Professional 3D CAD Modelling for Machining and Manufacturing
Remote Drafting Services provides professional 3D CAD modelling services for manufacturers, engineers, machinists, product designers, fabrication companies and businesses that require accurate 3D models for machining and manufacturing.
We specialise in creating 3D mechanical components and parts from drawings, dimensions, sketches, PDFs, photographs and existing reference information.
For machining and manufacturing applications, we can provide 3D models in commonly used formats such as STEP (.STEP / .STP), allowing the model to be imported into many CAD/CAM and CNC software systems.
Whether you need a single component modelled or a larger collection of parts, we can provide flexible remote 3D CAD modelling support for your project.
3D Models for Machining
A properly constructed 3D CAD model can be an important part of the machining process.
If you have a component drawing but don’t have a suitable 3D model, we can recreate the component as a 3D solid model based on the information provided.
The finished model can then be supplied as a STEP or STP file for use in compatible CAD/CAM software.
This can be particularly useful when you need to:
- Prepare a component for CNC machining
- Create CAM toolpaths
- Manufacture replacement parts
- Reproduce an existing component
- Convert 2D drawings into 3D models
- Obtain a 3D model from a supplier drawing
- Update or recreate legacy components
- Create models for prototyping
- Prepare components for manufacturing
STEP and STP File Creation
STEP Files for CNC Machining
We can create 3D mechanical models and export them as STEP files for use in compatible CAD and CAM systems.
STEP is widely used for transferring 3D CAD geometry between different software platforms.
If your machining company uses a particular CAD/CAM system, let us know which software and file format you require before we start the project.
STP Files
A .STP file contains the same STEP-standard type of CAD exchange data as a .STEP file. The extension used depends on the software and workflow.
We can provide your completed 3D component as an STP file when this is the format you require.
3D Component Modelling From 2D Drawings
One of our main services is creating a 3D model from an existing 2D technical drawing.
You can provide us with:
- PDF drawings
- Technical drawings
- Engineering drawings
- Dimensioned sketches
- Existing 2D CAD drawings
- DXF files
- DWG files
- Images
- Scanned drawings
We use the available dimensions and geometry to construct the corresponding 3D component.
Where the drawing contains sufficient dimensional information, we can create the model to the specified dimensions and requirements.
3D CAD Modelling From Sketches
Don’t have a CAD drawing?
A dimensioned sketch can often provide enough information to begin creating a 3D model.
Send us your sketch together with any available dimensions, notes or manufacturing requirements.
We can review the information and determine what is required to create the 3D component.
For complex components, additional dimensions or reference information may be required to fully define the geometry.
Mechanical Component Modelling
We specialise in modelling individual mechanical components and parts.
Examples include:
- Machine components
- Brackets
- Plates
- Covers
- Housings
- Shafts
- Bushes
- Flanges
- Mounting components
- Mechanical fittings
- Enclosures
- Custom parts
- Replacement components
- Fabricated components
- Machined components
The model can be created according to the dimensions and design information supplied.
3D CAD Models for CNC Machining
If you have a component that needs to be manufactured by CNC machining but only have a 2D drawing, we can create the corresponding 3D CAD model.
The resulting STEP/STP file can then be supplied to your machinist or manufacturing company for use within their compatible CAD/CAM workflow.
A typical process is:
2D Drawing → 3D CAD Model → STEP/STP File → CAD/CAM → CNC Machining
The exact machining and CAM process remains the responsibility of the manufacturer or machinist using the model.
3D Modelling From Existing Parts
In some situations, a physical component exists but there is no usable CAD model.
If you can provide photographs, measurements or other suitable reference information, we can use these to recreate the component as a 3D CAD model.
For accurate reverse-engineering work, precise measurements are important. If a component contains complex freeform surfaces or requires very high dimensional accuracy, specialist 3D scanning or measurement equipment may be required.
3D CAD Modelling for Manufacturing
Our 3D models can support a range of manufacturing applications, including:
- CNC machining
- Milling
- Turning
- Fabrication
- Prototyping
- Product development
- Replacement parts
- General engineering
- Manufacturing documentation
We can work from your existing technical information and create the 3D geometry required for your particular application.
Creating Accurate 3D Solid Models
For mechanical components, we generally create the model as a 3D solid rather than simply producing a visual 3D representation.
This allows the model to contain usable geometric information that can be transferred through supported CAD exchange formats such as STEP.
Depending on the requirements of the project, the model can include features such as:
- Holes
- Threads or thread representations
- Fillets
- Chamfers
- Pockets
- Slots
- Counterbores
- Countersinks
- Bosses
- Recesses
- Curved surfaces
- Complex profiles
The required level of detail will depend on how the model is going to be used.
