Can We Send a 3D Model Only (Without 2D CAD)?

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Why Samtop Accepts 3D-Only Submissions — and How We Con […]

Why Samtop Accepts 3D-Only Submissions — and How We Convert Them into Production-Ready Displays
You’ve already created a 3D display design file only using SketchUp or Rhino — but now you're unsure if that’s enough for production.

Yes — Samtop accepts 3D-only display design files (e.g. .STP, .SKP, .3DM), and transforms them into complete engineering packages: including 2D CNC files, BOMs, and assembly guides. No separate CAD draft required.

You’ve already created a full 3D model in SketchUp, Rhino, or Fusion. Now you're wondering:

“Do I also need to prepare full 2D CAD files for production?”

Many factories can’t work directly from 3D visuals — leading to:

  • Missed cut lines or tolerances
  • Rework delays
  • Miscommunication between design & production
  • Uncertainty during approval

At Samtop, we specialize in 3D-to-production engineering.
You send us the model — we do the rest: from CNC file generation to assembly logic, even for incomplete visuals.

🔧 🔧 How We Process a 3D Display Design File Only (No 2D CAD Needed)

We often receive only a 3D display design file only as input.

StepWhat We DoOutcome
📥 ImportOpen in SolidWorks / Rhino / FusionFile cleaned, scaled, analyzed
📏 AnalyzeExtract dimensions, slot geometry, material layersDFM-ready breakdown
🔩 ConvertFlatten key panels for CNC / laser cutting2D .DXF / .DWG created
🔧 EngineerAdd fixings, LED routing, cable pathsFull assembly logic generated
🧪 SimulateWeight, tolerance, and stress points reviewedProduction test plan
🛠️ OutputCreate drawings, BOM, exploded viewsClient-ready engineering set

📐 Accepted File Formats

FormatSoftwareNotes
.STP / .STEPSolidWorks, Fusion✅ Most stable, preferred
.3DMRhino✅ Common in agency submissions
.SKPSketchUp⚠️ Often lacks structure – we rebuild internally
.IGESCATIA, Rhino✅ Good for surface-based designs
.FBX / .OBJBlender / 3ds Max⚠️ Needs cleanup & scaling
.SLDPRTSolidWorks✅ Parametric, fast approval

Don’t worry if you're unsure — we’ll review and confirm compatibility within 24 hours.

🧰 When 2D CAD Is Still Needed — And How We Handle It

While 3D defines the shape, it rarely defines:

  • 🔩 Screw placement
  • ✂️ Cutting path for CNC/laser
  • 🧱 Assembly joints & part nesting
  • 📦 Flat-pack configuration
  • ⚡ Wiring + component access

💡 That’s why our in-house team converts your 3D file into a full production tech pack:

  • .DXF/.DWG for manufacturing
  • PDF exploded views for approval
  • Nesting layout for material optimization
  • Golden sample photo specs for QC

✅ All included — no separate drafting fee.

🧪 Case Study: From SketchUp to Shipment in 5 Days

Client: EU creative agency
Input: SketchUp file with screenshot sizes
Goal: Fragrance tester tray with LED, PU base, magnetic signage
Problem: No cut files, no engineering details
Samtop Solution:

  • Rebuilt geometry in Rhino → engineered in SolidWorks
  • Added cable channels + modular tray logic
  • Created full DWG / DXF / BOM set in 5 days
  • Prototype approved → mass production shipped to 4 countries

✅ 22% lighter structure
✅ 0 rework
✅ Reusable base for next campaign

Visual Merchandising Solutions

Transform your retail space with custom POP displays, window decorations, and luxury merchandising solutions. Get expert consultation and premium manufacturing services.

✓ 20+ Years Experience • ✓ Global Shipping • ✓ Custom Manufacturing
Visual Merchandising Solutions

🤔 What If My 3D Model Is Incomplete?

We fill in the gaps.

Send us:

  • 📸 Moodboard / photos
  • ✏️ Sketch with rough sizes
  • 🧱 Material targets (e.g. “PU base + acrylic tray”)
  • 💡 Function priority (e.g. “LED must be hidden”)

We’ll reverse-engineer it into production logic.

👥 Who This Is For

✅ Creative agencies
✅ Visual merchandising managers
✅ Brand design teams
✅ Procurement teams evaluating manufacturing options
✅ Retail engineering leads

🎯 Conclusion: Send the Vision — We’ll Engineer the Execution

At Samtop, you don’t need to submit perfect 2D tech packs.
We understand design, interpret visuals, and engineer reality — across acrylic, PU, LED, resin, fiberglass, and more.

📬 Send us any of the following to get started:

  • 3D model
  • Moodboard + sketch
  • Reference display photos

📧 yan@samtop.com
🌍 www.samtop.com

Whether you send us a sketch or a 3D display design file only, we’ll turn it into production reality.

Autodesk STEP File Specification

Rhino 3D CAD Usage in Retail

Retail Design Institute

Bob

About Bob

Hi, I’m Bob, the funder of SamTop.com, Our company makes visual merchandising props, retail display stands and window display decoration for many years now, and the purpose of this article is to share with you the knowledge related to retail displays from a Chinese supplier’s perspective.

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