01
Product design & 3D modeling
From a sketch — or just a description — to a print-ready 3D model.
Output: Sketches and dimensions · Print-ready 3D model (STL / 3MF) · Editable CAD file (STEP)
MorePrototyping workshop · Boston, MA
You bring the idea. We make the first prototype — and a small batch.
Product design, 3D printing, laser cutting and engraving, and packaging for startups, inventors and small brands — in one workshop. If all you have is a sketch on a napkin, that’s a fine place to start.
- Starts at one unit
- No 3D model needed
- NDA on request
01 Starting point
Where are you starting from?
Everyone arrives from a different place. Pick the one closest to you — you can join at any stage and take only the part you need.
- 01/04
“Just an idea”
Where we pick it up
We start with a conversation: what it does, who uses it, where it lives. Then we draw the first sketches.
Product design & 3D modeling - 02/04
“A hand sketch”
Where we pick it up
Send us the sketch — a phone photo is fine. We dimension it and turn it into a 3D model.
Product design & 3D modeling - 03/04
“I have a 3D model”
Where we pick it up
We check your file for printability, fix what needs fixing, and go straight to the first prototype.
3D printing: prototypes & small batches - 04/04
“Prototype done, need a batch”
Where we pick it up
We make the design repeatable and produce the small batch, packaging included.
Packaging: box & insert prototypes
02 Services
One workshop, five jobs
From the design desk to the laser bed to the box. Same roof, same people.
02
3D printing: prototypes & small batches
One-offs to test form and function; small batches for your first sales.
- →Form prototype (to hold and judge)
- →Functional prototype (to test)
- →Presentation sample
- →Small batch
03
Laser engraving & cutting
Logos and markings on products, wood and acrylic parts, inserts, templates.
- →Logo & brand engraving
- →Serial numbers, marks, scales
- →Cut parts and inserts
- →Assembly / drilling templates
Packaging: box & insert prototypes
04A box dieline, an insert that fits your product exactly, and a logo on the lid.
The box is part of the product 05
Product graphics & launch visuals
Logo placement on the product, labels, and visuals for your first pitch.
TODO: Scope of this service to be confirmed
03 Process
Seven steps from first call to your door
Three phases, seven steps. Join at whichever phase fits.
Included revisions: TODO
- 01
A · Design
Call & brief
We listen, then ask the awkward questions: who uses it, where, how many do you need? Together we separate must-haves from nice-to-haves.
- Result:
- A clear brief and plan
- Time:
- TODO: duration
- 02
A · Design
Design & 3D model
Sketches, dimensions, a first 3D model. We look at it together — changing things before printing is always cheaper.
- Result:
- Approved 3D model
- Time:
- TODO: duration
- 03
B · Prototype
First prototype
We print or cut the model. Now you have something to hold, weigh, test and even break.
- Result:
- v1 — a physical first prototype
- Time:
- TODO: duration
- 04
B · Prototype
Revisions
Everything you notice once it’s in your hand goes into the next version. It usually takes a few rounds — that’s normal.
- Result:
- v2, v3…
- Time:
- TODO: duration
- 05
B · Prototype
Sign-off
We agree the final version together: material, color, dimensions, finish, quantity. The batch is made to match it.
- Result:
- Golden sample (reference)
- Time:
- TODO: duration
- 06
C · Launch
Small batch
We reproduce the approved design on the same settings and check every part for dimensions and finish.
- Result:
- Small batch
- Time:
- TODO: duration
- 07
C · Launch
Packing & delivery
Boxed, labeled, then handed over in Boston or shipped anywhere in the US and abroad.
- Result:
- Ready-to-use product at your door
- Time:
- TODO: duration
04 Iteration
Prototypes take a few tries. They should.
Every version teaches you something. Here’s a desk phone stand in three versions and a small batch, with notes on what changed each time.
- v1 angle 70°
First print
The phone stands, but the charging cable doesn’t fit. The angle is a bit too steep.
- v2 + channel, angle 65°
Cable channel
Added a cable channel and dropped the angle to 65°. But the base is too light — it tips over when you tap the screen.
- v3 base + pad + logo
Wider base
Wider base with a recess for a non-slip pad underneath. Logo engraved on the front.
- batch same settings × qty
Small batch
The approved v3, reprinted on the same settings and fitted into its own box.
Example scenario — illustrative drawing. Revisions included in a quote: TODO
05 Equipment & materials
Not a list of machines — a list of things we can make
The workshop runs on 3D printers and a laser. The model names matter less than what we can do with them for you.
3D printing
EQ-01What we can do
- From palm-sized parts to desktop-sized enclosures
- Stiff, tough or flexible parts
- One prototype to a small batch, repeated on the same settings
| Technology | TODO: e.g. FDM/FFF |
|---|---|
| Printers | TODO: make / model, count |
| Build volume | TODO: X × Y × Z mm |
| Layer height | TODO: range in mm |
| Materials | TODO: filaments in stock |
| Multi-color / multi-material | TODO |
Laser engraving & cutting
EQ-02What we can do
- Engraving on wood, leather, card and acrylic
- Cutting parts, inserts and templates from sheet
- Logos on boxes and packaging
| Laser type | TODO: CO₂ / diode / fiber |
|---|---|
| Machine | TODO: make / model |
| Work area | TODO: X × Y mm |
| Cutting thickness | TODO: mm by material |
| Materials | TODO: for cutting and engraving |
| Rotary (cylinder engraving) | TODO: yes / no |
06 Packaging
The box is part of the product
In a pitch, a campaign video or your first sales, people see the box first. An insert that fits exactly and a logo that appears when the lid comes off — that’s the difference between a garage project and a brand.
