Hands-On · FAB Lab

Build Your Own Pickleball Paddle — Design Files

Get a jump on the fun and start modeling a decoration for the face of your very own paddle. Download the files below, start designing, and bring (or send) your file to the festival so it's ready to laser etch or vinyl cut onto your paddle.

1. Download the Paddle Files

.STEP

TaperedPickleballPaddle.step

The full paddle model — handle, neck, and face. Use this if you want to see or modify the whole paddle in your CAD tool of choice.

355 KB

Download STEP ↓

.DXF

TaperedPickleballPaddle.dxf

Just the paddle's face outline — the boundary to design your decoration within. This is the easiest starting point for a laser-etched or vinyl-cut design.

176 KB

Download DXF ↓

Modeled by Sal Lama using SOLIDWORKS for Makers.

2. Create Your Design

Create a design within the boundaries of the Padle using yoiur favorite SOLIDWORKS modeling software. Design whatever you'd like within that outline.

1 In SOLIDWORKS, import the DXF file as a 2D sketch, or the STEP as a 3D shape.
2 Model your decoration as a 2D sketch or 3D extrusion within the boundary. Be creative! The laser can etch fine detail, and the vinyl cutter handles clean shapes well.
3 Save the final product as a DXF using a clear filename, e.g. YourName_PaddleDesign.dxf.

Pro Tip

Don't have CAD software? An inexpensive SolidWorks for Makers license works great. You can also design on the spot during the workshop — no prep required.

3. Send or Bring Your Design File(s)

Get your finished design to us so it's ready for the laser engraver or vinyl cutter when you arrive. Two options:

✉️ Email your file to BostonSWUG@gmail.com with your name so we can match designs to attendees. Submitting early means your design is ready when you arrive.
💾 Bring it on physical media — Load your design file onto a flash drive or SD card and hand it to the FAB Lab team at the start of your session. Works great if you're still tweaking your design up to the last minute.

Send Designs To

Email your saved design file to BostonSWUG@gmail.com — include your name so we can match designs to attendees. Submitting ahead of time is encouraged but not required.

4. Attend the Workshop

Use this time to create your design on-site (limited slots available) or pick up your completed craft and assemble all the parts (grip tape included). Once complete, head outside to play. Pre-made paddles are also available on the pickleball court throughout the festival if you'd rather try the game before (or instead of) the workshop.

Breakout Round 1 · 2:00 – 2:50 PM

Build Your Own Pickleball Paddle

Chinloo Lama + Sal Lama — Dassault Systèmes

FAB Lab

Breakout Round 2 · 3:10 – 4:00 PM

Build Your Own Pickleball Paddle

Chinloo Lama + Sal Lama — Dassault Systèmes

FAB Lab

Each session starts with a demo and design overview of the paddle in SOLIDWORKS, then you get creative — sketch or model your own custom decoration to be laser engraved or vinyl cut onto your paddle. You'll assemble all the parts (grip tape included) and finish by heading outside for a game with your new paddle in hand.