How to Create an Efficient 3D Printing Workflow
When creating an in-house 3D printing workflow it’s important to evaluate part design, scalability, post-processing, and storage and maintenance for maximum efficiency.
Step 1: Design for Additive Manufacturing
How to Optimize Part Design for Additive Manufacturing
In this webinar, we explain essential print process physics and additive manufacturing material challenges.
In this webinar, you’ll learn:
- How to optimize the design of an example part to save $500 in material costs and 80 hours of machine time.
- Design guidelines for holes, lattices, overhangs, fins, ribs, and nesting.
- How to avoid print failures related to adhesion, warping, unsupported minima, and more.
Step 2: Manage Multiple 3D Printers
Reduce Disruptions With Multiple 3D Printers
By utilizing multiple printers, rather than relying on a single unit, a modular style of production is used to reduce disruptions in your workflow.
In this video, learn to:
- Seamlessly facilitate rapid iteration of prototypes and simultaneous prints in different materials to support multiple projects and teams.
- Operate your workflow end-to-end from design to completed part, like an assembly line.
- Organize your space and monitor print production.
Continue reading the Managing Multiple 3D Printers White Paper to learn more about developing this workflow.
Download White PaperStep 3: Post-Process Efficiently
Post-Processing with Form Wash & Form Cure
An efficient post-processing station is key to a successful workflow. Your ability to print parts is just as important as your capacity to wash and cure them. The Form Wash and Form Cure allow you to automate your workflow and begin post-processing immediately after you’ve finished the prints.
Download this FORM file to print your own build platform mount to store and keep them out of the way, ready for next use.
Step 4: Choose the Solvent for Your Workflow
IPA vs TPM
Tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether, or TPM, is a solvent which may be used instead of isopropyl alcohol, or IPA, in finishing workflows.
TPM is clear, low odor, and non-flammable, so it may suit your workflow better than IPA. Decide which solvent works best for your environment and how to transition from TPM to IPA if you choose to do so.
Read Support Article
Step 5: Maximize Your Consumables Lifetime
Optimizing Consumables Storage and Disposal
An important part of the SLA printing workflow is the storage and disposal of solvents and resin.
Proper resin storage maximizes the lifetime of your materials and your print success rate, while properly recognizing and disposing of used solvent keeps your washing process more effective for longer.
Continue Reading About Resin CareGrow Your Fleet of 3D Printers
Scale prototyping and production as your business grows with the Form 3, an affordable, industrial-quality 3D printer that consistently delivers. With advanced Low Force Stereolithography (LFS)™ technology, Formlabs has completely re-engineered resin-based 3D printing to drastically reduce the forces of the print process.