What are the most effective ways to resolve conflicts with clients in 3D Printing?

Apologize When Necessary: If you or your team made a mistake that contributed to the conflict, don't hesitate to apologize sincerely and take responsibility for the error. Clients often appreciate honesty and accountability. Clarify Expectations: Review the project specifications and expectations with the client to ensure that both parties have a shared understanding of the project's scope, timeline, and deliverables. Empathy: Show empathy and understanding towards the client's situation. Acknowledge their concerns and emotions, and express your commitment to finding a resolution.

I find a good place to start, is to give first-time clients an abridged breakdown of materials and mechanisms. Be forward about limitations and advantages so you don't start with conflicts! Be sure to note the relative cost of the materials and their properties (Nylon is expensive, but strong in every way, but PLA is super cheap, with a low thermal limit- but the hardest to scratch!) Some mechanisms work better in 3D printing than in other manufacturing methods, too! Internal geometry, overhangs, and print in place hinges are always popular over injection molding, with 3D printing clients.

A lot of conflicts can be avoided by showing your client real printed parts while educating them on the process. Highlighting creative opportunities that differ from conventional technologies while reviewing beneficial design practices and pitfalls to avoid can help prevent a lot of misunderstandings before they ever occur.

We started to delve into the client's primary goals, especially since they were dissatisfied with the surface texture even with a 0.12mm layer height. It turned out that the model would be painted and used as a component of a prize trophy for competitions, so it needed to shine beautifully under the spotlight. The task of understanding the problem, or more accurately, the requirements, was resolved. The client wanted a surface quality for the part comparable to the quality of a surface obtained through casting. It seems that there was some misunderstanding at the previous company.

Traceability is key in understanding where requirements stem from. While it takes both parties to be open when a requirement is generated from an implicit bias or from a functional requirement. Understanding the problem and the application is key when crafting tests to demonstrate the efficacy of solutions or to help you and the customer make decisions on permutations.

In the realm of 3D printing, effective conflict resolution with clients hinges on clear communication, thorough understanding, and transparency: Clear Communication: Begin by providing a clear overview of the 3D printing process and materials. This sets realistic expectations. Detailed Needs Assessment: Understand your client's specific requirements to tailor your services accordingly, building trust. Honesty and Transparency: If a project isn't viable, be open about it. This builds trust by setting boundaries and maintaining realistic expectations. Proactive and transparent communication is key to conflict resolution in 3D printing, creating a positive client relationships.

For working with clients, is to set expectations on the outcome of the print. For example, if the material for print is new and untested, there would require testing and evaluation to better understand the material behaviour under different print condition. And one thing to note, is even the material is not new, changing print conditions or using different printers might lead to different outcomes. As such, these expectations with clients must be communicated prior to printing job.

I've described the task in the section above. Now, let's move on to the solutions I proposed. First and foremost, I calmly explained to the client that: Layers are an integral part of FDM printing technology. There are no gaps between the layers, and what we see are the ridges on the outer layer. The layers themselves are tightly fused together. It's not necessary to make the layers even thinner than 0.12mm in our case, as it won't significantly impact the print quality. Secondly, I suggested that after the printing is completed, I could perform post-processing on the part, which would allow me to remove the ridges, leaving an absolutely smooth surface. The client listened attentively and agreed to give it a try.

Every decision comes with its pros and cons. I like to break the problem into a decision tree and include the expected pros and cons of various configurations. Cost in terms of time, money, and likelihood-of-success is a great way to help people converge on practical solutions that align to their real needs. When I was redesigning an F-18 Pressure Bleed Air Regulator there were two practical orientations for the part. one orientation meant more machining and less accuracy(From build simulations), the other required redesigning a cavity to make it self supporting, I outlined to the tech authority the pros and cons of both and together we made a decision we were both happy with.

Being able to outline the utility of each step of the process with each step contextualized to the outcome can help instill in the customer that you understand their needs. sometimes that may include you acknowledging that AM or your specific technology may not be the best solution. Honesty builds trust and can help you gain a returning customer.

Describing the tasks and my proposed solutions, I've covered in the previous sections. Now, let's discuss the importance of maintaining the client's confidence that you genuinely understand the tasks at hand and recognize their significance. Before creating the main model, I produced several fragments of this model and conducted both mechanical and chemical post-processing. I presented the results to the client, which led to gaining the client's complete trust. Subsequently, I proceeded with the order. Maintaining open communication, demonstrating competence, and showcasing your ability to meet the client's needs and expectations are key factors in ensuring a successful working relationship.

Experience comes with making mistakes over time, or seeing flaws and consistently working towards improving or eliminating them. With 3D printing, it requires time, patience, and a sense of inquisitiveness and initiative to go out and see what is being done to make projects better. It's a personal journey as a 3D printing specialist to build up a library of knowledge, both theoretical and practical, and be able to recognise and apply innovations. Keeping previous "bad prints" reminds me of my journey of growth and learning, and motivates higher quality for every next print. I critique projects before they are released and ask for feedback at every possible opportunity. This allows for the constant ability to improve for continued research.

I've described the tasks and my proposed solutions in the sections above. The task presented to me, which involved achieving a smooth surface on a part obtained through 3D printing on an FDM printer, provided me with valuable practical experience in careful finishing and polishing using various tools and chemicals. Now, I am entirely confident that if another client requires a surface comparable to that of a part obtained through casting, I can handle it.

I've described the tasks and my proposed solutions in the sections above. The best way to improve your skills is through practice. Routine client orders won't constantly challenge you with complex tasks. Study what other specialists can do and try to replicate it. Set goals for yourself. Blend different knowledge and skills: 3D printing, 3D modelling, 3D scanning, material research and properties, processing possibilities, and performance characteristics. Approach problem-solving creatively. Diversifying your knowledge and skills and pushing your boundaries with creative problem-solving is indeed a valuable approach to professional growth and development.

Understanding the conflict's root cause is key. Listen attentively, empathize with your client's viewpoint, and ask open questions. It's better that Before the contract, clarifying the design's purpose: prototype, model, or 3D-printed object. Define desired mechanical properties versus aesthetic goals, ensuring agreement on required precision levels for the design.

the best ways to avoid conflicts with client. - when you brainstrom and trying to understand the client's requirement. not just get their idea in terms of drawing, pictures, reference video before you actually jump into modelling. it saves you lot of time and conflicts - ask more questions , don't assume anything. be open to take criticism. - take every requirements in a written document and be clear with your terms and conditions. this will prevent conflicts and help you produce the best output

Once a resolution is reached, document the agreement in writing. This could be in the form of an email, contract amendment, or a formal agreement. Having a written record of the resolution can help prevent future disputes.