Name one current production release
Use a stable product or part identifier and revision rather than filenames such as final-final-v4.stl. Keep draft exports separate from the approved package, preserve older releases for reference, and summarize what changed since the last tested version.
Include both print and source context when useful
STL and 3MF commonly carry printable geometry, while STEP can help communicate surfaces, dimensions, and design intent during review. OBJ or ZIP packages may be useful for multi-file jobs. Send the formats that support the actual review instead of exporting every file type without explanation.
Confirm units, scale, and part count
State whether the design uses millimeters, inches, or another unit and include one known overall dimension as a scale check. List every part in one finished product, the quantity of each part, and whether pieces print separately, assemble, or require supplied hardware.
Check the exported geometry
Open the exact production export instead of relying only on the source CAD view. Confirm that the mesh or body is complete, intended openings remain open, separate parts have not merged, fine features are present, and there is no accidental duplicate or hidden geometry.
Identify fit and assembly interfaces
Mark mating faces, insertion points, fasteners, moving areas, alignment features, and dimensions that control assembly. Include observations from a tested print and identify the reference component when the printed part must fit something the manufacturer does not have.
Add material, finish, and use-case notes
State the starting material, color, finish, indoor or outdoor environment, handling, heat or moisture concerns, and customer-facing surfaces. These notes help the reviewer consider geometry and material together, but the product owner should validate finished-part performance for the actual use.
Flag known production risks
Call out supports, thin features, large flat areas, tall walls, enclosed spaces, tight fits, moving parts, appearance-critical surfaces, previous warping, breakage, or support-removal damage. Explain what happened in earlier prints rather than making the next reviewer rediscover it.
Package the commercial requirements with the files
Include quantity, alternate quantity scenarios, required delivery window, quality checks, packing method, labels, inserts, shipment destinations, and whether the work is a launch batch or repeat order. A production file without this context cannot produce a complete commercial quote.
Keep a readme at the top of a ZIP package
For multi-part or repeat jobs, include a short text or PDF index with the release ID, date, units, file list, quantities per finished product, material and finish, change summary, and contact for open decisions. The goal is one package that another person can understand without reconstructing the project from messages.