Guides

Guides & Articles

In-depth tutorials on CAD design, 3D printing, and getting the most from AI-generated models. Written for makers, engineers, and beginners alike.

Beginner

Getting Started: Text to CAD in 60 Seconds

Your first AI-generated 3D model in under a minute.

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Prompting

How to Write Effective CAD Prompts

The techniques that consistently produce accurate, printable models.

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Exporting

STL vs OBJ: Which Format Should You Export?

When to use each format and which slicers support them.

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3D Printing

Wall Thickness Guide for FDM 3D Printing

Minimum walls, shells, and infill for strong, printable parts.

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Engineering

CAD Tolerances for 3D Printing: A Practical Guide

How to design parts that actually fit together when printed.

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Tutorial

Designing Functional Brackets with AI CAD

Step-by-step: mounting bracket with gussets and holes.

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Tutorial

Custom Electronics Enclosures: Design Guide

Snap-fit lids, vent holes, and connector cutouts for Pi and Arduino projects.

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Tutorial

Phone Stand Design: Step-by-Step

A practical design project to learn the prompting workflow.

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3D Printing

3D Printing Materials Guide: PLA, PETG, ABS & More

Choosing the right filament for your printed part's purpose.

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3D Printing

Common 3D Printing Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Layer separation, stringing, warping, and other classic problems.

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Workflow

Preparing Your AI CAD Model for Printing

Orientation, supports, wall count, and slicer settings for AI-generated geometry.

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Opinion

Text-to-CAD vs Traditional CAD: Honest Comparison

When AI CAD wins, when it doesn't, and how to combine both.

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Engineering

Designing Snap-Fit Joints for 3D Printing

Cantilever snaps, annular snaps, and the tolerances that make them work.

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3D Printing

Overhangs, Bridges & Supports in 3D Printing

The 45° rule, bridging limits, and when to design around supports.

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Technical

Designing Watertight 3D Models

What manifold geometry means and how to avoid open shells.

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Prompting

Prompt Engineering for Better CAD Results

Advanced techniques: negative constraints, iterative refinement, and more.

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