IntroductionFor a startup manufacturer getting that first product right is crucial for your reputation and future sales. First impressions really do count when you are building up your company and brand equity.Time is another critical factor as you strive to get a product to market and begin to generate revenue. Yet it is a mistake to skip a thorough prototyping and testing programme because if you discover an error during manufacturer, the cost of putting it right is far higher in money, time and reputation. It is far better to make any adjustments in design, material, size, shape, colour, manufacturability and strength following testing and analysis. To balance this tightrope between testing time and cost, it pays to understand all of the rapid prototyping technologies that are available to you.There are numerous ways prototypes can be made. Some prototyping processes use traditional manufacturing methods. Other technologies have emerged and have been improved upon over a relatively short period of time. As prototyping processes continue to evolve, the product designer is constantly trying to determine what process or technology is best for their unique application.This technical brief explores the advantages and shortcomings of the major prototyping processes available to designers. It also describes the processes and discusses material properties of parts produced by each. In addition, a helpful decision tree highlights key questions designers must consider. Ultimately, the goal of this paper is to help you select the best prototyping process for your product development process.3D Printing - SL StereolithographySL is an additive fabrication process that builds parts in a pool of UV-curable photopolymer resin using a computer-controlled laser. The laser is used to trace out and cure a cross-section of the part design on the surface of the liquid resin. The solidified layer is then lowered just below the surface of the liquid resin and the process is repeated. Each newly cured layer adheres to the layer below it. This process continues until the part is completed. SL was the first ‘rapid prototyping’ technology.ProsFor concept models or patterns to be used as masters for other prototyping methods, SL can produce parts with complex geometries and excellent surface finishes when compared to other additive processes. If you need micro resolution features then there are materials, such as MicroFineTM Green and MicroFineTM Grey, that can achieve features down to 0.07mm (in X-Y direction) using SL. The cost is very competitive and the technology is available from several sources.ConsPrototype parts are not as strong as those made from engineering-grade resins, so the parts made using SL are normally unsuitable for functional testing. Also, since the resin is UV-curable, exposure to sunlight continues to cure the resin and parts can become brittle over time.3D Printing - Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)The SLS process uses a laser to build parts by sintering (fusing) powdered material layer by layer from the bottom up. SLS parts can be accurate and more durable than SL parts, but the finish is relatively poor with a grainy or sandy feel. Though SLS parts are fairly strong, there is reduced strength between the fused particles, so the parts will tend to be weaker than machined or moulded parts made from the same resin. Nylon-based materials are currently the primary resins available.ProsSLS parts tend to be more accurate and durable than SL parts. The process can make durable parts with complex geometries.ConsThe parts have a grainy or sandy texture and are typically not suitable for functional testing due to their reduced mechanical properties.3D Printing - Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)Multi Jet Fusion uses an inkjet array to selectively apply fusing and detailing agents across a bed of nylon powder. This is then fused by heating elements into a solid layer. After each layer, powder is distributed on top of the bed and the process repeats until the part is complete.ProsMJF offers engineering grade materials with great overall properties. Additionally, MJF offers an enhanced surface finish, fine features, consistent mechanical properties, and fast build times.ConsWhile the surface quality is good, it is rougher than that produced by photopolymer-based technologies (Stereolithography). The raw parts are grey, which can be dyed but this is an extra process.Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)Direct metal laser sintering is an additive manufacturing technology that produces metal prototypes and production-quality parts. DMLS uses a laser system that draws onto a surface of atomised metal powder. Where it draws, it welds the powder into a solid. After each layer, a blade adds a fresh layer of powder and repeats the process. DMLS can use most alloys, allowing prototypes to be a full-strength, functional part made out of the same material as production components. It also has the potential, if designed with manufacturability in mind, to transition into metal injection moulding for when you need to increase production.ProsDMLS produce strong (typically, 97 percent dense) prototypes from a variety of metals that can be used for functional testing. Since the components are built layer by layer, it is possible to design internal features and passages that could not be cast or otherwise machined.ConsIf producing more than a few DMLS parts, costs can rise. Due to the powdered metal origin of the direct metal process, the surface finish of these parts are slightly rough.3D Printing - Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)The FDM process builds parts from the bottom up through the use of a computer-controlled print head. The feedstock for the process is a filament of extruded resin, which the machine selectively re-melts and deposits on the prior layer for each cross section of the desired part. FDM primarily produces parts in ABS or PC, so they tend to be stronger than parts from other additive processes. However, the parts are sometimes porous and have a pronounced stair-stepping or rippling texture on the outside finish, especially at layer junctions. It may also be difficult to achieve tight tolerances with the process.ProsFDM parts are relatively strong and can be good for some functional testing. The process can make parts with complex geometries.ConsThe parts have a poor surface finish, with a pronounced rippled effect. It is also a slower additive process than SL or SLS for build time.3D Printing - PJET PolyJetPJET uses inkjet heads to jet a UV-curable material in very thin layers at high resolution. The materials are jetted in ultra-thin layers onto a build tray, layer by layer, until the part is completed. Each photopolymer layer is cured by UV light immediately after it is jetted. The gel-like support material, which is specially designed to support complicated geometries, is easily removed by hand and water jetting.ProsThis process yields a good surface finish; one of the best of the additive processes. It is a good additive choice for complex parts with undercuts. The process can make parts with complex geometries.ConsPJET parts have poor strength (comparable to SL). While PJET can make parts with complex geometries, it gives no insight into the eventual manufacturability of the design.3D Printing - Three Dimensional PrintingIn 3DP an inkjet print head moves across a bed of powder, selectively depositing a liquid binding material, and the process is repeated until the complete part has been formed. After completion, the unbound powder is removed leaving the finished object.Pros3DP offers one of the fastest build times of any additive process, and is also among the least expensive options for prototype quantities. Coloured models can communicate more information and have aesthetic appeal. This plaster material is non-toxic, inexpensive and readily available. The process can make parts with complex geometries.ConsParts are rough and weak, and there are very few material options. While 3DP can make parts with complex geometries, it gives no insight into the eventual manufacturability of the design.IM - Injection MouldingRapid injection moulding works by injecting thermoplastic resins into a mould, just as in production injection moulding. What makes the process ‘rapid’ is the technology used to produce the mould, which is often made from aluminium instead of the traditional steel used in production moulds. Moulded parts are strong and can have excellent finishes. It is also the industry standard production process for plastic parts, so there are inherent advantages to prototyping in the same process if the situation allows. Almost any engineering-grade resin can be used, so the designer is not constrained by the material limitations of the prototyping process. Additionally, metal injection moulding (MIM) and liquid silicone rubber (LSR) moulding offer rapidly moulded parts in metals like stainless steel and LSR, respectfully. There is an initial tooling cost associated with rapid injection moulding that does not occur with any of the additive processes or with CNC machining. So, in most cases, it makes sense to do one or two rounds of rapid prototypes (subtractive or additive) to check fit and function before moving to injection moulding.ProsMoulded parts are made from an array of engineering grade materials, have excellent surface finish and are an excellent predictor of manufacturability during the production phase.ConsFront-end costs can be higher due to tooling costs.CNC Machining - Computer Numerically Controlled MachiningA solid block of plastic or metal is clamped into a CNC mill and cut into a finished part through a subtractive process. This method produces superior strength and surface finish to any additive process. It also has the complete, homogenous properties of the plastic because it is made from solid blocks of extruded or compression moulded thermoplastic resin, as opposed to most additive processes, which use plastic-like materials and are built in layers. The range of material choices allows parts to be made with the desired material properties, such as: tensile strength, impact resistance, heat deflection temperatures, chemical resistance and biocompatibility. Good tolerances yield parts suitable for fit and functional testing. Prototypes can be delivered in days just like additive processes. Because the process involves removing material instead of adding it, milling undercuts can sometimes be difficult. Machining also tends to be somewhat more expensive than the additive processes.ProsMachined parts have a good surface finish and they are very strong because they use real engineering-grade thermoplastics and metals.ConsThere are some geometry limitations associated with CNC machining, and it is much more expensive to do this in-house than the additive processes due to the cost of the programmers and machinists needed to create CNC toolpaths and fixturing for the parts.VC - Vacuum CastingThe process starts with making a mould by encapsulating a master model in two-part liquid silicone rubber. A vacuum is then applied to remove any trapped air, then it is cured in an oven. Master models can come from a number of 3D printing technologies including stereolithography. Vacuum casting allows the production of small batches of high quality mouldings in a range of polyurethane resins that replicate the performance of engineering plastics without the high costs of hard tooling associated with injection moulding.ProsVacuum casting can be used for small batches of high quality prototypes or low volume end use parts. A wide range of resins are available and master models can come from a range of sources, the most common being stereolithography models. Good dimensional stability.ConsRapid wear of the mould, only used for a few dozen parts.&nbsp;<h3><a href="https://get.protolabs.co.uk/start-up/whitepaper/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=uk-startup-campaign-0221&utm_content=startup-prototyping-processes-wp-0321" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CONTINUE READING -&gt;</a></h3>

