What file formats do you accept for retail display production?

We accept STEP (.stp), IGES, DXF, DWG, AI, PDF, SketchUp (.skp), Rhino (.3dm), OBJ/FBX, and even hand-drawn sketches. We’ll engineer all files in-house.

Can I send only a SketchUp or Illustrator file?

Yes. If you provide a SketchUp (.skp) or Illustrator (.ai/.pdf) file with dimensions or visuals, our team can rebuild and engineer it for CNC, laser, and display production.

What if I only have a photo or rough sketch?

That’s fine — send us your photo, dimensions, and intent. We provide reverse engineering services and create CAD drawings from visual references.

Which files are best for CNC laser cutting?

For laser or CNC routing, .DXF and .DWG files are preferred. We can also extract these from 3D STEP models or Illustrator paths.

What File Formats Do You Accept for Engineering and CNC Work?

14 5 月, 2025

A Manufacturer’s Guide for Designers, Agencies, and Retail Brands
By Yan Luo | Founder, Samtop Display

Table of Contents

Yes — Samtop accepts most 2D and 3D file types, including .STP, .DXF, .AI, .SKP, and even hand sketches. Whether you’re sending visual renders or engineering CAD, we’ll turn it into a production-ready retail display.

POP display production process from design to mass manufacturing — how 3D visual files become CNC-ready production drawings

You’ve finished a design — now you’re ready to brief a factory. But you’re wondering:

“What file types do I need to send?”
“Is PDF enough?”
“Do I have to prepare CNC drawings too?”

Many manufacturers demand precise engineering files — but creative teams often don’t have them ready.
Result: frustrating back-and-forth, delayed samples, or even rejected production.

At Samtop, we bridge the gap.
Whether you send .STP, .SKP, .PDF, or even just a photo — we’ll interpret, convert, and engineer your display into a fully manufacturable solution.

✅ File Types We Accept (And Prefer)

Format	Description	Preferred?
`.STP` / `.STEP`	Universal 3D CAD format, CNC-ready	✅ Best
`.IGS` / `.IGES`	Geometry exchange, smooth curves	✅
`.DXF` / `.DWG`	CNC laser cutting, panel layout	✅
`.AI` / `.EPS`	Vector artwork for UV print, cutting, graphics	✅
`.PDF` (with size)	Quoting, dieline reviews, basic artwork	✅ Initial
`.3DM` (Rhino)	Native for creative designers	✅
`.SKP` (SketchUp)	Retail layout, concept visuals	✅
`.OBJ` / `.FBX`	Render files, reference geometry	⚠️ Visual only
Photos / Sketches	Moodboards, past samples, visual notes	✅ We’ll reverse engineer

📩 Not sure what you have? Send it anyway — we’ll advise in 24h.

🛠️ What Happens When You Send a File

At Samtop, we don’t just “cut what you give us.” We translate your design into production logic.

Here’s what we do internally:

Import your files into SolidWorks, Rhino, or AutoCAD
Add CNC paths, holes, LED channels, joinery logic
Build assembly systems (magnet, screw, slot-in, etc.)
Flatten 3D geometry into cutting files (.DXF, .DWG)
Simulate flat-pack structure + box size
Review for material compatibility & stress tolerance

🔄 Result: A full manufacturing tech pack — ready for QC, quoting, and sample approval.

🔍 File Requirements by Material or Process

Material / Process	Required Format
Metal CNC (cut + bend)	`.DXF` + bend angles
Acrylic laser cutting	`.AI` / `.DXF` / `.STP`
Wood / MDF CNC routing	`.DXF` / `.STEP`
Fiberglass / Resin props	`.STEP` / `.IGS` + radii
Vacuum forming mold	`.STP` 3D geometry
Printing / branding graphics	`.AI` with outlines / CMYK
LED layout / wiring map	`.DWG` / `.PDF` + voltage

🧪 Need help converting? We do it in-house — no need to outsource.

🧪 Case Study: From Sketch + PDF → CNC-Ready Display

Client: US-based design agency
Input: SketchUp file + annotated PDF
Display: PU-wrapped tray + LED acrylic + printed graphics
Problem: No engineering files, no cutting paths

Samtop Solution:

Imported .SKP and rebuilt in SolidWorks
Added LED slot + cable channel + modular fit
Created .DXF files for CNC routing & acrylic cutting
Packaged into gold sample with all parts labeled

✅ Delivered production files in 4 working days
✅ Quoting ready within 24h
✅ Final display shipped to 6 countries

🧰 Samtop’s Engineering Stack

We use:

SolidWorks — 3D manufacturing logic
AutoCAD — CNC panel nesting & tolerance spec
Rhino + KeyShot — for visual render-to-CAD workflows
Fusion 360 — for detail machining simulation
On-site CNC, UV printing, LED testing, PU casting, resin

🧠 You don’t just get “a factory” — you get a design-interpreting, spec-converting, globally tested production partner.

🧾 What to Send Us for Quoting

Asset	What We Accept
Visual references	JPG / PNG / KeyShot / Screenshot
Dimensions	Width, height, depth (mm/in)
Artwork files	`.AI` / `.PDF` with bleed, curve fonts
CAD files	`.STEP` / `.DXF` / `.DWG` — if available
Notes	Material idea, finish, shipping need, special LED

Even if you only have a visual — we’ll engineer the rest.

👤 Who Should Read This?

✅ Creative agencies — Don’t let file format stop approvals
✅ Retail designers — Brief faster, even without CAD
✅ Procurement teams — Send specs that save time
✅ Brand managers — Gain confidence in visual-to-engineering workflow
✅ Solo founders / startups — Start with photos, we’ll CAD the rest