- A
Dieline
Cut lines, folds and glue flaps to size. The file is yours and works for volume printing later.
- B
Custom insert
Cut to your product’s silhouette: no rattling, no sliding, and it’s the first thing you see.
- C
Engraved lid
A logo or a short message, lasered onto a wooden or card lid.
Volume packaging print: through a partner. TODO: partner
07 Examples
What a project looks like
Our real portfolio is coming soon. Until then, here are example scenarios showing how typical projects unfold:
Example scenario
illustrative drawing
A bike phone mount
A courier startup wants a phone mount that doesn’t shake on the road and clips on and off with one hand.
v1 → v2 → v3 → batch
Example scenario
illustrative drawing
A branded table organizer for a café
A newly opened café wants a logo’d organizer on every table that holds the menu card, napkins and a QR code.
v1 → v2 → v3 → batch
Example scenario
illustrative drawing
A gift set for a handmade candle brand
A small candle brand wants a box for three jars that makes people go “oh” when they open it — for a crowdfunding video.
v1 → v2 → v3 → batch
08 Pricing
What shapes the price?
No numbers here — no two projects are alike. But what drives the price is clear, and your quote breaks down every line.
price = f(complexity, material, size, quantity, iterations, packaging)
-
Model complexity
f1A flat bracket and a mechanism with moving parts don’t take the same time to design. Part count, joints and tight tolerances drive the hours.
less: one part, simple shape more: many parts, mechanism -
Material
f2A PLA form study and a functional part in a heat-resistant or flexible material differ in both material cost and print time.
less: standard filament, plywood more: engineering filament, special sheet -
Size
f3Bigger means longer prints and more material. Parts larger than the print bed are split and joined.
less: palm-sized more: larger than the bed -
Quantity
f4With a single prototype, all the setup and tuning lands on one part. As quantity grows, the cost per part usually drops.
less: one prototype more: small batch -
Iterations
f5Each new version means some design time and another print. We state upfront how many revisions are included.
less: 1–2 versions more: many rounds -
Packaging
f6A plain box, a custom-cut insert and an engraved lid are different amounts of work. You can leave packaging for later.
less: no packaging more: custom box + insert + engraving
09 Trust
Your idea stays yours
Telling someone about your idea for the first time can feel risky. So we set the rules upfront.
-
Confidentiality
Only the people working on your project see it. We never show it to anyone, or post it in our portfolio or on social media, without your permission.
-
NDA
If you like, we sign a non-disclosure agreement before any work starts. TODO: NDA terms and template
-
Design rights
Your idea, your product. The rights to the design and files are yours. TODO: confirm IP transfer terms
10 FAQ
Questions people ask
Not here? Add it at the end of your brief, or just get in touch.
Q01 I don’t have a 3D model. Can I still come to you?
Of course. Most projects start with a sentence, a sketch, or “like this, but different”. We do the 3D modeling — your job is to tell us what you want.
Q02 How much does a first prototype cost?
It depends a lot on the product: size, material, model complexity and how many versions it will take. Once you send a brief, we prepare an itemised quote. We explain what drives the price on the pricing page. TODO: is the first call / quote free?
Q03 How long does it take?
A simple part and a multi-part device enclosure take very different amounts of time. Once we’ve seen your brief, we give you an estimated timeline for each step. TODO: typical lead times
Q04 Is there a minimum order?
No. You can start with a single prototype. The upper limit of a small batch depends on the project. TODO: small batch upper limit
Q05 Which file formats do you accept?
For 3D: STL, STEP, OBJ and 3MF. For laser: SVG, DXF, AI and PDF. For sketches: JPG or PNG. If you have none of these, a photo from your phone will do.
Q06 Which materials do you work with?
For 3D printing, filaments such as PLA, PETG and TPU; for the laser, sheets such as plywood, MDF, acrylic, leather and card. The up-to-date list of what we stock is on the equipment page. TODO: current materials in stock
Q07 How many revisions are included?
The quote states how many revision rounds are included, so there are no surprises. TODO: number of included revisions
Q08 Will you sign an NDA?
Yes — if you want one, we sign a non-disclosure agreement before work starts. You can tick this in the brief form. TODO: NDA terms
Q09 Do you work remotely and ship?
Yes. We’re based in Boston, MA — you’re welcome at the workshop, but most calls happen over video. We ship prototypes anywhere in the US and internationally. TODO: shipping terms
Q10 Can you help with mass production later?
If you need thousands of units after the small batch, we can help adapt the design for processes like injection molding. We don’t run those ourselves — we work with partners. TODO: mass production partners
11 Brief
Tell us about your project
It takes five minutes. Write what you know; we’ll figure out the rest together.