For a startup manufacturer getting that first product right is crucial for your reputation and future sales. First impressions really do count when you are building up your company and brand equity.

A Guide to Prototyping for Startup Manufacturers

In the drive to accelerate new product development and time to market, the pressure to validate a design can be intense. With a prototype of a product or component, designers’ finally move designs from the screen to physical objects that can be handled. Does it fit? Will it function as intended? Can a 3D printed part be manufactured by injection moulding? And—in the case of prototype products, rather than parts—what might potential customers think of it? Increasingly, smart manufacturers—and their design teams—are looking ahead, past the prototyping phase of the product design process, and are thinking in terms of the end product and its required performance characteristics.<a name="first" target="_blank"></a><h2>Right first time</h2><h2><a data-lightbox="/media/1015734/lifecycle-inforgraphic2.png" data-title="" href="https://www.protolabs.co.uk/media/1015734/lifecycle-inforgraphic2.png" target="_blank"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjEzMDMyNDc0OTMyLTE2MTMwMzI0NzQ5MzIucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" class="fr-fic fr-dii" style="width: 300px;"></a></h2>In product development, parts or products generally move through three phases of evolution: first, prototyping; second, low-volume production; then third—and final—serial production.Prototyping is about crystallising a proven, working design. A prototype can be one of several (or many) such iterations, or just a final one-off physical validation of an on-screen design before design sign-off. On the other hand, low-volume production is less about the product itself, and more about its market or production process: a phase of low-volume production can help to refine a manufacturing process, or alternatively get test products or launch products to market in order to gain and validate customer perceptions. Finally, the precise volumes that are associated with serial production will depend on the product itself, and its market, and will typically range from thousands each year, to millions each year.In each case, the goal at each stage is to move smoothly from each phase of development to the next, refining the product and its manufacturability. Overall, the objective is to minimise the total time and cost of the overall process, bringing a product from initial concept to serial production smoothly and efficiently, and as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.In some industries bringing a product to market involves extensive compliance testing, often involving third-party certification. Aerospace and defence product development, for instance, calls for such compliance, and no manufacturer will want to finalise a product design and get ready for serial production, only to discover that the product in question does not meet its design requirements in terms of durability, usage cycles, or some other testable attribute. Making use of the prototyping stage to carry out such testing—a process known as pre-compliance testing—is therefore prudent. In such circumstances, it makes excellent sense for a designer to seek guidance from the prototyping provider in order to use a prototyping material that will yield meaningful information on attributes such as strength, flexibility and durability.Finally, as well as these development and testing stages of bring a product to market, a manufacturer may wish the prototyping and development process of a product to take into account a number of broader business considerations.Decisions about packaging, for instance, can impact packaging cost, vulnerability to damage during shipment, and the cubic utilisation of both primary and secondary packaging. Ultimately, of course, cubic utilisation will affect vehicle and container requirements, as well as shipping cost. It can be prudent to, wherever possible, use product prototypes in order to inform packaging decisions as early as is practicable.Similarly, a business may have sustainability and branding objectives in addition to those impacted by packaging and shipping utilisation. A decision to use a particular means of packaging, for instance, may again impact damage statistics, or product aesthetics during a long shelf-life. An objective of using high levels of reclaimed plastic may not prove practical when injection moulding a specific part. And sourcing both prototypes and production parts over long distances will impact a business’s carbon footprint, as well as drive costs higher.<a name="prototyping" target="_blank"></a>Quality, reliability, and business resilience are other important considerations. These are generally trade-offs: the cheapest prototyping provider will not usually be the fastest, or produce the highest-quality prototypes, for instance. Maintaining a close business relationship with a prototyping provider is becoming a strategic consideration for many businesses; value is placed on sourcing a recommended manufacturer as an outsource partner with the ability to satisfy prototype needs, plus low- and medium-volume product requirements. These suppliers provide the support that fully understands the need for DFM (design for manufacture) and are key to smoothing the way.In short, successfully bringing a new product to market can call for a multi-faceted approach to design and development, embracing a wide range of issues, priorities, and trade-offs. In this paper we look at how an intelligent approach to prototyping strategy at each phase of the development process can help with this. The objective: an approach to prototyping that shortens overall development time, and brings to market a better product with a better performance, and at a lower overall development cost.<h1><a href="https://get.protolabs.co.uk/prototype-to-production-whitepaper/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=uk-white-paper-0221&utm_content=prototype-to-production-0221" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Continue reading -&gt;</a></h1>

