Your team is struggling to be productive in 3D Printing. What can you do to help?

1 Assess your needs

Before you start any 3D printing project, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, what resources you have, and what constraints you face. This will help you plan your workflow, choose the right tools and materials, and set realistic expectations and deadlines. You can use tools like SMART goals, SWOT analysis, or project management software to help you define and communicate your needs and objectives with your team. By doing this, you can avoid confusion, duplication, or unnecessary work that can waste time and money.

2 Optimize your design

One of the most important steps in 3D printing is to optimize your design for the specific printer, material, and quality you want. This means you need to consider factors like size, shape, orientation, support structures, infill, resolution, and post-processing. You can use software like CAD, Meshmixer, or Cura to help you design, edit, and slice your models for 3D printing. You can also use online platforms like Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory, or Pinshape to find and download ready-made models or get inspiration from other users. By optimizing your design, you can reduce errors, improve quality, and save material and energy.

4 Manage your material

Your 3D printing material is another essential element of your 3D printing process, and it needs proper management and storage to ensure its quality and performance. You should choose the right material for your project, based on its properties, compatibility, and cost. You should also keep track of your material inventory, usage, and expiration dates. You should store your material in a dry, cool, and dark place, and use containers or bags with desiccants to prevent moisture absorption. You should also recycle or reuse any leftover or failed prints, or dispose of them responsibly. By managing your material, you can reduce waste, save money, and protect the environment.

5 Collaborate with your team

Your 3D printing team is the most valuable asset of your 3D printing process, and it needs effective collaboration and communication to achieve the best results. You should foster a culture of trust, respect, and feedback among your team members, and use tools like Slack, Trello, or Google Drive to share ideas, files, and updates. You should also assign clear roles and responsibilities, and use tools like Scrum, Kanban, or Agile to organize and monitor your tasks and progress. You should also celebrate your successes, learn from your failures, and seek opportunities for improvement. By collaborating with your team, you can leverage your strengths, overcome your weaknesses, and create amazing 3D prints.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?