Why Samtop Accepts 3D-Only Submissions — and How We Convert Them into Production-Ready Displays
By Yan Luo, Founder & Engineering Lead, Samtop Display
Table of Contents
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.
🔧 What Happens When You Send Us a 3D File
| Step | What We Do | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 📥 Import | Open in SolidWorks / Rhino / Fusion | File cleaned, scaled, analyzed |
| 📏 Analyze | Extract dimensions, slot geometry, material layers | DFM-ready breakdown |
| 🔩 Convert | Flatten key panels for CNC / laser cutting | 2D .DXF / .DWG created |
| 🔧 Engineer | Add fixings, LED routing, cable paths | Full assembly logic generated |
| 🧪 Simulate | Weight, tolerance, and stress points reviewed | Production test plan |
| 🛠️ Output | Create drawings, BOM, exploded views | Client-ready engineering set |
📐 Accepted File Formats
| Format | Software | Notes |
|---|---|---|
.STP / .STEP | SolidWorks, Fusion | ✅ Most stable, preferred |
.3DM | Rhino | ✅ Common in agency submissions |
.SKP | SketchUp | ⚠️ Often lacks structure – we rebuild internally |
.IGES | CATIA, Rhino | ✅ Good for surface-based designs |
.FBX / .OBJ | Blender / 3ds Max | ⚠️ Needs cleanup & scaling |
.SLDPRT | SolidWorks | ✅ 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
🤔 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
📧 [email protected]
🌍 www.samtop.com
Samtop Display — Where Visual Concepts Become Retail-Ready Engineering.