Manufacturing throughout the product life cycle

From Prototype to Production

Laser cutting is the process of using a laser beam to vaporize, melt, or otherwise gradually remove material. Computer Numerical Control (CNC) laser cutting commonly uses optics, an assist gas, and a guidance system to direct and focus the laser beam into the workpiece. The many benefits of CNC laser cutting include:<ul><li>Speed.</li><li>Less waste.</li><li>Broad Range of Materials.</li></ul>Although laser cutting has been used industrially since the early 1970s, CNC laser cutting has recently become the production tool of choice in makerspaces, in schools, and with hobbyists.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjA0NTE0NDA0NDQ2LUFkb2JlU3RvY2tfMjYxODAxOTM5LTEwMjR4NjgzLmpwZWciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19">CNC laser cutting through thin sheet metal.&nbsp;<h2>How CNC Laser Cutting Works</h2>Laser beams are generated by electrically exciting a lasing material. This beam is internally reflected and amplified inside its container with a partial mirror. Once it has generated enough energy to escape the container, it may be focused towards the workpiece. Three main types of lasers are used for CNC laser cutting:<ol><li>Carbon dioxide (CO₂)</li><li>Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG, or YAG)</li><li>Fiber</li></ol>CO₂ and YAG lasers are similar in construction but are used differently. C0₂ lasers with lower power levels are used for engraving, while ones with higher power levels are used in industrial applications for welding and cutting because of their reasonably low price. YAG lasers, with their higher peak output, yield exceptional results for metal marking and etching. Fiber lasers, with their solid-state construction and high-power output, reduce consumable costs and effectively cut a wide variety of materials.<h2>Why Use CNC Laser Cutting?</h2>CNC laser cutting features:<ul><li>Faster processing and production times.</li><li>Minimal warping.</li><li>Greater accuracy when compared to flame or <a href="https://prototypehubs.com/what-is-cnc-plasma-cutting/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">plasma</a> cutting.</li><li>More parts per sheet of material due to the laser beam’s small cutting diameter (kerf).</li><li>Great for thing materials, but thicker and denser materials may be cut by replacing the collimating lens in order to change the laser’s focal point.</li></ul>CNC laser cutting has many advantages over flame, <a href="https://prototypehubs.com/what-is-cnc-plasma-cutting/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">plasma</a>, and waterjet cutting methods. As the laser’s heat application is tightly focused, it requires less power and the material’s heat-affected zone (HAZ) is reduced. Many high-end industrial laser cutting machines are accurate to 10 micrometers and have a repeatability of 5 micrometers. CNC lasers can affordably cut and etch a wide variety of materials, even the non-metallic materials that typically cannot be cut by flame or plasma processes.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNjA0NTE0NDUxOTM0LUFkb2JlU3RvY2tfMjM5MzkwMDA4LTEwMjR4NjgzLmpwZWciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19">Lasers can cut various materials, including natural materials like leather.&nbsp;<h2>Choosing CNC Laser Cutting</h2>With the rise of the maker, do-it-yourself (DIY), and hobbyist communities, CNC laser cutting continues to surge in popularity. The broad range of cutting capabilities and superior dimensional accuracy make CNC laser cutting an ideal manufacturing tool for end users. Read more about how CNC laser cutting could work for you on our <a href="https://prototypehubs.com/cnc-cutting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Customized CNC Cutting Services</a> page.

Laser cutting is the process of using a laser beam to vaporize, melt, or otherwise gradually remove material. Computer Numerical Control (CNC) laser cutting commonly uses optics, an assist gas, and a guidance system to direct and focus the laser beam into the workpiece.

What Is CNC Laser Cutting

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) is a manufacturing process in which tools or cutting head paths are pre-programmed with the use of computer software. Before CNC equipment existed, machining and cutting were completed by operating hand wheels, levers, or mechanical cams that followed a fabricated pattern. &nbsp;The earliest models of numerically controlled machines utilized punch cards or tapes that would be fed into an analog system to guide the machine to specific points. Nowadays, CNC machines are controlled using G-Code, a computer programming language generated with the use of a computer software program.&nbsp;G-Code was once commonly programmed from scratch with the use of a part drawing, but it is now produced using a post processor program and a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) part file. Newer CNC cutting machines allow the operator to observe each individual line of G-Code and the position of the tool in real time while performing its work.CNC plasma cutting became a more popular, cleaner, and more productive option to oxy-fuel cutting around the 1980s, about the same time when personal computers were first in demand. The plasma cutting process uses a compressed gas, forced through a focused nozzle, combined with an electric arc that is produced from an electrode within the cutting torch head. The arc creates an electrically conductive channel of plasma, which delivers enough heat to melt through an electrically conductive work piece. The compressed gas then aids in blowing away the molten material, creating a cutting kerf through the work piece. CNC plasma tables operate on a 2-dimensional (and sometimes 3-dimensional) axis and have come very far from the original older, bulkier, and expensive machines of the 1980s and 1990s.The bigger plasma power units, upwards of 800 amps, are able to sever as thick as 6 inches and pierce 4 inches of stainless steel, whereas the smaller and more common machines found in many workshops can easily cut material around 0.5-1 inches thick. Many electrically conductive materials including steel, stainless steel, and aluminum can all be cut with a plasma torch, since the plasma cutting process relies on an electrical arc to cut through material. Because of the heat produced by the plasma arc to melt and cut through the material, all CNC plasma cut parts will have a Heat Affected Zone (HAZ).In recent years, CNC plasma cutting technology has advanced in leaps and bounds as its demand has steadily increased. Consequently, it is now more affordable for smaller shops and can be easily purchased and used by the hobbyist Do It Yourself (DIY) community. This overall cost reduction is easily passed along to clients and is a large reason why CNC plasma cutting has become extremely popular.&nbsp;With the rise of the DIY community, home built CNC plasma tables are now a reality. While the differences between laser and waterjet cutting used to be miles apart, plasma technology has made tremendous strides and advancements in terms of cut quality and accuracy. Although CNC plasma is still considered less accurate than its laser and waterjet counterparts, it can be an incredible tool for those who know how to program and use it properly.<hr>Looking for instant CNC plasma cutting quotes? Upload your part files&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://app.prototypehubs.com/order/cnc&source=gmail&ust=1605892867144000&usg=AOvVaw2MgfQRSGpKY9QrDkxFlHf3" href="https://app.prototypehubs.com/order/cnc" target="_blank">here</a>.

