Question 1

How accurate are the generated 3D models?

Accepted Answer

The free AI conversion produces an NNS Model (Near-Net-Shape Model), delivered as an STL mesh and an AI-generated STEP solid: a fast, visual starting point for e.g. manufacturability checks, technology selection, screening, and ROM quoting. Quality ranges from conceptual to genuinely near-net-shape depending on your input, and features may be hallucinated or missing. It is not dimensionally verified and has not been reviewed by a design engineer, so it should not be used for production without further checks. The STEP opens in any CAD system, so your own engineer can correct the dimensions and apply the final changes that make it production-ready. If you'd rather have that done for you and guaranteed, use Hi-Fi CAD (see below).

Question 2

What is the difference between an NNS Model and Hi-Fi CAD?

Accepted Answer

Both tiers can deliver a STEP file — the difference is who finishes the model and whether it is verified. The AI reconstruction runs in minutes and gives you up to 3 ranked NNS Model candidates (STL mesh plus AI-generated STEP) to review and select, or rate and regenerate. At least one 3D model is always delivered, even if none fully clears our quality bar, so that you always have something in hand. Because the AI STEP is a solid, your own design engineer can take it into any CAD system, verify and correct the dimensions and finish it into a production-ready model — same destination, lower price, full control on your side. Hi-Fi CAD (High-Fidelity CAD) is that finishing work done for you and guaranteed: we take an AI-generated model as the base and have an expert design engineer refine and fully verify it for exact dimensional accuracy, delivered as an editable STEP file plus a native parametric PRT file with a full feature tree, so a design engineer can continue construction where our reverse engineering left off. It's the same outcome as hiring a senior design engineer to reconstruct the part entirely by hand, at a fraction of the cost, typically within 1 to 3 business days.

Question 3

Can I try it without a credit card?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every new account gets 3 free credits on signup, no credit card required. For standard AI conversion, triggering a run and your first regeneration are always free; you only spend a credit when you accept and download a result. Hi-Fi CAD works differently: it charges 3 credits upfront when you submit the request, since it starts real engineering work right away, and is refunded in full if the request is declined.

Question 4

What happens to my drawings and IP?

Accepted Answer

Your files stay yours. Within Voluminate, they are only accessible to your account and, where you explicitly request Hi-Fi CAD, to the engineers working on your part. 3D Spark development or Customer Success staff may access files on a strict need-to-know basis for customer support, debugging, or app improvements. You can request deletion at any time via support@3dspark.de, and full details are in our Privacy Policy. Voluminate is a self-service beta, built for speed and easy access rather than for regulated enterprise deployment. Our core 3D Spark platform, however, already operates in exactly that world: it holds independent ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification (see our Trust page) and can be deployed on-premises and in private cloud environments. Enterprise customers from regulated markets like DB, Alstom, and ÖBB are amongst the customers. If you're evaluating Voluminate for use at an enterprise or in a regulated market, we know these requirements well and would welcome the conversation: contact info@3dspark.de or book a demo to talk through an integration and compliance plan for your specific needs.

Question 5

What input files can I upload, and what do I get back?

Accepted Answer

PDF, PNG, JPG, SVG, DXF, and DWG. The AI conversion returns an NNS Model as an STL mesh and an AI-generated STEP solid; Hi-Fi CAD returns an engineer-verified, editable STEP file plus a native parametric PRT file. You can group several sources of the same part (for example, a drawing plus two photos of the actual physical part) into one part set, reconstructed together.

Question 6

When exactly am I charged a credit?

Accepted Answer

For standard AI conversion, a credit is reserved while a run is in progress and only converted into an actual charge when you accept and download the result. Rejecting a result with feedback releases the reservation at no cost to you. For Hi-Fi CAD, the 3 credits are charged upfront when you submit the request, since it starts real engineering work; they are refunded in full if the request is declined. If a drawing turns out to be more complex than expected, we may ask you to approve 1-13 additional credits before continuing (a Hi-Fi CAD order therefore costs at most 16 credits in total); nothing extra is ever charged without your explicit approval, and the request stays open until you respond.

Question 7

How long does a conversion take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the input and how many candidates need to be generated, usually under 15 minutes; complex parts can take up to an hour, occasionally up to 90 minutes. Hi-Fi CAD, since it involves engineering review, typically takes 1 to 3 business days.

Question 8

Can I estimate manufacturing cost and CO₂ from the result?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Where available, each result includes estimated cost, CO₂ footprint, and technical suitability across manufacturing processes and materials, for orientation. From there, you can continue the workflow directly in the 3D Spark platform using your newly generated 3D models: manufacturability checking, costing, ROM quoting, precise binding quotes, should-costing for procurement, make-or-buy decision support, part screening for AM part identification, and more. For more information, visit 3dspark.de or book a demo.

Question 9

Can I get the model manufactured afterwards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can transfer your downloaded file to the separate 3D Spark manufacturing platform for a full cost, process, and supplier analysis. This is a manual hand-off for now: you download the file yourself and open the platform in a new tab; Voluminate does not transmit anything there automatically as of now. Once in the 3D Spark platform, you can use one-click forwarding of your RFQ (request for quote) directly to manufacturing service providers (MSPs). Depending on customer demand, we may make the hand-off itself seamless in the future, so you no longer need to download and re-upload manually. If that's something you'd find valuable, let us know via the feedback button; it helps us prioritize what we build next.

Question 10

Is there a limit to how many parts I can work on at once?

Accepted Answer

Yes, based on your plan tier. This exists so every part actually gets reviewed and resolved before the next one starts, rather than piling up unattended. Accepting or rejecting a part frees up your next slot.

Question 11

Do you support teams and larger volumes?

Accepted Answer

Credit packs and subscriptions cover everyday use. For backlog digitization programs, spare-part catalogues with hundreds or thousands of drawings or photos, or entire teams working together, contact us at info@3dspark.de or book a meeting, and we'll scope a volume plan and custom setup with you.

Question 12

Is this still Beta, can I rely on it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we're upfront about it: Voluminate is in active beta, so expect some rough edges and a growing feature set. Your feedback directly shapes what we build next.

Frequently asked questions