The possibilities and advantages of 3D printing processes and materials for prototyping, tooling and even production are well documented. But getting to the point of having a model to 3D print in the first place is somewhat trickier ground.

If all you have is an idea or specific requirements, but lack the 3D modeling expertise or access to a design specialist, then the options left for you are limited, time-consuming and potentially expensive. Or at least, they were.

We’ve partnered with Volumatik, an online design studio, for just such a scenario; giving our users direct access to an open platform that challenges the traditionally costly barrier to professionally designed 3D models.

Acknowledging 3D printing’s vast potential for development, production and presentation, Volumatik is built around crafting bespoke 3D models specifically designed for 3D printing, bridging the gap between ideation and production for those without the means or resources to design their own models.

Founded in 2015 by Adrien Chassaing and Vasily Hurynovich, both veteran designers in their respective fields of jewelry and automotive design, Volumatik is respectful of the importance of a detailed and strong 3D model specifically for 3D printing.

Built around this principle and combining design consultation as part and parcel of its service, it is a comprehensive approach to part design that requires little more than an idea from the customer.

And paired with the All3DP’s 3D Printing Comparison Service, production couldn’t be simpler. Design it with Volumatik; Print it with All3DP.

Getting started with Volumatik is quick and effortless, allowing you to immediately propose a brief and set your designs in motion.

Designing with Volumatik: How it Works

Getting your idea designed with Volumatik is simple, with each project handled by a dedicated project manager that liaises with you through each step of the process.

Once you’ve signed up to Volumatik and accessed your personal projects dashboard you can begin. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Validation

Upon submitting your concept to Volumatik, which can be something as simple as a brief description or a sketch on the back of a napkin, the company’s team of designers will review the information you’ve made available to them and determine whether there’s enough there to work with.

At this point, if validated, the Volumatik Manager in charge of your project will prepare a price estimate for the design.

If an idea fails validation, this is usually on the grounds of insufficient information for the Volumatik team to fully grasp your concept. Further consultation with your Volumatik Manager can clear this up and get your idea through validation, before moving along to step 2.

Step 2: Design Order

If you give the go-ahead and pay for your concept to be turned into a design, it is at this stage that you can provide further information and request minor changes on the proposal put forth by Volumatik.

It’s possible to make large alterations, but this is only in consultation with your Volumatik Manager.

Throughout this creation process, your Volumatik Manager will provide updates and ask questions for fine tuning, ensuring the design is to your liking.

At the end of the Design Order stage, you’ll get a high-resolution 2D drawing of your idea. If you like what you see and want to progress your design into a 3D model, you move on to step 3 of Volumatik’s ordering process.

Step 3: 3D Modelling Order

Here, you can once again provide feedback and request further alterations or refinements to your design, at which point the job is then passed to one of Volumatik’s talented 3D modelers who will bring the design from two dimensions to three.

As with the Design Order, further modifications can be made as the design is modeled.

Once the model is ready, you will receive a notification by email and a status update on the Volumatik website, with your complete 3D model ready for download as a watertight STL (other file formats available on request).

Step 4: 3D Printing

Thanks to Volumatik, you now have a ready-to-print 3D model.

All that’s left to do is print it, which is where the All3DP 3D Printing Price Comparison Service steps in. Simply upload the 3D model to our online order form and choose your material to get instant quotes (with shipping estimates) from the world’s biggest 3D printing services.

Get started with Volumatik today.