Computer Numerical Control is a manufacturing process in which tools or cutting head paths are pre-programmed with the use of computer software. Before CNC equipment existed, machining and cutting were completed by operating hand wheels, levers, or mechanical cams that followed a fabricated pattern.

What Is CNC Plasma Cutting

Designing metal parts? By incorporating both CNC machining and metal 3D printing into your manufacturing toolbox, you not only enjoy far greater flexibility in part design, but also gain the ability to procure them in less time and more cost-effectively than ever before. In order to take advantage of this, however, you must understand the shared strengths and inherent differences of each process, and how to best use them to your benefit.<h3>Embracing the Yin and Yang of Metal Manufacturing</h3>Nowhere is this relationship more significant than the bond that exists between <a data-udi="umb://document/4c6ab10976d042bf8321ab8deaaeb074" href="https://www.protolabs.co.uk/services/cnc-machining/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=uk-design-tip-1020&utm_content=design-tip-3dp-cnc-metal-parts-1020" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="CNC Machining">CNC machining</a> and <a data-udi="umb://document/a06505e642ff4557a4a95de172540a38" href="https://www.protolabs.co.uk/services/3d-printing/direct-metal-laser-sintering/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=uk-design-tip-1020&utm_content=design-tip-3dp-cnc-metal-parts-1020" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Direct Metal Laser Sintering">direct metal laser sintering</a> (DMLS), the leading technology for 3D printing complex metal parts. The latter can produce virtually any part shape using nothing more than a laser beam and a pile of metal powder, but it can be a slow process. Machining on the other hand is more limited in terms of geometry, but offers far faster production speeds. The choice, then, of which to use is primarily a question of A) can the part or parts be machined, and B) how many parts need to be made?In many cases, the two manufacturing processes can work together. Examples? Oftentimes metal-based additive manufacturing relies on its subtractive alter ego to finish the job. Holes must be bored or reamed, threads tapped or thread-milled, critical surfaces milled, turned, or ground to size. At the very least, 3D-printed parts need some manual TLC in the form of cleaning, blasting, and support removal, pretty much guaranteeing a visit to the machine shop.What does all this mean to you or anyone looking for the most effective way to manufacture functional prototypes and lower quantities of end-use metal parts? Plenty. By adopting a strategy where metal 3D printing and machining can be different steps in the same manufacturing process, you can leverage the best of both worlds, eliminating surprises, reducing costs, and improving part design. Here’s a handful of design considerations to think about before diving into your next metal part design project.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1601899715228-3d-printed-dmls-ying-yang-tool-box-570x308.jpg">When designing metal parts, consider incorporating both CNC machining and metal 3D printing—direct metal laser sintering or DMLS—into your manufacturing toolbox. No longer an either/or proposition, using these subtractive and additive methods together can help you successfully maneuver through metal manufacturing.<h3>Building vs. Cutting Metal Parts</h3>As mentioned at the beginning of this design tip, it’s important to have a solid grip on the processes used to make them. We know this may be common knowledge to many engineers, so bear with us for a few paragraphs.Of the <a data-udi="umb://document/d03239090a3a4e97ab781ad1994ff07d" href="https://www.protolabs.co.uk/services/3d-printing/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=uk-design-tip-1020&utm_content=design-tip-3dp-cnc-metal-parts-1020" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="3D Printing">five additive manufacturing technologies used at Protolabs</a> (which account for the lion’s share of all 3D printing processes everywhere), DMLS is the only one that prints metal. Similar to any powder bed printing process, it uses a laser (or lasers) to fuse flour-sized grains of metal powder within the machine’s build chamber. Starting from the bottom up, the machine fuses one paper-thin workpiece layer at a time, with a recoater blade dragging fresh powder across the top after each pass until the part is complete.By comparison, machining uses super-hard cutting tools to remove metal, either by rotating said tool against and around a fixed workpiece (milling), or by moving a stationary cutting tool against and around a rotating workpiece (turning). There’s far more to the machining process than this micro-explanation, but what’s important to know right now is that machining picks up where DMLS leaves off. In other words, DMLS adds material in single layers. Machining removes material, sometimes in large hunks, but sometimes very lightly in order to attain fine surface finishes.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1601899755802-dmls-illustration-of-finishing-570-x-308.jpg">On a vertical or horizontal surface, direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) produces part roughness about equal to a sand casting. All other surfaces will see some amount of stair-stepping (as seen at left). If your part design requires a smooth finish, that stair-stepping will need to be blasted, sanded, or machined (as seen at right).<h3>Accuracy Considerations for Metal Parts</h3>Although DMLS can create extremely complex shapes that might otherwise be un-manufacturable, it’s not without its limitations. For starters, significant heating and cooling of the metal takes place as the laser does its work, creating internal stresses that must be removed via post-build heat-treating. This means little to the people designing the part, except that stress relief equates to some amount of part movement and therefore some loss of accuracy. This is one reason—though not the only one—why even a well-designed DMLS-produced part requires machining of any part feature where tolerances tighter than ±0.1mm are required.<h3>Finishing Where DMLS Leaves Off</h3>Another reason for combining DMLS and machining is surface finish. On a vertical or horizontal surface, DMLS produces part roughness about equal to a sand casting. All other surfaces will see some amount of stair-stepping, an effect that’s largely dependent on how the part is situated in the build chamber. If your part design requires a smooth finish, it will need to be blasted, sanded, or quite possibly machined. This last part is no big deal, unless your part design calls for a fine finish on a surface that the end mill, drill, or turning tool can’t reach. Whatever the case, be sure to call out such critical features on your CAD model when submitting to Protolabs, so the features needing secondary processing, including machining, can be identified.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1601899774133-cad-model-of-fixturing-570x308.jpg">Oftentimes, fixturing printed parts is necessary, which involves adding a tab or other device to the CAD model itself and printing it directly onto the part, as seen here. It can be removed after machining.<h3>Removing DMLS supports</h3>Support structures should also be considered when designing metal parts in additive manufacturing. DMLS is a little like building a metal sandcastle—without some seashells and twigs to hold the thing together, the ramparts will fall, the architraves crumble. With DMLS, scaffold-like supports are needed to keep the semi-molten metal from drooping, curling, or otherwise misbehaving. Oftentimes, these supports can be removed with a Dremel tool, but machining may be the preferred method where larger part volumes are called for, or when the workpiece is headed to the machine shop anyway for one of the drilling, milling, or turning operations mentioned previously.<h3>Fixturing Printed Parts</h3>Unlike DMLS, which requires nothing more than a simple “build plate” to carry the workpiece through to completion, machined parts must be clamped, bolted, or otherwise securely fixtured to the machine to prevent cutting tool-induced movement. If your 3D-printed workpiece is composed entirely of curved, organic shapes (which is one of 3D printing’s greatest appeals), how will the machinist hang on to it for turning or milling? Check with an applications engineer at Protolabs, but you might need to design in a pair of parallel surfaces or some mounting holes by which to clamp the 3D-printed workpiece for machining.<h3>Mulling Over Machinability</h3>Lastly, there’s the metal to think about. The lasers used by DMLS don’t really “care” how hard or tough a metal is, but cutting tools sure do. DMLS is known for its ability to 3D print aerospace- and medical-grade metals like titanium, Inconel, cobalt chrome, and others, and even though different laser parameters and build speeds may be called for, it does so with relative impunity. Machining those same metals, on the other hand, requires lighter depths of cut, slower speeds and feeds (a little machining-speak here), and will consume more cutting tools and machining time. To see all of Protolabs metal options for machining and 3D printing, head over to the <a data-anchor="?filter=metal-materials" data-udi="umb://document/4d9db293978f46109e63376d0b1adcad" href="https://www.protolabs.co.uk/materials/comparison-guide/?filter=metal-materials&utm_source=wevolver&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=uk-design-tip-1020&utm_content=design-tip-3dp-cnc-metal-parts-1020" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Comparison Guide">material comparison guide</a>. Beyond the guide’s list, you may have other materials-related questions.For example, if Protolabs doesn’t machine a certain material, it doesn’t necessarily mean we also would not post-machine it in 3D printing—we might. For these specific questions, contact one of our applications engineers at 877-479-3680 or&nbsp;<a href="mailto:customerservice@protolabs.co.uk" target="_blank">customerservice@protolabs.co.uk</a>.<h3>Combining Complex Metal Manufacturing Processes</h3>The overall point is this: You can in fact leverage the best of both worlds—3D printing and machining—together for metal parts, but carefully consider the design options covered in this tip. <a data-udi="umb://document/bdeb53d061e549a0983c7a209d5ed4d8" href="https://www.protolabs.co.uk/resources/design-tips/6-ways-to-optimise-part-design-for-cnc-machining/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=uk-design-tip-1020&utm_content=design-tip-3dp-cnc-metal-parts-1020" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="6 Ways to Optimise Part Design for CNC Machining">Machining</a> and <a data-udi="umb://document/20a5a46ebf7d4f858a5585ac79557d82" href="https://www.protolabs.co.uk/resources/design-tips/designing-for-direct-metal-laser-sintering/?utm_source=wevolver&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=uk-design-tip-1020&utm_content=design-tip-3dp-cnc-metal-parts-1020" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Designing for Direct Metal Laser Sintering">metal 3D printing</a> are deep, complex technologies, and it’s only by understanding how each will affect your design project that success will be achieved. Ask questions, embrace each process, and understand that both are close-knit partners in manufacturing.If you have a metal part design that could benefit from combining 3D printing and CNC machining, you can indicate that during the 3D printing quoting process. When uploading your CAD file, select the custom finish option and add notes specifying which features or surfaces require additional finishing. You can also attach documents, like a drawing, to identify tolerances, surface finishes, and other manufacturing requirements.

