Design-to-production ecosystem

Gudiee coordinates independent workshops through shared definitions: what the design is, which process can make it, which materials and blanks are involved, and who is approved to run the job. This reference maps the full design-to-production landscape: from file types through post-processing: and how accounts, roles, and maker applications fit the network.

Master variables on Gudiee

Every manufacturing method on Gudiee can be normalized into the same structure. Routing, listings, and supplier SKUs all eventually resolve to these fields:

• Design type: raster, vector, stitch, or 3D CAD.
• Design file: PNG, SVG, DST, STL, and other accepted formats.
• Production process: sublimation, embroidery, FDM, laser cutting, and so on.
• Machine type: heat press, embroidery machine, Bambu P1S, CO₂ laser, etc.
• Material class: thread, filament, resin, vinyl, ink, substrate.
• Material variant: PLA, PETG, rayon thread, sublimation paper.
• Blank / base product: shirt, mug, hat, acrylic sheet, filament spool input.
• Product category: apparel, home, office, decor.
• Post processing: press, cure, sand, paint, weed, assemble.
• Finished product: embroidered hat, sublimated mug, PLA desk organizer.

Four design asset categories

Almost every listing on Gudiee resolves to one of four asset families. Creators publish files; makers interpret them through approved processes.

• Raster artwork: PNG, JPG, PSD, TIFF, WEBP, BMP. Image-based designs for sublimation, DTF, DTG, UV print, screen print, ceramic decoration, and sticker output.
• Vector artwork: SVG, AI, EPS, PDF, DXF. Mathematical paths for vinyl cutting, laser cutting, CNC routing, and print-and-cut workflows.
• Stitch files: DST, PES, EXP, JEF, VP3, HUS (digitized from SVG, AI, or PNG sources). Embroidery-specific machine instructions.
• 3D models: STL, STEP, 3MF, OBJ (machine output: G-code). FDM, resin, CNC, and casting workflows.

Joining Gudiee

Phase 1: Account creation

Required: name, email, and password. Optional at signup: username (@handle for marketplace discovery) and profile photo.

Phase 2: What you want to do

After signup, members choose one or more paths. Roles are not exclusive: the same account can buy goodies, sell designs, make products, and supply materials over time.

• Buy goodies: discover and purchase creator-made products through the marketplace.
• Sell designs: publish artwork and product listings with production-ready files.
• Make products: fulfill routed orders on approved equipment (requires maker application).
• Supply materials: list blanks, filament, vinyl, thread, and other inputs for makers.

Maker application (separate from signup)

Being a maker requires approval. Signup creates the account; the maker application captures production reality. Flow: user account → maker application → review → approved maker. Application data covers manufacturing categories, specific machines, and materials supported: all searchable for routing later.

Maker capability categories

• 2D printing: sublimation, DTF, DTG, UV printing, screen printing.
• Apparel decoration: embroidery, HTV/vinyl, patches.
• Digital fabrication: FDM 3D printing, resin printing, CNC routing, laser cutting, laser engraving.
• Other: woodworking, leatherworking, jewelry, ceramics.

Machines and materials (application examples)

Makers declare equipment and consumables during application. Examples include FDM printers (Bambu P1S, X1 Carbon, Prusa MK4), lasers (Glowforge Pro, Omtech 80W), and embroidery machines (Brother PR680W, Ricoma MT1501). Material support is checked per process: PLA/PETG/TPU/ABS/ASA/nylon for FDM; polyester/rayon/metallic thread for embroidery; polyester apparel and hard sublimation substrates for heat transfer workflows.

1. 2D print graphics (raster)

Image-based designs: artwork, logos, photos, illustrations, patterns, and textures. Common files: PNG, JPG/JPEG, TIFF, PSD, WEBP, BMP.

Sublimation

• Process: transfers dye into polyester surfaces with heat and pressure.
• Machines: sublimation printer, heat press.
• Consumables: sublimation ink, sublimation paper.
• Substrates: polyester fabric, polymer-coated hard surfaces.
• Products: shirts, tumblers, mugs, mousepads, coasters, keychains, puzzles, phone cases, tote bags, ornaments.
• Post processing: pressing, cooling, packaging.

DTF (direct-to-film)

• Machines: DTF printer, powder shaker, heat press.
• Consumables: CMYK inks, white ink, adhesive powder, PET transfer film.
• Materials: cotton, polyester, blends.
• Products: shirts, hoodies, tote bags, hats (often with secondary press).

DTG (direct-to-garment)

• Machines: DTG printer.
• Consumables: textile inks, pretreatment solution.
• Products: cotton apparel.

