🔹 File Management in 3D Design & Printing
📌 Why is Proper File Management Important?
Once you start working with 3D design and 3D printing, proper file organization is not just a good habit—it is absolutely essential.
✔️ Every file you create can be worth anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of euros.
✔️ If a file is lost, it may require redesigning from scratch, resulting in wasted time and money.
✔️ A well-structured file organization will allow you to work faster and more efficiently without searching for lost files or facing production issues.
📂 File Organization Structure
1️⃣ Main Project Folder
📌 We create a central folder for each project, using a unique code for the file.
✅ The code can include the date, client name, or project ID.
✅ All other folders are structured within this main folder.
🔹 Example of folder naming:
📂 P-20240120-XYZ-ProductName
2️⃣ SOLID Folder (Original Design Files)
📌 Contains the original file received from the client or created by us.
✅ The file is stored as a ZIP to prevent corruption or accidental modification.
🔹 Why zip the file?
❌ Editing software (e.g., Fusion 360, Bambu Studio) tends to alter original files unexpectedly.
✅ With ZIP, we ensure we always have a "clean" backup copy.
🔹 Example of file naming:
📄 XYZ_Product_V1_20240120.zip
3️⃣ PROJECT Folder (Working Files for Editing)
📌 Contains all files used for editing before printing.
✅ Each milestone is saved as a separate ZIP to maintain a history of changes.
🔹 Example:
📄 XYZ_Product_Project_V2_20240201.f3d
📄 XYZ_Product_Project_V3_20240215.f3d (zipped milestone)
4️⃣ PRINT Folder (Final Print-Ready Files)
📌 Contains the final print files, ready to be sent to the printer.
✅ Files should not be editable to prevent unintentional modifications.
✅ File names must include:
✔️ Product code
✔️ Quantity
✔️ Print time
✔️ Print weight (grams)
✔️ Printer model and nozzle type
🔹 Example of file naming:
📄 XYZ_Product_10pcs_3h20m_85g_P1.6_BambuX1C.gcode
5️⃣ PRODUCT MEDIA Folder (Product Photos & Videos)
📌 Stores photos and videos of the product for documentation and marketing purposes.
✅ Useful when managing multiple designs and needing quick reference.
🔹 Example of contents:
📸 XYZ_Product_Photo_Front.jpg
📸 XYZ_Product_Photo_Side.jpg
📹 XYZ_Product_Showcase.mp4
6️⃣ PRINT MEDIA Folder (Printing Process Documentation)
📌 Contains videos and photos of the printing process and post-processing.
✅ Useful for training employees or diagnosing issues if something goes wrong.
✅ Includes a production checklist and notes on potential problems.
🔹 Example of files:
📸 XYZ_Product_Print_Phase1.jpg
📹 XYZ_Product_PostProcess.mp4
📄 XYZ_Product_Print_Info.txt (Checklists and settings)
7️⃣ CAD Folder (CAD Design Files)
📌 Contains the original CAD files (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, etc.).
✅ Saved as a ZIP for protection.
✅ If changes are needed, we use the last milestone of the file.
🔹 Example of file naming:
📄 XYZ_Product_V4_20240210.f3d (latest CAD version)
8️⃣ CONTRACT Folder (Contracts & Agreements)
📌 Contains all information regarding the collaboration with the client.
✅ Design & production contracts.
✅ Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
✅ Invoices & financial transactions.
🔹 Example of files:
📄 XYZ_Product_Contract_20240125.pdf
📄 XYZ_Product_NDA_20240126.pdf
📌 Enhanced Data Security
To protect our files from loss or accidental deletion, we follow a specific backup strategy:
✔️ Daily backups on an external hard drive.
✔️ Cloud backups (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive).
✔️ Keep at least 2-3 file versions to restore previous versions if needed.
🎯 Conclusion
🚀 Proper file management is ESSENTIAL if you want to be a professional in 3D design & printing.
✔️ A lost file can cost hundreds or thousands of euros.
✔️ Always keep backups in at least two locations.
✔️ Use a clear folder structure & file naming system.
📌 If you follow this methodology, you will never lose a file again, and your work will be much more organized and professional! ✅