What Happens After You Send Us a Sketch, 3D File or Mood Board
Samtop typically provides an engineering evaluation within 2–5 working days, depending on the level of detail in your concept. You’ll receive structural suggestions, material recommendations, and a cost estimate.
🎯 Introduction: You Sent the Concept. Now What?
Wondering about your engineering evaluation timeline? If you’ve submitted your sketch or idea, here's what to expect from Samtop.
✏️ Sketch
🖼️ Mood board
📐 3D CAD file
💬 Email with idea
You’re probably wondering:
- “When do I get feedback?”
- “Do I need to prepare more details?”
- “Is this going to take weeks — or just days?”
Our engineering evaluation timeline varies by concept detail, but most projects receive results in 2–5 days.
⏱️Engineering Evaluation Timeline Breakdown
| Concept Type | Evaluation Time |
|---|---|
| Hand sketch or mood board | 4–5 working days |
| 3D model (STEP, Rhino, DWG) | 2–3 working days |
| Complete spec + materials | 1–2 working days |
| Repeat project / slight revision | 1 working day |
This includes:
- Feasibility review
- Material plan
- Assembly suggestions
- Cost estimate range
- Sampling approach
🛠️ Samtop’s 4-Step Engineering Evaluation Workflow
| Step | Action | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ Review & Clarify | Check visuals, dimensions, and brand intent. Fill in missing details. | 1 day |
| 2️⃣ Material + Structure Plan | Recommend materials, weight-bearing options, LED routing, etc. | 1–2 days |
| 3️⃣ Structural Proposal | Provide drawing, materials, tolerances, and cost estimates. | 1–2 days |
| 4️⃣ Approval + Sampling Prep | Finalize details and move to prototype. | Same day approval |
🧾 What Files Can You Send to Start?
✅ We accept:
- ✏️ Hand sketches (even napkin drawings)
- 🖼️ Mood boards
- 📐 3D files (.STEP, .DWG, .SKP, .STL)
- 📄 Spec sheets: size, materials, quantity
- 📸 Reference images of past displays
💡 No 3D? No problem. We help build it from scratch.
🔍 Real Case Study: Paris Design Agency Request
🟨 Client Brief:
- Mood board
- Brand guidelines
- Request for acrylic tester with LED + metal base
- Quantity: 50 / 100 / 200 units
🟩 Samtop Response (3 Days):
- Structural sketch PDF + 3D layout
- Cost tiering by quantity
- Material proposal (acrylic + CE LED + FSC wood)
- Suggested sampling plan
✅ Client presented to brand
✅ Approved with 1 revision
✅ Sample entered production within 5 days
🔎 Factors That Speed Up (or Slow Down) Evaluation
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| 3D model provided | ✅ Speeds up CAD processing |
| Confirmed quantity | ✅ Enables accurate cost estimate |
| Material defined | ✅ Avoids rework loops |
| Repeat project | ✅ Fast-tracked evaluation |
| Complex lighting or mechanisms | ⏳ May add 1–2 days |
📦 What You'll Receive from Samtop
Once evaluation is complete, we send:
- 🔧 Engineering suggestion (PDF / 3D snapshot)
- 📋 Material & finish list
- 💰 Cost estimate by quantity
- 🧪 Sampling timeline & plan
- 👤 Project manager + engineer assigned
👉 Ready to start? Contact Samtop