UV printing (raster)

• Machines: UV printer.
• Consumables: UV-curable inks.
• Products: acrylic signs, phone cases, wood products, tumblers, promotional items.

2. 2D vector graphics

Mathematical paths instead of pixels. Common files: SVG, AI, EPS, PDF, DXF.

Vinyl cutting

• Machines: Cricut, Silhouette, Graphtec, Roland.
• Materials: adhesive vinyl, HTV (heat transfer vinyl).
• Products: decals, stickers, vehicle graphics, apparel graphics, wall graphics.
• Post processing: weeding, transfer tape, heat pressing.

Laser cutting

• Machines: CO₂ laser, fiber laser.
• Materials: wood, acrylic, leather, cardboard, MDF, paper.
• Products: signs, ornaments, earrings, wall art, puzzles, business cards.
• Post processing: sanding, staining, painting, assembly.

CNC routing

• Files: DXF, SVG, STEP-derived toolpaths.
• Materials: wood, HDPE, aluminum, brass, acrylic.
• Products: furniture, signs, trays, jigs, fixtures.
• Post processing: sanding, staining, painting.

3. Embroidery

Unique because the design becomes stitch instructions. Working files: SVG, AI, PNG. Machine files: DST, PES, EXP, JEF, VP3, HUS.

• Machines: single-needle and multi-needle embroidery.
• Consumables: polyester, rayon, cotton, and metallic thread; bobbin thread; tear-away, cut-away, and wash-away stabilizers.
• Base products: hats, shirts, hoodies, jackets, bags, towels, patches.
• Post processing: trimming, heat sealing, patch backing.

4. Screen printing

• Design files: AI, EPS, PDF, PSD.
• Consumables: plastisol, water-based, and discharge inks; screens; emulsion.
• Products: shirts, hoodies, tote bags.
• Post processing: curing, quality inspection.

5. UV DTF

Hybrid process growing in popularity for hard goods and drinkware.

• Design files: PNG, AI, SVG.
• Consumables: UV ink, transfer films.
• Products: cups, tumblers, glass, acrylic, wood, promotional products.

6. Stickers and labels

• Files: PNG, SVG, AI.
• Processes: print and cut, UV print, eco-solvent print.
• Materials: vinyl, holographic vinyl, clear vinyl, paper stock.
• Products: stickers, labels, packaging inserts.

7. 3D printing (FDM)

Layered filament deposition. Design: STL, STEP, 3MF, OBJ. Machine: G-code.

• Commodity filaments: PLA, PLA+, PETG.
• Engineering: ABS, ASA, nylon, polycarbonate, TPU.
• Specialty: carbon fiber filled, wood filled, glow, silk, metal filled.
• Products: organizers, hooks, tools, fixtures, toys, lamps, planters, replacement parts, phone stands.
• Post processing: support removal, sanding, priming, painting, vapor smoothing, assembly.

8. 3D printing (resin)

• Files: STL, OBJ, 3MF.
• Machines: SLA, MSLA, DLP.
• Resins: standard, tough, flexible, dental, engineering, castable.
• Products: miniatures, jewelry masters, dental models, figurines, prototypes.
• Post processing: alcohol wash, UV curing, sanding, painting.

9. CNC machining

• Design files: STEP, IGES, STL, Parasolid.
• Materials: aluminum, steel, brass, titanium, Delrin, HDPE.
• Products: mechanical components, fixtures, jigs, tooling.

10. Leatherwork

• Files: SVG, DXF, AI.
• Processes: laser cut, die cut, hand cut, engraving.
• Materials: vegetable tanned and chrome tanned leather.
• Products: wallets, belts, keychains, notebook covers.

11. Ceramic and pottery decoration

• Design files: PNG, SVG.
• Processes: ceramic sublimation, waterslide decals, UV printing.
• Products: mugs, plates, tiles, ornaments.

12. Jewelry production

• Design files: STL, STEP, OBJ.
• Processes: resin printing, casting, CNC machining, laser engraving.
• Materials: wax resin, silver, gold, brass, stainless steel.

How this connects to the marketplace

Creators attach production-ready assets and tag listings with item types, art styles, and allowed production methods. Buyers filter by item, style, creator, and same-day ZIP. Orders route to approved makers whose declared capabilities match the listing's process and material requirements. Suppliers anchor the material layer so decentralized runs stay repeatable.

For machine-by-machine home workshop context, see the home manufacturing machines guide. For role handoffs and responsibility, see roles in the network. For browse filters and discovery, see marketplace search and discovery.