Design
CAD and mechanical design that starts with what a part has to do, not what's easy to draw.
Engineering & Fabrication
Design, problem solving, prototyping, fabrication
A 3D printer is just one tool in the shop. The real value is engineering: CAD design, mechanical design, prototyping, testing, and building parts that actually work — replacement parts, fit-specific components, personalized products, and small fabrication projects.
The Approach
Design + Problem Solving + Prototyping + Fabrication
The printer is the last step, not the first. Every project runs through the same engineering mindset before anything gets made.
Problem Solving
Every project is an engineering problem first. The right answer might be geometry, material, or a completely different approach.
Prototyping
Fast iteration, real-world testing, and refinement until a part performs — not just until it looks right on screen.
Fabrication
3D printing is one manufacturing tool in the shop, used where it's the right tool for the job.
The Service
From idea to finished part
Come to K-Smitty Labs when you have an idea to bring to life, need a custom part or replacement component, want a personalized design, need a working prototype, or need help thinking through a mechanical problem from scratch.
Every project starts with a real conversation about what the part has to do, where it has to fit, and what it has to survive. From there it's modeled parametrically, print-tested or fabricated, and refined until it performs — not just until it looks right on screen.
Workflow
How a project runs
Eight clear steps, no surprises. You always know what the next cost is before it happens.
- 01
Submit your idea
Share your concept, sketches, photos, measurements, or existing files through the start-project form.
- 02
Free feasibility review
At no cost, I review complexity, printability, materials, and scope, then tell you honestly whether it's a good fit.
- 03
Receive a design fee quote
You get a written CAD/design fee based on the modeling and engineering time the project requires.
- 04
Approve & pay the design fee
CAD work begins only after you approve the scope and the upfront design fee is paid.
- 05
CAD previews & revisions
You review renders and previews. A reasonable number of revisions is included in the quoted scope.
- 06
Approve the design
Once you sign off on the model, the design phase is complete and files are locked for production.
- 07
Printing & production quote
Printing, prototyping, testing, and final production are quoted separately based on material, size, and quantity.
- 08
Complete the project
Parts are produced, quality-checked, and delivered — with an option to iterate on a next revision.
Pricing at a glance
- • The initial feasibility review is always free.
- • CAD work begins only after approval and payment of the design fee.
- • The design fee covers time, expertise, and modeling work — not printing.
- • Printing, prototyping, testing, and production are quoted separately.
- • The design fee is generally non-refundable once work begins.
- • A reasonable number of revisions is included; extra revisions may cost more.
- • Feasibility depends on complexity, time, and printability.
Project Types
What this division covers
A sample of the kinds of design, engineering, and fabrication work that come through the shop.
Mechanical design
Replacement parts
Fit-specific parts
Custom holders & organizers
Prototypes & testing
Product development & iteration
Functional design
Personalized products
Custom signs & fixtures
Small fabrication projects
CAD & drafting
Practical problem solving
FAQ
Common questions
Ready to start your project?
Submit your idea and get a free feasibility review. No cost, no obligation.
Start a Project