How to Select the Right Provider Flashcards
Do AM providers charge roughly the same price?
No, some additive manufacturing services are JUST MORE EXPENSIVE than others.
What are 2 smart ways to assess the quality of a 3D Printing service?
- Request a SAMPLE
2. Ask to see examples of PREVIOUS WORK
What is a VALUE ADD that you should always ask an AM service provider if they offer?
DESIGN CONSULTING services
What is one of the MAJOR KEYS to the development of a 3DP project?
DESIGN. Dfam, good .stl Files.
How many file formats can some ONLINE 3D Printing services accept?
Up to 30 DIFFERENT formats.
Once you have uploaded your 3D model, using optimization tools, what are some common ways you can IMPROVE your project?
- THICKEN fragile parts to avoid breaking
2. HOLLOW the part to reduce the amount of material used, which saves on cost
What 2 functions should a good service provider be ADAPTED to do?
Both PROTOTYPING and PRODUCTION
Sculpteo found that 39% of their survey respondents were using 3D Printing for what convenience?
To ACCELERATE their product development.
What are the 2 KEYS to creating HIGH QUALITY end-products?
- Selecting the RIGHT MATERIALS
2. Selecting the RIGHT FINISHING
What are the 2 MAJOR forms of manufacturing that AM is now a REAL ALTERNATIVE for?
- CNC Machining
2. Injection Molding
Generally speaking, who should continue using TRADITIONAL manufacturing processes?
SMALL ANCILLARY UNITs, manufacturing parts for specific requirements in HUGE VOLUMES.
What is an ANCILLARY UNIT?
Small firms which make PARTS and COMPONENTS used by big industries to ASSEMBLE THEIR FINAL PRODUCT.
How might in-house 3D printing not be a fit for smaller organizations? (Established ones)
It (might) still be TOO COSTLY to incorporate.
What are the BIG BARRIERS for small organizations to switch to 3D printing?
- CAPITAL Investment
- Complete SET-UP costs
- TRAINING costs
- LEARNING costs
It is not advisable for small organizations to switch to 3D printing WITHOUT WHAT?
Without a proper STRATEGY.
What did the global pandemic open the eyes of the world to?
The GLARING LOOPHOLES in the SUPPLY CHAINS.
CONVENTIONAL supply chains based on the traditional processes. What is it NOT?
NOT the most efficient way to operate.
What are the 2 main CATEGORIES of 3D printing service providers?
- Additive Manufacturing Platforms (3DP Only)
2. Hybrid Digital Manufacturing Platforms (3DP + CNC Milling/Laser Cutting)
What TYPES of manufacturing methods are CNC Milling and Laser Cutting?
SUBTRACTIVE methods
Does a technician need to be STATIONED at the printer in order for it to function?
No, many service providers can run their machines 24/7!
As compared to conventional methods, 3D Printing has the power to design and print complex products with WHAT UNIQUE QUALITY/CHARACTERISTIC?
PREVIOUSLY NOT POSSIBLE.
What is MARITIME?
On or near the SEA. Relating to SEA NAVIGATION, SHIPPING, etc.
What TYPES of printers do service providers have?
Usually a VAST facility, with most major types of technologies: FDM, SLA, SLS, DMLS, MJF, etc.
What do experts recommend is the wisest process for businesses looking to GET STARTED in 3D printing?
- Build a relationship with a good service provider
- STUDY THE IMPACT of 3D printing on the business.
- Generate DATA, and if the project is successful, acquire printers and produce in-house.