From PDF to 3D CAD Model
If your only available information is a PDF technical drawing, we can use the drawing as the basis for creating a 3D model.
This is useful when:
- The original 3D CAD file has been lost
- A supplier only provided a PDF drawing
- You have legacy engineering drawings
- You need a 3D model for machining
- You need to update an old component
- You want to obtain a STEP/STP file from a 2D drawing
The quality and completeness of the original drawing will affect what can be modelled.
STEP Files for Different CAD/CAM Systems
STEP files are designed to facilitate the exchange of 3D product data between different CAD systems.
If you need a STEP/STP file for a particular CAD or CAM application, please tell us which software you are using when requesting a quotation.
We can discuss the required file format and modelling requirements before starting the work.
Our 3D CAD Modelling Process
1. Send Your Drawing or Reference Material
Send us your PDF, DWG, DXF, sketch, dimensions, photographs or other available information.
2. We Review the Requirements
We examine the component and determine the modelling requirements, complexity and information available.
3. You Receive a Quote
We provide a quotation based on the component and the required level of detail.
4. 3D CAD Modelling
We create the 3D model using the dimensions and design information provided.
5. Review and Revisions
You can review the model and provide feedback or required changes.
6. STEP/STP Export
Once the model has been approved, we export it to the required CAD exchange format, such as STEP (.STEP / .STP).
7. Delivery
The completed files are delivered digitally for use in your workflow.
One Component or Multiple Parts
We can model individual components as well as multiple parts.
If you have a collection of drawings that all need to be converted into 3D models, send us the complete set so that we can assess the project as a whole.
For larger projects, we can help establish a consistent modelling and file-naming approach.
Why Outsource 3D CAD Modelling?
Outsourcing your 3D modelling requirements can provide additional CAD capacity without the cost of employing a full-time modeller.
This can be useful when your business has:
- A temporary increase in workload
- A large number of legacy drawings
- A requirement for additional CAD support
- A project deadline
- A need to create 3D models for machining
- Limited internal CAD resources
Our remote service allows you to send drawings and project information digitally and receive completed CAD files electronically.
What We Need to Create Your 3D Model
To create an accurate model, please provide as much information as possible.
Useful information includes:
- Dimensioned technical drawings
- PDF drawings
- DWG or DXF files
- Sketches
- Overall dimensions
- Hole sizes and locations
- Material information
- Tolerances
- Thread specifications
- Section views
- Detail views
- Photographs
- Existing CAD files
If something is missing from the drawing, we will let you know before starting the work.
Request a 3D CAD Modelling Quote
Do you have a 2D drawing that needs to become a 3D CAD model?
Do you need a STEP or STP file for machining?
Send us your drawing or reference information and tell us what you need the model for.
We can review the requirements and provide a quotation for the work.
Whether you need a single machined component, a replacement part, or a larger collection of mechanical components modelled in 3D, Remote Drafting Services can provide remote 3D CAD modelling support.
Contact us today to request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you create a 3D model from a 2D drawing?
Yes. We can create a 3D CAD model from a dimensioned 2D drawing, PDF, DWG, DXF or other suitable reference information.
Can you provide STEP files?
Yes. We can export completed 3D component models as STEP files when required.
Can you provide STP files?
Yes. .STP is another commonly used file extension for STEP files. We can provide the model in STP format when requested.
Can you create a STEP file for CNC machining?
Yes. We can create 3D mechanical component models and provide STEP/STP files for use in compatible CAD/CAM workflows.
The machinist or manufacturer should verify the model and manufacturing requirements before production.
Can you model a component from a PDF?
Yes. A dimensioned PDF technical drawing can be used as the basis for creating a 3D CAD model.
Can you create a 3D model from a sketch?
Yes, provided the sketch contains sufficient dimensions and information to define the component.
Can you model replacement parts?
Yes. We can recreate replacement components from technical drawings, measurements, sketches or other suitable reference information.
Can you create models for milling?
Yes. We can create 3D component models suitable for use in compatible CAD/CAM workflows for machining applications.
Can you model complex mechanical components?
Yes. The complexity of the component will determine the time and information required. Send us the drawing or reference material so we can assess the project.
How much does 3D CAD modelling cost?
The price depends on the complexity of the component, the quality of the reference information, the required level of detail and the file format required.
Send us your drawing and requirements and we will provide a quotation.
Do you provide 3D CAD modelling remotely?
Yes. All work can be carried out remotely, allowing us to support businesses and manufacturing companies across the UK and internationally.
Need a STEP File for Your Component?
If you have a technical drawing, PDF, sketch or existing 2D CAD file and need a professional 3D model for machining or manufacturing, send it to us.
Remote Drafting Services – Professional 3D CAD modelling and STEP/STP file creation for machining and manufacturing.
Contact us today for a quote.