“We print to file”

When a service bureau receives a CAD file, the industry standard is to “print to file,” which means that the bureau prints what you send. The 3D printing process is as simple as that.

No buts! In some cases, a file may be reviewed for printability, and any concerning features may be highlighted and returned to the customer for revisions. However, this shouldn’t be the expectation. It is not the purview of the service bureau staff to make assumptions about what features should or should not be printed (that’s like someone expecting us to read their mind). The job of the service bureau is to print. So, they print the file sent by the customer because why would a customer send a file that wasn’t what they wanted to print? EVEN if a print is included with the CAD file showing a feature, the designer should never assume that the service bureau would add this feature to the submitted CAD file before printing.

Still confused about the 3d printing process?

Let’s look at a fundamental example. Here’s what you want printed: a nice apple with your name on it. You send your service bureau this picture and a 3D CAD file of the apple:

However, the file you sent didn’t include the text (oops), and you didn’t specifically communicate to the service bureau that you want your apple printed with your name in an 18-point Arial font in a particular location on the apple. You assume that the bureau will see your picture and make sure that’s what gets made (assumptions never end well).

It’s possible that you sent the wrong file (we all make mistakes), but if you don’t catch it before it’s printed, this is what will be printed: a nameless apple. Service bureaus PRINT TO FILE. It’s that simple! It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that the CAD file accurately represents the desired end product. Double-check, triple-check those CAD files, and your 3D object will be everything you hoped it would be!

How do you make sure you get exactly what you want out of the 3D printing process? Communicate, communicate, communicate! Provide EXPLICIT INSTRUCTIONS for your service bureau to follow. Email the instructions, include them in a drawing, or call and discuss them over the phone. However, if you are requesting that the bureau add features to your CAD file, you should expect to approve the changes before printing and pay for the feature additions.

Sending a picture like this can be helpful for all parties:

3D printing can seem magical, but your friendly service bureau people are NOT mind readers — as much as our spouses may wish that we are! Please communicate with us in a more traditional way (I know, much less exciting than mind reading, but it’s practical and necessary), and we’ll both be much happier with the result. Please help us help you get your 3D printing done right the first time!

For more information, please don't hesitate to contact us at or request a quote and upload your file today!