The future PRESENT of ecommerce is dimensional. Brands are competing on experience, and 3D product visualization is quickly becoming the gold standard. But if you're a brand leader exploring your first 3D configurator, there’s one big early hurdle you’ll likely face: getting your hands on the right 3D CAD files.
It sounds straightforward. But as anyone who’s been through the process can attest, gathering, prepping, and sharing web-ready CAD files can turn into a bottleneck if you're not prepared. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common challenges brands face during Dopple projects and how to solve them with confidence.
Whether you’re a Director of Ecommerce trying to rally internal support, a Product Manager scoping the right assembly, or a CMO evangelizing immersive shopping experiences, this guide is your playbook for getting it right from the start.
1. Identifying the Right CAD Files
Challenge: Brands often struggle to choose the best product or file to start with.
Solution: Start simple. Begin with one high-impact product. Ideally something visually compelling, customizable, or top-selling. Dopple projects work best when the selected file is a top-level assembly that includes all major components and reflects what the customer actually receives.
We recommend collaborating with both marketing and engineering to select a pilot product. Not only does this help everyone get aligned, but it also minimizes risk and builds internal momentum. Once that first configurator is live and winning hearts (and carts), it becomes much easier to scale across your catalog.
2. Lack of Communication Between Teams
Challenge: Engineering isn’t sure why marketing needs a CAD file. Marketing doesn’t know how to ask for the right one.
Solution: This is where cross-functional collaboration is essential. Use a shared kickoff email or brief (we’ve got templates) to explain what Dopple is, what the file will be used for, and how both teams benefit. For example:
- Marketing: Gains a dynamic 3D experience that increases conversions and engagement.
- Engineering: Gets to showcase the precision and detail of your product design.
A short alignment meeting early in the process avoids weeks of back-and-forth later.
3. Missing or Incomplete CAD Files
Challenge: The top-level assembly looks great… until you realize key parts are missing.
Solution: Before sending, open the file in your CAD software and verify all subassemblies are included. Tools like Pack & Go (SolidWorks) or Design Assistant (Creo) help bundle dependencies automatically.
Still missing parts? Ask your engineering team to manually add them or re-export the assembly. And don’t worry, we’ve seen it all before. Dopple’s team is happy to help audit the file and flag what’s missing.
4. Large or Complex File Sizes
Challenge: Your assembly file is 2GB and filled with thousands of screws and rivets no customer will ever see.
Solution: For ecommerce, less is more. Ask engineering to simplify the model by:
- Removing non-visible internal parts
- Eliminating redundant metadata
- Reducing the number of polygons
Then export to a lighter format like .glb, .gltf, or compressed .step. Need help? Dopple can assist with file optimization so you don’t have to.
5. Lack of Knowledge About CAD File Preparation
Challenge: Your team has the files… but no idea how to export them correctly for the web.
Solution: You’re not alone. CAD tools weren’t built for ecommerce and that’s where we come in. Dopple provides step-by-step asset prep guides for tools like:
- SolidWorks
- Creo
- Autodesk Inventor
- Rhino
- Fusion 360
We also recommend looping in your CAD admin or whoever manages your PLM tools. A quick screen-share or Slack message can often save hours.
6. File Format Compatibility Issues
Challenge: The CAD file is in a proprietary format (.sldasm, .ipt, etc.) that isn’t usable for web rendering.
Solution: Dopple’s preferred formats include .glb, .step, and .fbx. These are open formats that work seamlessly in browser-based 3D.
If your file isn’t compatible, don’t panic. Conversion tools or export plugins are often built into your CAD software. And if not, our team can assist in reformatting your files for web use.
7. Intellectual Property Concerns
Challenge: Legal or engineering stakeholders are concerned about exposing sensitive product data.
Solution: We take IP protection seriously. Here’s how we help brands stay secure:
- We sign an NDA before file transfer.
- Files are shared via secure, private channels.
- Only necessary parts of the assembly need to be shared. Proprietary subassemblies or internal components can be removed.
You’re in control of what gets shared and how. Dopple doesn’t just protect your data, we help you manage stakeholder trust.
8. Outdated CAD Files
Challenge: You send the file, but it turns out to be a legacy version from 2020.
Solution: Always confirm with engineering that the file represents the latest design. If the product has changed (even slightly), ask for the most recent version to avoid rework downstream.
9. Delayed Responses or Slow Turnaround
Challenge: Everyone agrees this is exciting, but no one is sure who’s responsible for what or when.
Solution: Set clear roles and deadlines during your kickoff meeting. Dopple projects move fastest when you assign:
- A marketing POC
- An engineering file contact
- An internal project champion
Tools like Asana, Trello, or even a shared Google Doc can keep everyone accountable. Dopple also has a team of project specialists ready to keep things on track.
10. Difficulty Visualizing End Results
Challenge: Stakeholders don’t understand how CAD files turn into shoppable, 3D experiences.
Solution: This is where Dopple shines. Share examples of real client work, we are happy to share some of our favorite user stories that match your brand’s use case.
We can even provide a prototype of your product early in the process, giving stakeholders something to react to and build confidence around. Seeing is believing.
11. Misaligned Expectations
Challenge: Internal teams expect a full-featured, fully integrated 3D configurator in a few weeks.
Solution: We love ambition but also know the value of a phased approach. Dopple offers clear scope and timeline planning, often starting with a single product or feature (e.g., color changes) before layering in accessories, environment options, or AR.
Early wins build trust and unlock more internal buy-in for long-term success.
12. Performance Issues in Final 3D Models
Challenge: The 3D model looks stunning… but loads slowly or crashes mobile browsers.
Solution: Performance starts with clean CAD. From there, Dopple optimizes files for runtime using lightweight formats like .glb and applies compression, texture baking, and polygon reduction.
Before launch, we run QA across devices and browsers to ensure your 3D experience isn’t just impressive. It’s seamless.
Final Thoughts: CAD as the Starting Line, Not the Finish Line
Launching a 3D configurator is an exciting milestone for any brand. But it's only possible with the right inputs. That starts with your CAD files.
These challenges aren’t blockers. They’re normal steps on the path to innovation. With Dopple as your partner, you'll never be alone in navigating them. We’re here to help your team bridge the gap between product data and ecommerce experience, and turn CAD files into conversion engines.
Ready to get started?
Schedule a call with our 3D onboarding team.
