Middle aged man in suit discussing construction plans with engineers around table with blueprints
Engineering Consulting Services

Manufacturing
Consulting & Advisory

From Fortune 100 companies like YETI, Johnson & Johnson, and Medtronic to growing startups — we help manufacturers plan, source, and launch their 3D printing and additive manufacturing programs.

Facility setup? Equipment selection? Design for Additive Manufacturing (DFAM)? We'll guide you through every step. Real engineers. Real experience. No consultants — just the people who build parts every day.

Fortune 100
Clients Advised
17+
Years Experience
100%
U.S. Based Engineers
Free
Initial Consultations
What We Help With

End-to-End Manufacturing Consulting

Whether you're starting from scratch or optimizing an existing operation, we provide actionable guidance based on real manufacturing experience — not theory.

3D Printing Facility Setup

Most Popular

Planning to bring 3D printing in-house? We help you plan your facility from the ground up — space layout, environmental controls (temperature & humidity), electrical requirements, ventilation, and workflow design.

  • Space layout & workflow optimization
  • Climate control & air filtration specs
  • Electrical & utility requirements
  • Post-processing area design

Equipment Selection & Sourcing

High Demand

Not sure which 3D printer to buy? We evaluate your application requirements, volume needs, and budget to recommend the right equipment — from entry-level to industrial-grade. We also help source and procure.

  • Technology selection (FDM, SLS, SLA, MJF)
  • Brand & model comparison & recommendation
  • New vs. used equipment evaluation
  • Vendor negotiation support

Design for Additive Manufacturing

DFAM

3D printing isn't just "printing a CAD file." Parts designed for CNC or injection molding often waste material and performance. We review and redesign parts to take full advantage of additive manufacturing's unique capabilities.

  • Part design optimization for AM
  • Topology optimization & lattice structures
  • Material & orientation analysis
  • Build preparation & support strategy

Process Selection & Optimization

Make the Right Choice

Should you print it, machine it, or injection mold it? We analyze your part requirements, volumes, and economics to recommend the right manufacturing process — including hybrid approaches combining multiple technologies.

  • AM vs. CNC vs. injection molding analysis
  • Material & technology trade-off study
  • Cost-per-part & break-even analysis
  • Hybrid manufacturing strategies

STL File Review & Optimization

Pre-Production

Before you hit print, have our engineers review your STL files. We check for watertightness, wall thickness, tolerance, and printability — catching errors before they waste material and time on the machine.

  • Watertightness & manifold verification
  • Wall thickness & tolerance check
  • Print orientation & support recommendations
  • Mesh repair & file optimization

AM Program Development

Strategic

Building a sustainable additive manufacturing program? We help you develop internal capabilities, workflows, quality management systems, and a roadmap for scaling AM adoption across your organization.

  • AM program roadmap & strategy
  • Workflow & SOP development
  • Quality management & certification prep
  • Staff training & skills development
Who We've Helped

From YETI to Fortune 100

We've advised and supported manufacturers and brands of every size — from startups launching their first product to Fortune 100 companies like YETI, Johnson & Johnson, and Medtronic building enterprise-scale additive manufacturing programs.

Fortune 100 & Enterprise

Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, and other global manufacturers building AM programs.

YETI J&J Medtronic

Medical Device Companies

FDA-regulated manufacturers building compliant AM workflows for surgical guides, devices, and diagnostics.

FDA Compliance ISO 13485

Aerospace & Defense

Tier 1 suppliers and defense contractors setting up ITAR-compliant additive manufacturing capabilities.

ITAR AS9100

Growth Stage Companies

Startups and scaling businesses building their first in-house manufacturing capability — right-sized and budget-conscious.

Startup Scale-up

"3D Creation Systems didn't just recommend equipment — they helped us build an entire AM program from the ground up. Their engineers understand manufacturing from the shop floor, not from a textbook."

— Director of Engineering, Fortune 500 Medical Device Company

How It Works

Simple Engagement Process

Getting started with our consulting services is straightforward. No lengthy sales cycles, no gatekeeping — just a direct conversation with engineers who know manufacturing.

1

Free Initial Call

Tell us what you're trying to accomplish. We'll listen, ask the right questions, and determine if and how we can help.

2

Needs Assessment

We dig into your requirements — application, volume, budget, timeline, and constraints. This shapes a clear scope of work.

3

Engagement & Delivery

We deliver actionable recommendations — reports, designs, specifications, or hands-on support. Everything is documented and ready to implement.

4

Follow-Up Support

Questions come up during implementation. We offer follow-on support to make sure your program gets launched successfully.

Initial Consultations Are Always Free

We're selective about the projects we take on. If we're the right fit, we'll tell you honestly. If we're not, we'll point you in the right direction — no obligation.

Related Services

Ready to Build Your AM Program?

Whether you're starting fresh or scaling up, let's talk. Free initial consultation — no obligation, no sales pitch. Just an honest conversation about what you need.

Minneapolis (HQ)
(763) 555-0255