KNOWLEDGE BASE 32 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS April/May 2025 www.hpmag.co.uk 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, prioritising 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. To optimise workflow, my company routinely needs to group together hundreds of different customer jobs into one print run, and then using software automation sort and organise 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, postprocessing 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. 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 labour 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. My company for example is constantly exploring ways to bring more automation into our post-processing workflows primarily to optimise quality. The goal is to ensure that every part we deliver looks and performs exactly as expected. The customer experience — faster, smoother, better At the end of the day, automation in AM is about improving the customer experience. When customers come to us with 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. Why automation Is the future of AM As the demand for 3D-printed parts continues to grow, a key tool for service providers is to intelligently deploy automated processes. Manual processes simply can’t scale to meet the needs of a fast-moving industry. Automation isn’t just about improving efficiency, it’s about delivering a better service to our customers. It’s about ensuring that every part we produce is of the highest quality, delivered on time, and at a competitive price. However, automation doesn’t mean removing the human element. At the heart of every automated process is a team of experts ensuring that the technology is being used to its full potential. It’s this combination of human expertise and automated processes that sets us apart from other service providers. For further information please visit: www.3dpeople.uk
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