Frequently Asked Questions
We are an engineering consultancy in Windhoek that manufactures with additive and traditional methods. Typical path: 3D scan → clean the data → reverse engineer → mechanical design → manufacture (print, CNC, or fab) → deliver. You can enter at any step. We are not a walk-in print shop.
No. If you have a physical part, drawing, or clear brief, we can assess what design or scan work is needed. A photo alone is usually not enough for a functional part. Dimensions or the original component help a lot.
Scanning digitises the part. Reverse engineering turns that scan (or other references) into usable CAD. They are separate scopes of work. Many jobs need both.
Yes. If you already have a print-ready file, we quote production. If you have no file, a broken part, or a discontinued part, we start with scan and/or design first.
We assess the part and say whether it can be reproduced. Feasibility depends on function, condition, material, and how it is used. Bring any pieces you still have, plus notes on the operating environment.
No. If additive is a bad fit, we say so and may recommend traditional manufacturing instead. We will not sell a solution that will fail in service.
Individual and Industrial clients, product and mechanical work, replacement parts, and local manufacturers who need scan-to-part or short-run production.
We use industrial scanning suited to reverse engineering and inspection. Achievable tolerance depends on part size, surface, and material. We confirm required tolerances when we quote.
Common formats: STL, STEP, IGES, OBJ. Native CAD (for example SolidWorks) is better when available. Sketches and briefs are fine if we need to design from scratch.
Send available files or photos, approximate dimensions, quantity, intended use, and deadline. For functional parts, include heat, sunlight, chemicals, loads, or outdoor exposure. Mention if you need on-site scanning or courier-in.
Quotes are per job: engineering time, materials, finishing, and any site or travel lines. Print jobs are priced from material, machine time, and setup. Scan, reverse engineering, design, and consulting are engineering services, not commodity print rates. VAT applies.
Project work usually needs a 50% deposit before we start. For corporate clients, a purchase order can replace the deposit. Your quotation sets out payment terms and agreed scope.
Buying a printed or manufactured part does not include the CAD or scan files by default. Printhoek keeps design and scan IP unless we agree a separate, priced file buyout in writing.
Lead time depends on scope, materials, and current workload. A print-ready file is usually faster than scan → design → manufacture. Tell us your deadline when you enquire.
Yes. Prototypes, replacements, and small runs. Best process depends on design, material, and quantity.
It depends on the machine and process. Larger parts can be printed in sections and assembled. Send overall dimensions with your enquiry.
Finishing is assessed and quoted per job. Say whether you need a raw print, an assembled part, or a finished display piece.
Retail hardware and consumables sit under our retail brand. Engineering enquiries (scan, design, manufacture) come to Printhoek 3D so you get the right quote path.
Yes. Windhoek workshop: 30 Julius K. Nyerere Street, Southern Industrial. Open Monday to Friday, 08:00–16:00. Contact us first if you need a consultation so the right person is available.
Yes. Send it to our Windhoek workshop. We can often scan within about a day once the part arrives. Say if the return is urgent so we can arrange courier back.
Yes, across Namibia and Southern Africa where access allows (mining, industrial, marine, trophy work, and similar). Travel and technician time are quoted as separate lines. Arrange access and any site induction beforehand.
Email info@printhoek3d.com or call Romar on 081 2898 147 with what you have (files, part, photos, deadline). We confirm scope before work starts.
