Do I need a finished CAD file?
No. STEP, Fusion 360, and 3MF files are preferred when available, but physical samples, measurements, photographs, sketches, and mating hardware can also be reviewed for design or reverse-engineering work.
Project FAQ
Clear answers before you send the first file.
These launch guidelines help establish project fit. Material, schedule, quantity, inspection, and delivery are still confirmed against the actual application.
Which file formats do you accept?
Preferred editable formats include STEP/STP and Fusion 360 F3D/F3Z. Print-ready 3MF, STL, and OBJ files are accepted, along with DXF, DWG, and PDF drawings. A mesh file may require additional work when precise geometry changes are needed.
What materials are available?
PETG and PLA are proven core materials. ASA, ABS, TPU, reinforced polymers, and additional application-appropriate thermoplastics can be sourced and qualified when the project requires them. Material is selected around temperature, load, flexibility, environment, appearance, and cost.
How large can a part be?
Single-piece parts can be produced up to approximately 256 × 256 × 260 mm depending on geometry, material, tool configuration, and orientation. Larger parts may be possible through engineered segmentation, modular design, and mechanical or bonded joining.
What is a typical turnaround?
Many print-ready prototype parts can be scheduled in roughly 5–7 business days. Design-intensive, reverse-engineered, multi-part, finishing-heavy, and production-quantity projects receive a schedule after files and requirements are reviewed. A quote provides the actual commitment.
Can you produce batches?
Yes. Forged in 3D supports one-off prototypes through repeatable low-volume production. Practical quantity, plate strategy, first-article approval, inspection, and delivery cadence are reviewed from the specific geometry and current capacity rather than a universal part-count limit.
Do you serve only Chandler?
Forged in 3D is located in Chandler and serves the broader Phoenix area with appointment-based local coordination when appropriate. Suitable parts and projects can ship nationwide.
What projects are outside the current scope?
Current work is focused on non-safety-critical plastic parts, prototypes, replacement components, fixtures, and manufacturing aids. Projects involving life-safety, certified aerospace, medical devices, structural safety, regulated performance, weapons, or controlled requirements need capabilities and qualification beyond the current launch scope.
How should I share confidential project information?
Begin with enough information to evaluate fit without sending unnecessary proprietary detail. If a project requires an NDA or controlled file-handling terms, note that before transferring sensitive files so the appropriate process can be agreed first.
Have a practical problem?
Bring the part, sketch, file, or idea.
We’ll review the application and recommend a realistic next step before you commit to a full build.