How subtractive and additive manufacturing create the ideal equation for metal manufacturing

Balancing CNC Machining and 3D Printing for Metal Parts

Creative Robotics (CR), a research unit within the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ufg.at/Kunst-und-Bildung.1254+M52087573ab0.0.html" target="_blank">University for Art and Design Linz</a>, Austria, study robotics as an interface between the digital and the physical world. CR works with robotic arms and focus their research on new robot applications leading to flexible production and individualization rather than mass production and classic automation. Creative Robotics chooses to work primarily with small companies wishing to implement their existing process knowledge about robots. To that end, this approach will not only result in gain efficiency, but will also create entirely new products. Their interdisciplinary team of architects, designers, 3D artists and engineers strives to think outside the box of classic automation and find new innovative solutions. The CR laboratory is located in the 4000&nbsp;m² industrial innovation workshop&nbsp;<a href="https://grandgarage.eu/" target="_blank">Grand Garage</a>. The purpose of this collaboration is the open threshold-free transfer of knowledge of robotics methods for schoolchildren, students, start-ups and companies.The <a href="https://www.creaform3d.com/en/education" target="_blank">Creaform ACADEMIA</a> 3D scanner is an educational suite program that goes beyond delivering simple didactic tools. This 3D scanner, specially developed for the education sector, is a complete didactic solution for future-oriented teachers and researchers who use the latest industrial technologies to teach and research innovatively, and who wants to introduce their students to state-of-the-art technologies. Students will learn the benefits of handheld 3D scanners and their use in real life applications such as reverse engineering, industrial design and quality control.Here are just a few of many various projects for which the ACADEMIA 3D scanner was used at Creative Robotics:<h2>Customized soccer ball with 3D scanning, in collaboration with BallDesigner:<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1599722392616-IMG-20190917-WA0009_20x15.jpg" style="width: 787px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></h2><a href="https://balldesigner.at/" target="_blank">BallDesigner</a> sells customizable soccer balls, which are individually manufactured with a short lead time. The objective of the research project was to label the balls directly on site. To make this happen, it was necessary to scan some soccer balls in order to feel for the material tolerances that occurred and to be able to compensate them with the robot.<h2>Halloween installation for KUKA robots CEE:</h2><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1599722540000-1561616.jpg" style="width: 787px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">A robot installation was developed for KUKA for Halloween during which customers were able to design their own pumpkin designs on a 2D tablet at an event. The robot then applied the design directly to a pumpkin. In this case, it was also necessary to scan the pumpkin in advance so that the individual shape of each pumpkin could be taken into account.&nbsp;<h2><a href="https://www.creaform3d.com/en/applications/quality-control-and-assurance-with-3d-measurement-technologies" target="_blank">Quality control</a>&nbsp;from SPIF:<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1599722718610-17611616.jpg" style="width: 787px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"></h2>Nicole Hübscher is a designer and has developed a breakfast tray based on “Single-Point Incremental Forming.” A sheet of aluminum is gradually deformed by pressure by the robot without heating it. As the metal deforms not only plastically but also elastically, the Creaform ACADEMIA<a href="https://www.creaform3d.com/en/education/research" target="_blank">&nbsp;3D scanner was used to compare the CAD target model with the actual status</a> so that the metal can be reworked on site if necessary.&nbsp;Johannes Braumann, the director of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ufg.at/Kunst-und-Bildung.1254+M52087573ab0.0.html" target="_blank">University for Art and Design Linz</a>, summarizes: “It was impressive to see how students, with no previous experience in 3D scanning, were able to work with the ACADEMIA scanner and the VXelements software on their own after just a few minutes of instructions. The ratio of accuracy and performance is better than the one of comparable structured white light scanners within the same budget range and suitable for most of our applications. In addition to being a valuable tool for research projects, the ACADEMIA scanner provided an excellent starting point for our students to gain experience with 3D scanning technology.”

