At Global Design Solutions (GDS), our DIY program helps creators, students, and startups experience professional-grade 3D scanning and modeling workflows on a smaller scale. We provide scan-to-CAD modeling services, affordable 3D scanning for students, and CAD modeling for prototypes and creative builds.
Need editable, engineering-grade CAD or detailed component reconstruction? Explore our Reverse Engineering or professional Scan to CAD modeling services.
If you own a 3D printer, you know the challenge: you have a physical part but no file to edit. Our reverse engineering for 3D printers service solves this by:
Capturing your part with high accuracy 3D scanning
Cleaning, aligning, and processing the point cloud
Delivering editable CAD formats like STEP, IGES, or STL
Whenever possible, it is more cost effective to ship or bring your part to us for scanning. This avoids the expense of sending a technician on site. For those projects where parts cannot be moved, we also provide on site scanning services.
Whether it is replacing a broken part, modifying a toy, or creating something entirely new, we provide the digital foundation for your ideas.
Need engineering-grade parametric CAD? See our Reverse Engineering Services.
Students and researchers often need reliable data, even when budgets are tight. Our 3D scanning services for thesis projects ensure:
Clean and organized scan data with metadata included
File formats ready for spatial compute analysis and simulation
Delivery timelines that match academic schedules
From mechanical components to architectural models, we help you gather accurate scan data that supports your research and publications.
Early stage startups need designs that are functional and manufacturable. Our CAD modeling for startups service is built around rapid iteration:
Prototype enclosures, fixtures, and components designed for production methods
Revision support to help you refine MVPs quickly
Guidance on material choices and design for manufacturing
This allows you to move forward while keeping costs in check.
Send your part details including photos, size, and intended use
Scan acquisition either in our facility or at your site if required
Data processing including noise removal, alignment, and mesh cleanup
Modeling with conversion to CAD or refinement into usable formats
Delivery and revisions with final files sent and optional iterations
What You Can Expect
Typical delivery within 7 to 14 business days
Compatibility with Fusion 360, and Autodesk Products
Options designed for DIY, student projects, and startup prototypes
Q1. What formats do you deliver
A1. STEP, IGES, and STL are standard. Other formats are available on request.
Q2. How do you handle shiny or transparent parts
A2. We apply a temporary matte spray to ensure accurate scans.
Q3. How accurate is your service
A3. We typically achieve ±0.05 to ±0.2 mm depending on size and complexity.
Q4. Do you offer student pricing
A4. Yes, discounted rates are available for academic projects.
Q5. Can you scan large objects as well as small ones
A5. Yes, but for small projects it is often more cost effective to ship the part to us rather than request an on site visit.
De-construct your world
Virtual asset assistance
Unlock your design
Infrastructure and strategy
GDS’s DIY program is designed to help creators, students, and startups access professional-grade 3D scanning and modeling on a smaller scale. They offer affordable scan-to-CAD modeling and reverse engineering services so individuals or small teams can turn physical parts into editable digital models without needing enterprise-level resources or budgets.
GDS captures the part with high-accuracy 3D scanning, processes the point cloud, and delivers an editable CAD file — such as STEP, IGES, or STL. If you have a broken or custom part with no design data, GDS creates the digital file you need to modify it or 3D print a new one, saving time compared to designing from scratch.
Yes. Shipping or bringing your part to GDS’s facility is often the most cost-effective approach — it avoids the expense of sending a technician on-site. However, if a part cannot be moved, GDS also provides on-site scanning services for those situations, ensuring every project is accommodated regardless of logistics.
Yes. GDS provides 3D scanning services for thesis and research projects. They deliver clean, organized scan data with metadata, files ready for spatial analysis or simulation, and deliverables aligned with academic timelines. Even on a tight budget or schedule, researchers can access reliable, professional-quality 3D data for their work.
GDS offers CAD modeling for startups focused on rapid iteration — designing prototype enclosures, fixtures, and components for various production methods, supporting quick revisions, and providing guidance on materials and design for manufacturing. This helps startups refine their MVPs quickly and prepare designs that are practical and feasible to produce.
The workflow includes: sending part details such as photos, dimensions, and intended use; GDS performing scan acquisition at their facility or on-site if needed; processing the data including noise removal, alignment, and mesh cleanup; modeling and converting to CAD or refining the mesh; and delivering final files with optional revisions. This structured process ensures even small DIY projects are handled professionally from end to end.
Typical delivery for DIY, student, or startup projects is within 7 to 14 business days. GDS ensures outputs are compatible with common software such as Fusion 360 and other Autodesk tools, and tailors the deliverables to match the scale and format requirements of DIY or prototyping workflows.
DIY clients often ask: What formats do you deliver? (STEP, IGES, STL, and others on request.) How do you handle shiny or transparent parts? (GDS applies a temporary matte spray for accurate scanning.) How accurate is the service? (Approximately ±0.05 mm to ±0.2 mm depending on size and complexity.) Do you offer student pricing? (Yes, discounted rates are available.) Can you scan large objects as well as small? (Yes, though shipping the part to GDS is often more economical for smaller projects.)
Yes. GDS offers discounted rates specifically for student projects and understands the budget constraints common in academic and hobbyist contexts. These more affordable options allow students and makers to still receive professional-quality 3D scans and models without the cost associated with full commercial engagements.
Start by requesting a quote from GDS for scan-to-model services tailored to DIY makers, students, or startups. Provide details about your part or project and GDS will guide you through the entire process. They encourage reaching out early — even for small-scale needs — as professional scanning and modeling can eliminate significant trial and error in prototyping and fabrication.
