Source: https://weglowup.uk/3d-printing-design-brief/ Updated: 2026-10-28 Publisher: We Glow Up Ltd WE GLOW UP / PRACTICAL GUIDE # How to prepare a 3D printing brief. A few measurements and a clear description of the job make a bigger difference than a polished drawing. Use this guide to get your enquiry ready. [Discuss your project ↗](https://weglowup.uk/3d-printing-design-brief/#enquire) Digital design · prototypes · small batches [See a design example and the checks behind it](https://weglowup.uk/3d-design-case-study/) ![CAD view of We Glow Up’s compact eight-well palette development](https://weglowup.uk/images/eight-well-compact-cad.webp) Our own palette development · CAD visualisation, not a customer project BRIEF GUIDE ## What to include in your 3D design brief Start with the outcome: what does this object need to do, and what does success look like? Then provide the details below. If a dimension is approximate, say so. A design can only be checked against requirements that are known. ### 01 / Size and fit Use millimetres. Include overall length, width and height, hole sizes and distances between centres. Identify the surfaces or parts that must fit together. ### 02 / Use and environment Describe loads, handling, heat, moisture and outdoor exposure. A visual prototype and a functional part need different checks. Tell us about special requirements before design starts. ### 03 / Quantity and delivery State whether you need a digital design, one sample or a batch. Include your country and postcode, quantity, preferred finish, target date and budget range if you have one. ## A blank brief you can reuse. Download the [plain-text 3D project brief template](https://weglowup.uk/downloads/3d-project-brief-template.txt) or the [Markdown brief template](https://weglowup.uk/downloads/3d-project-brief-template.md). Fill it in locally and use it with your chosen designer or printer. Mark unknown requirements rather than guessing. Downloading a template does not submit an enquiry. ### Before comparing quotes Check that each quote covers the same dimensions, intended use, material, quantity, finish and destination. Confirm whether design, revisions, source files, samples, testing and delivery are included. Ask what happens if the scope changes and which currency applies. ### Before accepting a sample Compare measured dimensions with the agreed requirements. Check the critical mating surfaces and record where fit differs. Agree any physical checks needed for the intended use; a visual check or closed digital mesh alone does not establish strength or suitability. ### Before agreeing a batch Record the approved model version, sample changes, quantity, finish and delivery arrangements in writing. Confirm which files and checks will be delivered, and ask for a revised quote if requirements have changed. ## Clear steps. No guesswork. - **Share the brief** Purpose, dimensions, quantity and target date. - **Agree the scope** Files, revisions, price and timing in writing. - **Design and check** Review against the agreed requirements. - **Deliver or prototype** Receive the agreed files or arrange a print. ## Before we start ### Which file should I share? A dimensioned PDF or image works for a new concept. STL and 3MF are common for printing; STEP or the original CAD source can make changes easier. Confirm that you have permission to share and modify the files. ### What should a sketch show? Show the object from the top, side and front. Mark the important dimensions and highlight any surfaces that connect to another part. Annotate anything that is still undecided. ### What if I do not know the material? Describe how the object will be used instead. We can discuss material options when reviewing the brief. Avoid assuming that all printed plastics have the same properties. ### How should I check a first sample? Compare it with the agreed dimensions and intended use. For assemblies, test a small interface sample before committing to the full batch. Record what changed between versions. ## Explore our design and making. [3D printing enquiries from across the UK](https://weglowup.uk/3d-printing-uk/) · [Custom 3D printing in East Anglia](https://weglowup.uk/3d-printing-east-anglia/) · [3D design and CAD services](https://weglowup.uk/3d-design-services/) · [Prepare your project brief](https://weglowup.uk/3d-printing-design-brief/) Our own [paint palettes](https://weglowup.uk/paint-palettes/) show another application of practical design for artists. See the [organiser design example](https://weglowup.uk/3d-design-case-study/) for dimensioned views and digital checks. TELL US WHAT YOU’RE MAKING ## Start with a brief. We’ll review the details and come back with questions or a scoped quote. No payment or order is created by this form. Prefer email? [support@weglowup.uk](mailto:support@weglowup.uk) ## Practical guides from our journal [3D Printing Cost in the UK: What Affects a Quote?](https://weglowup.uk/blog/3d-printing-cost-uk/) · [STL vs 3MF vs STEP: Which File Should You Send?](https://weglowup.uk/blog/stl-vs-3mf-vs-step-3d-printing/) [Explore the We Glow Up journal](https://weglowup.uk/blog/)