Custom 3D Printing From a Photo and Two Measurements
A clear photo and two measurements are often enough to model a simple part. Here is what a photo can do, what it cannot, and how to take one that works.
Can you 3D print a part from just a photo?
Often, yes, for simple parts. One clear photo with a ruler in the frame and two key measurements, usually the length and a hole or shaft size, lets us model a bracket, cap, spacer, knob or clip and quote it. A simple part is from $95, and when a photo is not enough we say so and ask for the part instead. Our design fee of $75 to $150 is credited when you order.
This is the same way every quote starts here. One photo, two measurements, and we send you a quote.
What a photo can and cannot show
A photo shows shape and proportion. It cannot show the depth of a hole, the angle of a snap, the thickness of a wall you cannot see, or the exact fit on a shaft. For anything that has to fit tightly, mate with another part, or carry load, we need the real part in hand or very complete measurements.
A good rule of thumb is that flat parts and simple shapes model well from photos, while parts with hidden features, threads or tight fits need the physical part. If you are not sure, send the photo first and we tell you which kind yours is.
How to take a photo we can work from
Ruler in the frame
Lay a ruler or tape measure right next to the part, on the same flat surface.
Straight on, then the side
One photo looking straight down, one from the side. Avoid a steep angle, it distorts the shape.
Even light
Daylight or a bright room, no hard shadows hiding edges.
Two measurements
The overall length and the most important hole, slot or shaft size, measured with calipers if you have them.
The right material for this part
| Use | Material | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Most simple parts | PETG or ASA | Tough everyday plastics, ASA for anything outdoors. |
| Parts that flex | Nylon or TPU | For clips and rubber like parts. |
| Parts near heat | Polycarbonate | The highest heat tolerance we print. |
What we will not make
Photos of people for figurines are a separate service with a consent form, see custom figurines. We do not model a part from a photo of someone else's product to sell it, and we do not make safety critical parts from photos.
Every part we rebuild from your original ships with a spare and is remade once at no charge if it does not fit.
From photo to part
Use the quote form, attach the photo, and type the two measurements in the description along with what the part does and what it attaches to. We reply with questions or a quote. If the photo is enough, we model the part and send you a preview before printing. If it is not, we send the address to mail the part.
Want a figurine of a person or a pet from photos instead? That has its own page.
Common questions
Ready to start?
One photo, two measurements, and we send you a quote. Mail the part in, or in metro Atlanta we pick it up.
Get a Free Quote