Online quote app for 3D printing turns things round for innovators
3D printing specialists, 3D People launched an online app to transform the quotation process for 3D printed parts. The new Online Quote tool uses advanced geometric analysis, in the shape of complex algorithms, to fully inspect unique designs and provide users with a clear and thorough understanding of the manufacturing costs of their design.
3D People co- founder, Felix Manley says: “Through engaging with and listening to customers and other industry experts, we discovered that clunky systems and slow response times were big pain points when sourcing quotes for 3D printing, and there was a real need for a fast and simple alternative.”
The consultation resulted in work beginning in 2021 on the creation of an app/tool that analyses hundreds of parts and generates quotes in a matter of seconds with just three clicks. Frustrations with complicated systems or being dependent on a sales rep working to their own timescale have hampered the existing process, says 3D People.
The app also gives access to more competitive pricing models reserved for larger parts, and optimises the orientation of 3D designs to achieve the best value for money. The way this works is by utilising Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and newly introduced Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) to make the best use of available space during production. For example, with larger products, unused interior space can be utilised to print other smaller parts simultaneously, thus enabling a reduction in the price of the larger product.
Getting clearer on delivery
Achieving more confidence and certainty on when delivery of a 3D printed product was highlighted as another frequent problem. The new Online Quote APP resolves this by providing one easy-to-understand lead time and removing unnecessarily convoluted processes that commonly lead to a lack of clarity about overall time and cost implications.
Co-founder Sasha Bruml adds: “Because there are so many different manufacturing methods available, each with different lead times, it’s been hard for innovators to know when exactly they will receive their order and at what cost. We’ve removed all of that insecurity with this tool and it will be a game changer for the industry.”
Another nice feature of the online tool is in its ability to be easily shared with other team members with a simple click of a button, eradicating the time-old drag of downloading web-pages or using print screens. Similarly, all of the paperwork; order summary, invoice and purchase orders etc relating to your order is downloadable in one place, your order management page, further simplifying the whole process.
The impact of the launch of the app demonstrates the company’s commitment to its overall vision to empower designers, engineers and architects with by far the most efficient process available, which will help to achieve optimum innovation as quickly and simply as possible.
