Help
How can we help?
Start here if you're new, or jump to the questions below.
Getting started
- Step 1
Describe your device
Open Start a design and say what you want in plain English. Mention what it should do, how it's powered, and roughly how big it is.
- Step 2
Answer a few questions
Kiln Forged asks about power, size, inputs and outputs, and budget, then shows you a spec to confirm.
- Step 3
Approve each stage
Watch the board, firmware and enclosure get designed. Read the Why panel, then approve or ask for changes at each checkpoint.
- Step 4
Download and build
Take the KiCad project, Gerbers, parts list, firmware and STL files to your board maker and 3D printer.
Questions
Can't find what you need? Email us and a founder will reply.
What can I build?
Small electronic devices built around a microcontroller: remotes, sensors, controllers, keypads, displays, trackers and similar gadgets. Think of anything that fits on a hand-sized board and runs from USB or a small battery. In this preview the assistant can design a few example devices while we finish the engines.
What files do I get?
For the circuit board: a KiCad project, Gerber files for manufacturing, a parts list (BOM) with estimated prices, and a 3D model of the board. For the code: the full firmware source as a PlatformIO/Arduino project. For the case: STEP files (open in SolidWorks, Fusion or Onshape) and STL files ready to print. See Features for details.
How will pricing work?
Every account gets one free trial project. After that you buy credits as you need them, or save with a monthly plan. There won't be a permanently free tier. Prices aren't set yet; see Pricing.
What if my board doesn't work?
Every design goes through automatic checks (design rules, compiling the firmware, fit checks for the case) before you see it. If something still doesn't work, tell us what happened: we'll help you debug it, and we'll use what we learn to improve the engines. We plan to offer credit back for designs that fail because of an engine mistake.
Do I own my designs?
Yes. The boards, code and enclosures you create are yours to build, sell and modify.
Do I need to know electronics?
No. Kiln Forged explains every choice in plain language, and the Learn hub covers the basics. Knowing a little helps you ask for better changes, and you'll pick it up as you go.
Can I edit the design myself afterwards?
Yes. Everything comes in standard formats: KiCad for the board, normal source code for the firmware, and STEP for the enclosure, so you can open and change any part by hand.
Contact
Questions, ideas or partnership inquiries: we read everything. Elijah Burns and Charlie Bauer, founders.