Use real CAD files

Shapes that merely look right do not get manufactured. Factories want STEP, DXF or STL, matched to the process.

Many text-to-3D models on public hubs produce meshes that look plausible but are not manufacturable: no real edges, no exact dimensions, no clean solids.

Match the format to the process. STEP is the standard for machined parts, DXF (or SVG) for laser cut and waterjet profiles, STL or 3MF for 3D printing, Gerber plus a bill of materials for circuit boards.

Open the exported file in a free viewer and measure it before you upload. If the dimensions in the viewer do not match your spec, stop and fix it now.

Checklist

• STEP for machining
• DXF for flat cut metal
• STL or 3MF for printing
• Gerber and BOM for PCBs
• Exported file re-measured in a viewer