Student-friendly CAD that turns sketches into 3D-print-ready prototypes in minutes.
Manufacturing course students can't find affordable, user-friendly CAD software that seamlessly integrates with 3D printing for prototypes due to high costs and steep learning curves.
PrintProto offers a browser-based CAD tool with intuitive drag-and-drop shapes, auto-healing geometry, and one-click STL export optimized for 3D printers. It eliminates steep learning curves by providing guided tutorials tailored to manufacturing courses. Seamlessly previews sliced models to ensure print success without external software.
Students enrolled in manufacturing or engineering courses needing CAD for 3D printing prototypes
Direct in-app slicer preview and print optimization for common student printers like Ender 3.
friendly
Secure signup/login with Supabase Auth.
Draw lines, arcs, rectangles with snap-to-grid.
Extrude sketches to 3D, union/subtract shapes using JSCAD.
Three.js powered viewer with orbit controls and measurements.
Generate and download print-ready STL files.
In-app G-code preview with layer simulation.
Save/load projects as JSON.
Background saving to prevent data loss.
Dimension lines and tolerances.
Upload SVG for tracing to 2D sketches.
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| text | No | |
| subscription_tier | text | Yes |
Relationships:
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| user_id | uuid | No |
| name | text | No |
| model_json | jsonb | No |
| created_at | timestamp | No |
Relationships:
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| project_id | uuid | No |
| stl_file_path | text | No |
| slicer_settings | jsonb | Yes |
Relationships:
/api/projectsList user projects
/api/projectsCreate new project
/api/projects/:idLoad project model
/api/exportsGenerate STL and preview
/api/stripe/webhookHandle subscription events
1 export/day
None
5 seats
| Month | Users | Conversion | MRR | ARR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 100 | 2% | $74 | $888 |
| Month 6 | 800 | 5% | $1,480 | $17,760 |
Affordable, easy CAD with print-ready exports—no steep learning curve.
Post in r/3Dprinting, r/engineeringstudents with free Pro access offer for feedback. DM professors from manufacturing courses on LinkedIn sharing a demo video. Run $50 FB ad targeting 'manufacturing course' students.
Very simple UI
Limited manufacturing features, no slicer preview
Print-optimized exports and previews
Professional tools
Steep learning curve
Student-focused simplicity
Proprietary slicer preview algorithms trained on student print data
Explosion of affordable 3D printers in universities post-COVID remote learning shift.
CAD library bugs in browser
Use battle-tested JSCAD, extensive testing
Students stick to free tools
Freemium with killer print features
Success: 70% express interest
Success: 80% retention week 2
Other validated startup ideas you might find interesting
Stand out in the crowded AI market with AI-powered positioning that converts browsers to buyers.
Launch your AI productivity tool like a pro with automated campaigns that drive real users.
Swap targeted users with other AI indie hackers—no ads, just mutual growth.
Instant access to affordable agritech hardware suppliers for student crop monitoring prototypes
Validate crop monitoring app demand from small farmers before building – zero cost surveys
Drop-ship agritech hardware prototypes to farmers for real-world app testing