Short answer: You will get the files you need to make or print your part (like .STL or .STEP files) and can use them however you want. If you want the original, fully editable design files (the ones used to create or change the design), you’ll need to request that up front, and there may be an extra fee. Most customers get everything they need for manufacturing and future orders, but the editable design files aren’t included unless you specifically ask for them. What you receive (standard delivery): Final production files in .STL and .STEP format Unlimited commercial use within your own business and work (manufacturing, printing, referencing in future work) Archival of your final files in our system for reference and support What’s not included (without buyout): Editable working/source files (e.g., Fusion 360 archives, SolidWorks native files) Internal development data, parametric history, or proprietary methods Transfer of Bauen’s original working files or project setup Definitions (so we’re crystal clear): Possession = you have the final file and can use it fully for your purposes. Ownership of working files = control of the editable, parametric source that lets someone rebuild or repurpose the design. By default, Bauen retains ownership of the working/source files.

Most of our projects fall into one of three buckets: You have a physical part and need it recreated (either because it’s broken, discontinued, or needs a tweak). We reverse engineer it, model it and produce a physical prototype of the part. You’ve got a sketch, napkin drawing, or rough idea and need help turning it into something that can actually be produced. You already have a CAD file but need changes, corrections, or better organization. We clean it up, prep it for production, or modify it for new use cases. We don’t take on artistic sculptures, purely visual concepts, or open-ended “can you make something cool?” requests. Our focus is dimensional, functional design work—brackets, housings, tools, mechanisms, prototypes, and parts meant to do something. We work with companies at every stage—early, late, and everything in between. You don’t need to have it all figured out before reaching out. In fact, many of the projects we take on begin with ideas that are still taking shape. That’s normal; and where we do some of our best work.

All pricing is custom and based entirely on the specifics of the project—what’s being created, how complex it is, how fast you need it, and how involved we are in the process. That said, most projects fall in the $2,500 to $20,000 range, depending on scope and complexity. Larger, multi-phase design and prototyping engagements can extend into the hundreds of thousands. Some work is quoted as a flat rate or hourly when the scope is clearly defined. Others are billed as time-and-materials when there are unknowns, evolving requirements, or technical challenges that need to be solved along the way.

Yes—this is one of our core specialties. We routinely reverse engineer parts from nothing but the physical item, even if it’s broken or worn down. We use a combination of 3D scanning, hand measurement, photogrammetry and more to recreate accurate digital files, and we can produce a functional prototype of the part. If you’re dealing with legacy equipment, discontinued components, or no documentation, that’s exactly the kind of work we’re built for.

In most cases, no - we do not offer free estimates or quotes. We take the time to understand your project properly in order to provide an accurate estimate—which usually requires reviewing files, clarifying goals, and in some cases, solving problems before we even begin. For most projects, we charge a discovery or intake fee, which covers that upfront work of evaluating your project and work scope. If you move forward with the project, that fee is credited toward your final invoice. If you decide not to proceed, the fee is non-refundable. For simpler jobs, we may provide a quote after reviewing your files, but only if the scope is crystal clear. Our discovery fees vary depending on the complexity, but start at a minimum of $500.