAD tools. STL/3MF files are mesh-based and not parametric.

STEP and IGES are universal CAD formats that preserve geometry and can be edited in most CAD tools — ideal for manufacturing and engineering. STL converts geometry to a triangle mesh for 3D printing but is not editable. OBJ is similar to STL but also supports colors and textures for rendering. Choose the format that fits your workflow, and add any extras you need in your quote request.

Yes. STEP files (included in every package) can be opened and edited in free tools like Fusion 360, OnShape, and FreeCAD. STL files (included in all packages) work in any 3D printing slicer. IGES and OBJ formats are available as an add-on for use with Rhino, Blender, and other tools.

The Extended Format Export add-on gives you IGES and OBJ files in addition to your standard delivery. IGES is used by many CAD tools like Rhino and Fusion 360. OBJ supports colors and textures, making it ideal for Blender, rendering software, and 3D viewers. Most clients only need STL and STEP, so we offer these as an optional extra to keep base prices lower.

We offer transparent flat-rate packages ranging from simple single-part models to full multi-part assemblies, plus a Custom option for anything that does not fit a standard tier. Visit our Pricing page for current package prices and what is included in each.

All packages include direct communication with the engineer, a basic 3D render, and a print-ready STL or 3MF plus STEP. Complex Part adds the native SolidWorks file and a second revision round; Assembly adds SLDPRT + SLDASM, a third revision round and the Priority Queue. Full package details are listed on our Pricing page.

No. We use flat-rate packages so you know the exact cost upfront. No surprises, no hourly billing. For complex projects that don't fit a standard package, we provide a free detailed quote.

Describe your needs on the quote page. We'll review and send a detailed quote (within 24 hours) with a clear scope and price — no obligation.

No. The price you see is the price you pay. Each package clearly states what is included. Additional services like manufacturing drawings, renders, native source files, and extended exports are optional add-ons, itemized in your quote before you pay.

We offer a range of optional add-ons including photorealistic renders, native SolidWorks source files, manufacturing drawings, additional revisions, live engineering consultations, extended format exports (IGES + OBJ), bill of materials, exploded views, 360° turntable animations, and white-label delivery. Each is priced in your quote.

For individual orders, our package prices are fixed. However, if you need 5+ parts or a large assembly, request a custom quote. We offer volume pricing for bulk projects depending on scope, complexity, and timeline.

Open the Quote page, describe your project, upload your reference files and click "Submit Quote Request". We reply with a fixed quote; once you approve it and pay, work starts.

You'll receive an email confirmation with your unique reference number (ORD-XXXXXXXXXX). We review your brief and send a detailed quote with scope, price and delivery estimate. Once you approve it and pay, work starts.

After you submit a quote request, we review your files, then send a detailed quote via email with scope, price, and timeline. You can accept or decline directly from the email.

Be as specific as possible: what is the part used for, rough dimensions, materials, any existing sketches or photos, reference products you like, manufacturing method (3D printing, CNC, etc.), and any special requirements. The more context you provide, the fewer revisions we need and the faster we deliver.

Yes. Before payment is completed your order can be modified or cancelled. For custom quotes, you can revise your requirements when responding to the quote email. Contact us immediately via WhatsApp if you need to make urgent changes.

Here's the typical flow: (1) Fill out the quote form with your project description and reference files. (2) Receive a confirmation email with your ORD-XXXXXXXXXX reference number. (3) Receive a detailed quote, approve it and complete payment. (4) Work starts once payment is confirmed. (5) Receive files via Google Drive within your chosen delivery timeline. (6) Request revisions if needed.

No. You can order using just your name and email — no account creation, password, or login required. All project updates and file deliveries go to your email address.

If your files are larger than 50 MB, upload what you can through the quote form and mention the remaining files in the project description. After you submit it, we'll send you a private Google Drive link where you can upload files of any size.

Clicking "Request Similar Project" on any portfolio item takes you to the quote page with that project already named in your request. Add your own details in the description — this helps us understand your desired style and complexity from the start.

Include a ruler, coin, or known object for scale. Photograph from multiple angles (top, front, side). Label key dimensions even roughly — for example, "about 10 cm wide." If your sketch is on paper, photograph it in good lighting without shadows. The clearer your reference, the closer the first draft will be to what you want.

We accept PayPal, wire transfer (ACH/SWIFT), and Payoneer. All payments are processed securely through established financial platforms.

Yes. We never see or store your financial details. Payments are processed through secure third-party platforms. Our website uses SSL encryption throughout.

You pay after you accept the quote and before work begins. We also support partial payments for larger projects.

