Your team values speed in 3D printing projects. How do you emphasize the significance of precision to them?

In my experience, emphasizing the significance of precision in 3D printing projects, even when speed is highly valued, involves demonstrating how accuracy ultimately enhances efficiency. I highlight that meticulous attention to detail reduces errors and rework, leading to faster overall project completion. Additionally, showcasing successful case studies where precision led to superior outcomes can illustrate the tangible benefits of balancing speed with careful craftsmanship.

Quality for us starts with meeting part specifications, but in a repeatable manner. And then from that working on ways to be more efficient and faster.

Precision in print projects ensures that the final product meets the exact specifications required. For example, in the printing of a high-quality magazine, even a slight misalignment can result in a poor visual experience. Precision helps in maintaining consistency, which is crucial for brand identity. A precise print job ensures that colors are accurate, text is sharp, and images are clear, leading to a professional and polished final product.

Tolerances in print projects refer to the acceptable range of variation in the final product. For instance, when printing business cards, a tolerance of ±0.5 mm might be acceptable for the cut size. Understanding and setting tolerances helps in managing expectations and ensuring that minor deviations do not affect the overall quality. It allows for some flexibility while still maintaining a high standard of quality.

Tolerances are crucial in mechanical projects and assemblies. Mastering them involves understanding your machine, materials, and designs. Every aspect of the machine can be modified, and it requires several trials to find the correct parameters that meet your needs. Similarly, it is important to understand that the same configuration can yield different results depending on the material. The elasticity of PLA, ABS, or PTG is very different, and each requires its own configuration; Even materials of the same type can differ by brand. Finally, working with your own designs ensures that they are created to fit the tolerances of your machines. It is always better to work with designs adjusted to your machines, than with someone else's designs.

Knowing your machine/s and their tolerance capabilities should guide you to what you can achieve. Many items that can be printed from a cookie cutter to a door knob, are unlikely to be too affected by a low resolution. If you are looking for tight fitting parts then you will need to be realistic, build in sensible clearances and in some cases accept that some minor finishing might be required. The materials you are using will also dictate the accuracy that can be achieved, soft and high temp materials will be more challenging.

3D printing fabricators need to be intimately familiar with the capabilities of their machine to honestly communicate tolerance expectations to customers. Different printer SLA, FDM, DLP, etc. all have different capabilities in terms of the tolerance they can consistently produce. Additionally, fabricators need to be cognizant of the environment their printer operates withing. For example, during a production run with a < 1mm of tolerance requirement the production facility would need reliable climate control. Something as simple as a 10F degree drop in air conditioning could theoretically warp the product enough to goof up the whole production run.

Les tolérances sont le garant de la fiabilité de nos systèmes. Une erreur de tolérance, aussi minime soit-elle, peut avoir des conséquences importantes. Il est primordial de respecter les tolérances définies sur les plans techniques et d'intégrer la marge d'erreur liée à l'impression 3D. Une bonne compréhension des intentions de conception est essentielle pour produire des pièces conformes aux exigences.

A customer would only purchase a product if the perceived value is greater than the price paid for it. Lack of quality translates to lack in meeting expectations. The utopian method of working would include features that would exceed expectations. A lapse in quality will affect customer retention and goodwill of the organisation to say the least. Expediting the process while preserving quality is primary. Giving sustainable solutions is fruitful for the clients and for the team

Prioritizing quality over quantity in print projects means focusing on producing fewer, but higher-quality items. For example, a company might choose to print a limited number of premium brochures rather than a large number of standard ones. This approach can enhance the perceived value of the product and leave a lasting impression on the audience. High-quality prints are more likely to be kept and appreciated, whereas lower-quality prints may be discarded.

While it may initially seem obvious that higher production means more revenue, this is not necessarily the case, especially in these times with a large supply of services. However, in the long run, it is certain that customers will seek the service that delivers high-quality products in lower quantities over those that offer high quantities but with questionable quality. The best advertisement one can have is a satisfied customer, and knowing that good work attracts new jobs will not only be reflected in monetary income but also in a better morale for the team, dealing with fewer frustrations and more accolades.

It is imperative to have a structured method of working with aligned timelines and clear objectives. That helps in focussing energy in aspects that are actual deliverables and not on rework. Incorporating the agile methodology and breaking the deliverable into specific milestones also enables better delivery. Most importantly it would ensure that the productivity of the team is optimised and enables personal development as well

Minimizing errors in print projects involves thorough proofreading, proper file preparation, and regular quality checks. For example, a printing company might implement a multi-step review process to catch any mistakes before the final print. This can include checking for typos, ensuring correct color profiles, and verifying layout accuracy. Reducing errors not only saves time and resources but also ensures customer satisfaction.

Minimizing errors in 3d printing improves in overall design and quality of the printing projects. Firstly the errors are caused in assigning the parameters that should be used to print the part and most of the time we oversee it. Secondly, most errors can be avoided by paying attention to the first layers. I believe if the foundation is right the whole building will stand right. Lastly selection of the right materials.

Minimizing errors is a constant effort. From the general aspects like proper periodic maintenance of machines to the specifics of each project such as proper prototyping. In this latter point, it is important to pay special attention to the initial stages of production. Creating designs that meet the client's needs and the limitations of the machines ensures the correct development of the project in its subsequent stages, allows for material and time cost savings, and, most importantly, ensures that the team's work is not in vain due to potential errors that will need to be corrected later.

