KNOWLEDGE BASE Across today’s ever-changing manufacturing landscape, automation is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. The field of additive manufacturing (AM) is no exception. As co-founder of 3D People, a subcontract AM service bureau, I’ve seen firsthand how integrating automation into our processes has not only improved operational efficiency but also delivered tangible benefits to our customers. 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 optimised through automation, the results are faster lead times, more consistent parts, and a better overall experience for customers. In this article, I want to dive 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. 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 30 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS April/May 2025 www.hpmag.co.uk Automation is redefining additive manufacturing (AM), streamlining processes from quoting to postprocessing. Felix Manley, Co-founder of 3D People, explores how automation enhances efficiency, improves consistency, and delivers faster lead times—ultimately transforming the customer experience and ensuring AM services can scale to meet the growing demands of modern manufacturing. Automation is unlocking the future of AM services plays a significant role in reducing lead times, improving quality, and ensuring consistent results for customers. Each of these are as 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 nearinstant pricing based on uploaded 3D files. 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 optimising it for the chosen technology and material can be time-consuming if done manually. Automation tools now exist to analyse 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-andforth 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. 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,
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