Yes, and we truly appreciate it! Tips are a great way to recognize exceptional work. After your project is delivered, you can send a tip via the same payment method you used for the order. Just let us know via WhatsApp or email and we will send you a payment link. Tips go directly to the engineer who worked on your project.

Every quote states the delivery estimate for your project, in business days, before work begins. Package delivery times are listed on the Pricing page.

Yes. Each package offers faster delivery timelines for a surcharge. The options and prices are shown in your quote before you pay.

Files are delivered via email and Google Drive. You receive a link to a private Google Drive folder containing all your files organized by format.

Yes. You can place an order at any time. Delivery timelines are counted in business days, starting after payment is confirmed.

Project duration (e.g. "2 hours of SolidWorks work") is how long the actual modeling takes. Delivery timeline is how soon we start and complete the project. A 2-hour project with the 5 business days delivery option is completed within 5 business days. Faster timelines are available in your quote.

Rush delivery moves your project to the front of our queue, displacing other orders. The fee covers priority scheduling and ensures we start and finish within your requested timeline. Standard delivery is included at no extra cost with every package.

Yes. Contact us via WhatsApp or email as soon as possible after placing your order. If work hasn't started, timeline changes are applied at the new price.

Priority Queue moves your project to the front of our active work queue, ahead of standard orders. It is included in the Assembly package. On Single Part and Complex Part it is an add-on, offered in your quote when you need rush delivery.

The number of included revisions depends on your package — each tier includes a set number of revision rounds. If you need more, you can add extra revision rounds as an add-on. Check the Pricing page for revision counts per package.

A revision is any change to the approved design — adjusting dimensions, modifying geometry, changing features, or updating tolerances. New design directions or major scope changes may require a new quote.

Be specific: instead of "make it bigger," say "increase the outer diameter from 25 mm to 30 mm." Annotate screenshots or sketches with exact dimensions and arrows pointing to the area you want changed. If you are unsure how to describe a change, request a quick video call and we will figure it out together. Clear feedback means fewer rounds and faster delivery.

Three ways: WhatsApp (fastest), email, or the quote form on our website. Visit our Contact page for all details. We respond within 24 hours.

Yes. We offer a short complimentary video call to discuss project requirements and clarify complex geometry. If you need a longer dedicated engineering consultation, it is available as an add-on, priced in your quote.

We respond within 24 hours. WhatsApp is the fastest channel. Complex technical questions may take slightly longer as we research the best approach.

Absolutely. Contact us via WhatsApp or email to discuss your project, get advice on the best approach, or ask any questions. There's no obligation to order.

Yes. All project files, designs, and communications are treated as strictly confidential. We never share, publish, or reuse client work without explicit written permission.

Yes. We're happy to sign a non-disclosure agreement before starting your project. Contact us with your NDA template or we can provide one.

Files are uploaded to a private, secured Google Drive folder specific to your order. Access is restricted and files are organized by your unique reference number.

We always use the latest version of SolidWorks. Files can be saved in older versions upon request for backward compatibility.

Yes. We can import and work with files from AutoCAD, Fusion 360, Inventor, CATIA, Creo, Rhino, SketchUp, and virtually any CAD tool that exports STEP, IGES, or STL.

Yes. Tell us the intended manufacturing method (CNC, injection molding, sheet metal, 3D printing FDM/SLA/SLS) and we'll optimize wall thickness, draft angles, tolerances, and features accordingly.

A fully constrained assembly means each part's position is locked by geometric relationships (mates). When you modify one part, connected parts update automatically. This is essential for products with moving parts, mechanisms, or multi-component fits. Non-constrained assemblies can cause manufacturing errors.

GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) is an international standard for specifying how parts should be manufactured and fit together. It is essential for professional manufacturing, especially multi-part assemblies. For prototypes or 3D printing, basic dimensions are usually sufficient.

Tolerances define the acceptable range of measurements (e.g. ±0.1 mm). Tight tolerances mean higher precision but cost more to manufacture. We set appropriate tolerances based on your manufacturing method — generous for 3D printing, tighter for CNC or injection molding. Mention your manufacturing process so we optimize accordingly.

A BOM is a detailed list of every part in your assembly including quantities, materials, finishes, and specifications. It is essential for ordering components and coordinating manufacturing. Available as an add-on — ask for it in your quote request.

You own the design completely. We retain no rights or claims to your files. You can manufacture, modify, license, sell, or distribute your design freely. The only request: we ask permission before showcasing your work in our portfolio.

Yes. All designs are fully cleared for commercial use, manufacturing, selling, and distribution. No royalties or licensing fees are owed to us — your design is completely yours. We can also optimize files for specific manufacturing processes like injection molding or CNC on request.