Automation is a Necessity -- Even for Additive Manufacturing
As co-founder of 3D People, a subcontract AM service bureau, Felix Manley has seen firsthand how integrating automation into additive manufacturing processes has improved operational efficiency. In this article, Manley dives into the role automation plays in the approach to AM services, highlighting the benefits it delivers to customers, how it drives operational efficiency, and why it's essential for the future of this industry.
Automation within AM goes beyond just robotic arms on production lines. It starts at the very front-end of service delivery -- quoting, ordering, file preparation, and production management -- extends across the entire workflow through post-processing and finishing of parts and incorporates the logistics of distribution and delivery. When these stages are optimized through automation, the results are faster lead times, more consistent parts, and a better overall experience for customers.
Why Automation Matters in AM
One of the most common misconceptions about AM is that it's an inherently fast process. While it's true that 3D printing can drastically reduce time-to-part compared to traditional manufacturing methods, many manual steps still exist that can slow down the process. Automation aims to remove these bottlenecks.
From an AM service provider's perspective, automation at the front-end -- specifically in quoting, file handling, and order management -- is transformative. For customers, this means faster responses, greater accuracy, and a more seamless experience.
Automation in quoting, file preparation, and production management plays a significant role in reducing lead times, improving quality, and ensuring consistent results for customers. Each of these areas brings its own unique advantages.
Automated Quoting Systems
Gone are the days when customers had to wait for a sales rep on an eternal lunch break. Modern automated quoting systems can provide instant or near-instant pricing based on uploaded 3D files. At 3D People, we've invested heavily in our proprietary online quoting platform to ensure customers get the information they need as quickly as possible.
With automated quoting, customers benefit from faster decision-making. Instant quotes allow them to make quick decisions and proceed with orders without unnecessary delays. They also receive accurate pricing. Automated systems reduce human error and provide more accurate, consistent pricing across different projects.
And then there's transparency, customers being able to see the cost breakdown and understand how different factors such as materials, finishes, and quantities affect the final price. This streamlined process enables customers to move from idea to production-ready parts in a fraction of the time it would take with traditional methods.
File Handling and Preparation
File preparation is a critical step in the AM process. Ensuring that a 3D file is printable, checking for errors, and optimizing it for the chosen technology and material can be time-consuming if done manually. Automation tools now exist to analyze and repair files automatically, flagging potential issues before they become problems.
For customers, this automation means reduced risk of errors. Automated file checks catch issues early, reducing the likelihood of failed prints and ensuring smoother workflows. It also means faster turnaround times. With automated file handling, there's no need for back-and-forth communication about file fixes, which can otherwise slow down the process.
Additionally, automated file preparation ensures consistency. Every file is prepared to the same high standard, leading to consistent part quality across orders. At 3D People, we use automated file analysis tools to streamline this process and ensure customers get the best possible outcome without unnecessary delays.
Production Management and Workflow Automation
Once an order is placed and the files are ready, the next challenge is managing production. In a busy AM service bureau, keeping track of multiple orders, machines, materials, and deadlines can be a logistical nightmare without automation.
Workflow automation tools help manage this complexity by scheduling print jobs based on machine availability, prioritizing urgent orders, and tracking the progress of each part through the production process. This results in reliable lead times. Automated scheduling ensures that production runs smoothly and that parts are delivered on time, providing peace of mind to customers.
At 3D People, to optimize workflow, we routinely need to group together hundreds of different customer jobs into one print run, and then using software automation sort and organize them back into their respective jobs. Without automation this would be hugely time consuming and complicated.
Customers also benefit from order tracking. Automated systems provide real-time updates on the status of their parts, reducing the need for manual follow-ups and offering a more transparent experience. Workflow automation makes it easier to handle larger orders without compromising on quality or lead times, ensuring scalability as demand grows.
Post-Processing Automation -- The Final Piece of the Puzzle
While much of the focus on automation in AM is on the front-end processes, post-processing is another area where automation can deliver significant benefits. Techniques such as vapour smoothing, vibro-polishing, and dyeing can all be automated to some degree, ensuring consistent results across batches. Contrary to popular belief, high levels of automation in the post-processing step of the AM ecosystem are rare and is an area of focus today.
For 3D People, automated post-processing is key. It delivers consistent quality. Every part in a batch receives the same level of finishing, ensuring uniformity and meeting customers' expectations. It also helps reduce costs. Automated processes are more efficient, reducing the labor costs associated with manual post-processing. For AM, the focus is on automating the actual finishing process not automated loading and unloading.
Furthermore, automation contributes to faster delivery times. By speeding up post-processing workflows, service bureaus can deliver finished parts more quickly, improving overall lead times.
The Customer Experience -- Faster, Smoother, Better
At the end of the day, automation in AM is about improving the customer experience. When customers have a project, they want to know three key things: how much it will cost, how long it will take, and whether the parts will meet their expectations.
By automating key processes, we can provide faster answers, more reliable lead times, and higher-quality parts. Customers benefit from less waiting. Instant quotes and faster file handling reduce the time spent waiting for information, allowing them to move forward with their projects more quickly.
Automation also gives customers more confidence. Automated checks and consistent processes mean they can trust that their parts will be right the first time, avoiding the need for reprints or adjustments. Ultimately, automation ensures better results, delivering parts that meet high standards and perform as expected.
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