Digitization and robotics for flexible manufacturing and individualization

Academia 3D Scanner, An Educational Solution For Research Projects

Reducing Risk Through On-Demand Manufacturing

Strategic management of your manufacturing supply chain is critical during product development and life cycle planning. This white paper illustrates how on-demand manufacturing can be used to reduce financial risk and accelerate speed to market through the implementation of supply chain safeguards.

Engineers are hungry for knowledge about the latest technologies and are always looking to improve their skills. When companies, who are often experts in their fields, dedicate time and resources to sharing their knowledge, they are providing an incredible service to the engineering community, and at the same time building meaningful relationships and creating awareness for their work.Unfortunately, these resources are often hard to find. In a series of blog posts, we will highlight companies that provide valuable knowledge to understand the state of the art of technology and we’re starting with the field of manufacturing. Some of these companies have already started leveraging Wevolver to provide their content to engineers beyond their existing following. However, we’ve looked at the industry as a whole to give you the most complete list.<h1 dir="ltr">Leading Blogs that Explore Digital Manufacturing&nbsp;</h1>For engineers interested in learning more about this field, we have identified ten great blogs from companies that specialise in a host of manufacturing technologies.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">1:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.3dhubs.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">3D Hubs</a>&nbsp;</h2><img class="fr-fic fr-dib" src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1592841200584-3D_Hubs_On_demand_Manufacturing_Quotes_in_Seconds_Parts_in_Days.png" style="width: 788px;">Established in 2013, 3D Hubs is a global leader in digital manufacturing, having produced parts for companies like NASA, ABB, and Audi. The 3D Hubs platform allows engineers to upload their custom designs, generate quotes, and begin production at the click of a button.&nbsp;Under its "Resources' section, the 3D Hubs platform provides information on cutting-edge digital manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing, computer numerical control (CNC) machining, injection moulding, and sheet metal fabrication. Engineers can learn about specific processes through informative videos, webinars, and articles covering company-specific news, industry trends, and more. Additionally, 3D Hubs provides several engineering guides (e-Books), offering useful tips for engineers looking to start a career in the field of digital manufacturing.&nbsp;<h2 dir="ltr">2: <a href="https://www.fictiv.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fictiv</a></h2><img class="fr-fic fr-dib" src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1592841231428-Fictiv_On_Demand_Manufacturing_CNC_Machining_3D_Printing.png" style="width: 788px;">Fictiv is a leading provider of on-demand digital manufacturing solutions including CNC machining, injection moulding, 3D printing, and urethane casting. Its list of clients includes NASA, IDEO, Panavision, Intuitive, Velodyne, and Ford. The company has its headquarters in San Francisco, US, as well as a distribution network in Guangzhou, China.Under its "resources" section, Fictiv shares its wealth of knowledge via a blog offering engineering, company, and business information. The engineering blogs are "how-to" articles that contain sound technical advice and best-practice recommendations from Fictiv's team of design experts. Moreover, the business and company blogs explore current industry trends in design, manufacturing, and supply chain, as well as company-specific information for clients using the Fictiv platform.<h2 dir="ltr">3:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.protolabs.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Protolabs</a>&nbsp;</h2><img class="fr-fic fr-dib" src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1592841255468-Protolabs_Rapid_Prototyping_On_demand_Production.png" style="width: 788px;">Protolabs provides rapid prototyping and on-demand manufacturing services, including CNC machining, injection moulding, 3D printing, and sheet metal fabrication to clients in several industries through 12 manufacturing facilities spread across the United States, Europe, and Japan. Notable Protolabs clients include Lockheed Martin, HP, Epson, and MIT.Readers can find an in-depth blog under the "Resources" section of the company's website that covers various aspects of digital manufacturing including technical tips from Protolabs experts, manufacturing best practices, articles to learn more on the subject of materials science, industry news, and more. It also offers supply chain blogs highlighting the challenges of supplying 3D printed parts and the state of the industry.<h2 dir="ltr">4:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.starrapid.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Star Rapid</a>&nbsp;</h2><img class="fr-fic fr-dib" src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1592841291130-Star_Rapid_Low_Volume_Manufacturing_Prototyping.png" style="width: 788px;">Star Rapid provides digital manufacturing services including rapid prototyping, rapid tooling, production, injection moulding, CNC machining, vacuum casting, pressure die casting, and 3D printing. Star Rapid targets diverse industries, including medical, electronics, consumer products, and agriculture. It has produced parts for leading companies such as Nedap, Gate, Visionflex, and Biorep Technologies.The company hosts a blog on its website that shares its wealth of knowledge on manufacturing and development with the engineering and tech communities. Key topics explored in the blog include rapid prototyping, 3D printing, rapid tooling, and low-volume production. Through several detailed articles, Star Rapid's editorial team simplifies difficult concepts and provides designing tips, new methodologies, and industry news to readers with varying levels of experience.5:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.sculpteo.com/en/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sculpteo</a>&nbsp; <img class="fr-fic fr-dib" src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1592841308008-Sculpteo_Online_3D_Printing_Service_for_your_3D_designs.png" style="width: 788px;">Sculpteo offers professional 3D printing services to businesses for manufacturing a wide range of 3D parts. Customers create their designs in CAD software, and Sculpteo's industrial 3D printers create prototypes and end-products and ship them to their locations from factories in the U.S. and France. Sculpteo has produced 3D printed parts for industry majors, including Autodesk, Bombardier, CNES, and Withings.Sculpteo's website blog covers technical articles, free downloadable resources, and industry trends on additive manufacturing topics. The information on the blog is suitable for professionals (e.g., engineers and industrial designers) and hobbyists alike. The blog explores developing trends in 3D printing and design as well as tutorials and 3D software reviews/recommendations.