Minimizing errors in 3D printing requires fabricators to be okay with failure, and it requires fabricators to price test runs into their billing. Three things must always be considered: the integrity of the 3D model, the calibration of the printer, and the quality of the printing materials. If your 3D model is garbage, you get garbage. If the printer isn't properly calibrated to handle the 3D model size and material, the print will fail. If we use shoddy, impure material, at best we'll get a low quality print and at worst our printer might break. Once we hone in on those three process variables, we simply need to be consistent. Focus on what you can control and run tests until you hone in on the settings you need for the quality you want.

Meeting customer expectations in print projects involves understanding their needs and delivering a product that meets or exceeds those expectations. For instance, a client might expect a high-gloss finish on their printed materials. Clear communication and setting realistic expectations from the start can help in achieving this. Providing samples and proofs can also ensure that the final product aligns with the customer’s vision.

It is important to understand the client's needs and the type of product they require. Often, the client may come with a clear idea of what they need, but after discussing it, better solutions can be found. It is important to remember that our work is not just about "renting printing hours," but also serving as a consultant on how to meet the client's needs. Additionally, involving the client in the project is useful by presenting them with simple initial prototypes and, through dialogue, modifying the prototype according to their needs and limitations. When the final product is delivered, the client will be satisfied because they were a fundamental part of the creation process.

Por muitas vezes, projetos acabam por serem extremamente exaustivos e desgastantes para a equipe devido a promessas inalcan?áveis para o cliente; é necessário deixar alinhado com o cliente que cada tipo de tecnologia -FDM, LFD-, SLS,...- possuem suas limita??es técnicas, e se possível, checar a viabilidade de adaptar o projeto para algo palpável, que consiga ganhar na agilidade de entrega, atender as expectativas do cliente e acima de tudo, n?o gerar mal estar para a equipe.

It is important to understand the functionality of the desired object for the customer project in order to provide the best possible solution. The customer who needs to produce prototypes or products using additive manufacturing may not be as familiar with the technology used as the contracted manufacturer. Because of this, the provided specification may miss some important features for their project and we need to get this information by asking the right additional questions.

Le succès d'un projet dépend étroitement du profil de l'interlocuteur et des données fournies. En tant qu'expert, vous pouvez apporter une valeur ajoutée en suggérant des solutions innovantes et en posant les bonnes questions. Cette approche collaborative peut mener à des résultats qui dépassent les attentes initiales et faire avancer le domaine.

Continuous improvement in print projects involves regularly evaluating processes and seeking ways to enhance quality and efficiency. For example, a printing company might invest in new technology to improve print resolution or reduce turnaround times. Encouraging feedback from customers and employees can also provide valuable insights for improvement. This commitment to continuous improvement can lead to better products and increased customer satisfaction.

Continuous improvement is valid in all processes, in an ever advancing and growing sector such as 3D printing, keeping up with new materials and machines and processes is vital to productivity and return. The quality / quantity of your products will influence the amount you can justify spending to improve (make more cost effective) your process. If you are producing very low volume parts the payback on high cost equipment may or may not be effective, and looking at alternative routes is not always a bad thing.

There is still a lot of room for improvement in today's 3D printing technology and it is evolving rapidly. To be competitive in additive manufacturing, we need to know and follow the developments in the field. In this way, we can ensure that we deliver the highest quality products year after year.

L'évolution rapide des imprimantes 3D vers des modèles "push to print" est séduisante, mais il ne faut pas oublier les avantages d'une approche plus manuelle. Ma Ender 3 v1 m'a appris à ma?triser tous les paramètres d'impression, une compétence précieuse pour obtenir des résultats optimaux et s'adapter aux différentes situations. Avant de se laisser tenter par les nouveautés, il est important de conserver une certaine indépendance et de comprendre les bases de la technologie.

Mantener actualizados tanto las máquinas, como los programas y las técnicas de modelado permite además de generar mejores resultados y un estándar de calidad más alto, permite optimizar tiempos, uso de material y costos de producción, logrando optimizar así el rendimiento de cualquier trabajo que vaya a realizarse, pudiendo lograr mayores ganancias y tiempos de entrega más rápidos. Por otra parte, el tener un equipo con más gente capacitada en estás herramientas permite también que se aumente la capacidad y diversidad de producción

Long-Term Efficiency: While quick turnarounds are crucial, achieving precision can actually save time in the long run. Accurate prints significantly reduce the chances of errors and the need for reprints, which can be time-consuming. By focusing on precision, we can avoid the delays associated with fixing mistakes and reprinting flawed parts, ultimately leading to more efficient project completion overall.

Other important considerations in print projects include sustainability, cost management, and innovation. For example, using eco-friendly inks and recycled paper can appeal to environmentally conscious customers. Managing costs effectively ensures that projects stay within budget without compromising quality. Staying updated with the latest trends and technologies can also provide a competitive edge in the market.

This may be playing devil’s advocate, but speed does play a large role in prototyping and research. This isn’t to say that precision isn’t important, but rather that there are ways to achieve a balance between the two. FDM is the most common platform for prototyping, and strategies such as increasing nozzle size can help improve print times while maintaining an acceptable level of precision. During the developmental phases of a project, speed is significant; if it means getting a proof of concept out sooner, then pushing the limits of precision and balancing them with speed can be beneficial. It’s crucial to understand everything discussed above, as precision plays a much bigger role in production, but speed is needed to reach that stage.