<h2 dir="ltr">6:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.xometry.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Xometry</a>&nbsp;</h2><img class="fr-fic fr-dib" src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1592841336005-Manufacturing_On_Demand_Custom_Manufacturing_Parts.png" style="width: 788px;"> Xometry provides additive manufacturing solutions, e.g., CNC machining, plastic 3D printing, urethane casting, injection moulding, and sheet metal fabrication via an extensive network of partners across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. The company produces 3D parts for a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, and supply chain. Some notable clients include BMW, General Electric, NASA, Dell Technologies, and Bosch.Under the "Resources" section of its website, Xometry runs “The First Shift Blog” offering in-depth information on additive manufacturing, machining, case studies, manufacturability tips, explainer videos, news, and more. Design engineers using the Xometry platform can also find information regarding product updates in this section.<h2 dir="ltr">7:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rapiddirect.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rapid Direct</a>&nbsp;</h2><img class="fr-fic fr-dib" src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1592841354297-RapidDirect_Online_CNC_Machining_Prototyping_Manufacturing_Services.png" style="width: 788px;"> Rapid Direct is a China-based manufacturer providing CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, 3D printing, and injection moulding capabilities with engineering support. The company offers the full range of digital manufacturing services from prototype to production, covering ID/MD design, prototyping, structural optimisation, and mass production. Top clients that have utilised their services include NASA, HP, BMW, and Toyota.Rapid Direct's blog contains informational articles, tips, and guides for learning more about the additive manufacturing industry in China. The blog explores some recurring and complex challenges facing design, rapid prototyping and production. Other information includes best practices, industry trends, and company news relevant to professionals and hobbyists that use the Rapid Direct Platform.8:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.shapeways.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shapeways</a>&nbsp; <img class="fr-fic fr-dib" src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1592841381526-3D_Printing_Service_Shapeways.png" style="width: 788px;"> Shapeways provides 3D printing services for various materials, including metals and plastics. As a full-service platform, Shapeways offers support for every phase of design, production, and scaling. Its clients can upload novel designs, make modifications, and create prototypes, as well as refine existing product models. Shapeways has served Fortune 500 clients such as Google, Disney, and Target.Shapeways Blog is a resource section on its website, providing industry news on 3D printing. Here, engineers can learn more about existing and emerging applications for 3D printing, 3D printing materials, and additive manufacturing technologies. It also offers company-specific information to readers using its services.<h2 dir="ltr">9:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.materialise.com/en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Materialise</a>&nbsp;</h2><img class="fr-fic fr-dib" src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1592841412746-Materialise_3D_Printing_Innovators.png" style="width: 788px;"> Materialise is a Belgian company that provides software and 3D printing solutions with a thriving software developer community and one of the most extensive 3D printing facilities in the world. Materialise produces 3D printed parts of varying complexities for a host of industries such as arts/design, medical, automotive, and consumer goods. The company's manufacturing segment offers rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, design/engineering, and consultancy/training.The Materialise website runs a blog that offers informational articles on 3D manufacturing, medical, and software efforts in the industry. The Materialise blog offers sound content on 3D printing materials, applications (industrial, consumer, and healthcare), software, manufacturing tips, and industry trends.<h2 dir="ltr">10:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.treatstock.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Treatstock</a></h2><img class="fr-fic fr-dib" src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1592841427067-Treatstock_Smart_Manufacturing_Platform.png" style="width: 788px;"> Treatstock is a digital manufacturing platform that provides online tools for CNC machining and 3D printing. Other manufacturing services offered include injection moulding, laser cutting, and 3D scanning. Treatstock allows its clients to upload CAD files and render custom designs on its platform as well as outsource their projects to vetted designers and manufacturers.Tretstock’s online tools are utilised by top clients such as Autodesk, All3DP, Onshape, and Thingiverse, and 3DPrint.com. The Treatstock Blog provides the latest news and information concerning additive manufacturing, including 3D printing applications, challenges and limitations of 3D print technology, industry trends, high-tech events, etc.<h2 dir="ltr">Wevolver: Knowledge for Engineers</h2>At Wevolver, we believe in the positive impact technology can make, and we want to help engineers innovate by providing access to knowledge. Fortunately, nowadays, technology companies are starting to realise the value of sharing information with their customers and users. As we mentioned in the introduction, these company blogs are often hard to find.&nbsp;Though as a publishing platform for technology developers, we have seen thousands of companies, we might have missed some that you think could provide sound knowledge for engineers and should be on this list or the Wevolver platform. Let us know!

In a series of blog posts, we're highlighting companies that provide valuable knowledge to understand the state of the art of technology. First in this series: Manufacturing. 

Top 10 Manufacturing Company Blogs For Engineers

<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelmandel1/2019/01/02/2019-the-year-of-the-manufacturing-platform/#145bca203688" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Michael Mandel&rsquo;s Forbes article about manufacturing platforms</a> brings out many perks of having manufacturing on the cloud. He sees it as the next step in the manufacturing industry.How does it actually help the users and why is it considered the future of the manufacturing sector? Let&rsquo;s see.<h2>What Is Cloud Manufacturing?</h2>If the term &ldquo;cloud&rdquo; gives you a headache, let&rsquo;s try to define that.The definition of &ldquo;cloud computing&rdquo; is the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1585647597551-cloud-computing-2153286_640.png">Devices from anywhere have access to the infoThe same principles of shared information are at use with cloud manufacturing. It is a service-oriented business model to share manufacturing capabilities and resources on a cloud platform.In simple terms it means that people can visit a website to order their manufacturing, while the production is not limited to one company only. All the necessary info about manufacturers is available on the cloud.This creates a model where several companies are sharing their capabilities with those website visitors.At the same time, these platforms are not just mediation services. They offer possibilities to reduce environmental impacts and cut down costs by making intelligent decisions.Today, we see such manufacturing platforms offering services for sheet metal fabrication, 3D printing, <a href="https://fractory.com/what-is-cnc-machining/" target="_blank">CNC machining</a>, etc.<h2>The Objectives</h2>The main reason for the growing popularity and belief in cloud manufacturing is its sustainability.Whereas the demands for lower environmental impacts and costs are growing, many are seeking for solutions in the realm of on-demand manufacturing. And cloud manufacturing&rsquo;s aims align well with those needs:<ul><li>Enhanced efficiency</li><li><a href="https://fractory.com/cost-reduction-manufacturing/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Reduced production costs</a></li><li>Optimal resource allocation</li></ul><h2>Features and Benefits of Cloud Manufacturing</h2>How are these goals attained, though? For that, we shall take a closer look at the key characteristics of cloud manufacturing.FlexibilityDepending on the manufacturing platform, cloud manufacturing offers a large variety of capabilities at one place.The manufacturing of parts is assigned to the nearest manufacturer who has the expertise to execute the job. Thus, the supply chains are highly configurable and not fixed, minimising the reliance on certain connections and partnerships.Also, the automated system&rsquo;s capability of choosing a production partner based on those qualities accounts for achieving lower costs and lessened environmental impacts through shorter delivery distances.Production QualityQuality is one of the key aspects customers look for in manufacturing. Finding great suppliers is not always an easy task though.Some cloud manufacturing platforms just try to get as many partners on board as possible. Others do their due diligence and send in a bunch of test orders first.This helps to ensure great production quality without having to go through the pre-vetting process on your own.Shared AccountsThe access to procurement information is available for anyone involved. While legacy workflows include back-and-forth emailing, the information is not readily available for every related person to see.With manufacturing platforms, any involved party has an overview of progress. This lets a team of several members work on a project at once without the need for constantly keeping each other updated.Instant QuotesThe ability to receive instant quotes for CAD models or drawings enhances efficiency and offers optimal resource allocation. Less time is now spent on communication and engineers can direct their efforts towards value-adding activities.All the while these intelligent systems are accruing data to optimise the pricing process further.ManufacturabilityGiving out instant quotes needs a complicated system able to assess the uploaded files. This also means that the platform should not give out quotes to parts that are impossible to manufacture.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1585647766742-CAD-file-1.jpg"><figure><figcaption>Easy to make in CAD, impossible to manufacture by bending</figcaption></figure> Assessing manufacturability takes the geometric dimensions into consideration. A price is displayed only if the assessment is positive.At this stage of development, cloud manufacturing platforms still have some limitations. So the answer to the above-mentioned question may not always be final.Combining the answers with logical thinking, a client can use this assessment for redesigning the parts if necessary.Sharing the LoadCloud manufacturing helps to keep the lead times low by distributing work evenly.An example:A person orders 1000 parts. Manufacturer A has the capabilities to perform it but the production is full for the moment.The info about availability is on the cloud.Then we have manufacturers B and C who are also partners. Although neither of them has the capacity to perform the job on their own, the order will be divided between the two.This way the order can be sent to production without waiting for manufacturer A to finish his current job.Such work would be tedious manually but simple for an always-informed manufacturing platform.Service Oriented ManufacturingManufacturing is usually production oriented. This means that the companies providing the services are only focusing on one aspect of the process.Cloud manufacturing is looking to change that by offering resources and capabilities at the same place. Also, many manufacturing platforms take care of the delivery of the goods instead of leaving that to the customer.Such a step forward leads to a more compact and easier-to-manage solution.Volumes as LeverageCloud manufacturing platforms can accumulate large numbers of orders, making them valuable partners for production companies.Such volumes make a great leverage in bargaining cheaper prices.Manufacturing platforms often use pay-as-you-go model for profiting, adding an extra % to the final cost. Still, with their initial discounts, the final price for the customer is better than they could negotiate on their own. And this applies to cases where they could find a similarly-priced manufacturer in the first place.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1585647814031-Scrap-metal.jpg"><figure><figcaption>Someone has to pay for scrap metal</figcaption></figure> Often, small orders are also accumulated to make up a large one for better material usage. Less scrap is another way to achieve better prices.CapabilitiesExtensive partner networks ensure the possibility to produce a large variety of parts.Gathering a lot of manufacturers with different expertise and machinery under one name, the customer can get hold of the best equipment without much hassle.Cloud manufacturing platforms have the data about possibilities and limitations. Thus, they can direct jobs to relevant partners only.Less Points of FailureAs stated before, cloud manufacturing encompasses all steps from quoting to delivery. Therefore, there is only one point of contact.This means that the responsibility also lies with one company and dealing with reclamations, delays, etc. is that much easier.Short Go-To-Market TimesHaving the possibility to quote and send parts to production without first establishing connections in the industry makes short go-to-market times possible.For prototyping, iterations and first full products, cloud manufacturing is the perfect answer.The same applies to on-demand manufacturing.Only for large-scale production, it makes sense to really push for a large procurement department with the sole responsibility of securing the best deals. Volume is the key here and gives the possibility of negotiating even better prices on your own.Keeping the FocusThe key cloud manufacturing provides, is the one unlocking more resources.At SMEs, the responsibility of finding manufacturers often rests with design engineers. Outsourcing this obligation to a 3rd party leaves more time for the engineers to provide better solutions.<h2>Who Is Cloud Manufacturing For?</h2>Cloud manufacturing may sound intimidating because it&rsquo;s new. Our experience with constantly growing complexity in tech creates associations with steep learning curves.With cloud manufacturing, the contrary is true. The systems are very easy to navigate and make sense of.Therefore, it does not need a lot of resources even in the first steps. The simplicity makes it suitable for a variety of people in need of manufacturing services.BusinessesThis is especially true for SMEs. Large corporations with high volumes can probably get greater discounts working on their own.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1585654433473-Online+laser+cutting+service+US.jpg"><figcaption>Instantly priced parts on Fractory&rsquo;s manufacturing platform</figcaption>For SMEs, outsourcing this job makes a lot of sense. They don&rsquo;t have the production volumes to negotiate for lower prices. Manufacturing platforms can use this leverage for them.Bespoke solutions are the not the future any more, they are the present. With each job requiring new prices, it can amount to a lot of work. Instant pricing helps these companies to stay competitive with cost-efficient procurement processes.Also, prototyping a few parts can be difficult because many manufacturers just reject such jobs. Cloud manufacturing platforms add those parts to larger orders, thus keeping the final price lower.Starting EntrepreneursAs we talked before, cloud manufacturing clearly reduces the go-to-market times.Someone with an idea can now bring it to life without having any previous industry connections. They can still find their way to the best pre-vetted manufacturers nearby or faraway, depending on the final delivery destination.This also makes it possible to, for example, start selling your products world-wide from the get-go. Setting up an online shop is the easy part. Now there is no need to build up a large stock and start transporting those things from the warehouse.Make them nearby your customer and give up on renting a warehouse. This already covers the slightly higher costs of lower-volume production while mitigating the risk of holding large quantities in stock.EngineersSo of course this applies to engineers who have to take care of manufacturing outsourcing working at the aforementioned businesses.But there&rsquo;s another side to it.Any engineer who focuses on providing great results with low costs can now apply the pay-as-you-go system without &ldquo;going anywhere&rdquo;. The quoting system is free to use and helps them optimise the design for cost when comparing materials, thicknesses and different layouts.HobbyistsHobbyists find pretty much the same perks with cloud manufacturing as starting entrepreneurs. Many need only a few pieces for a model plane, a new outdoors BBQ or a doghouse.They can now turn to someone who can definitely assure quality for only a small one-time order.<hr>We hope this was usefull to you. If you are interested in testing such a platform, you can <a href="https://app.fractory.com/auth/register" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sign up for free</a><a href="https://app.fractory.com/auth/register" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"></a> on our website and start uploading your files for instant pricing.&nbsp;

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