{"id":42099,"date":"2021-11-17T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-18T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/?p=42099"},"modified":"2021-11-19T08:29:58","modified_gmt":"2021-11-19T13:29:58","slug":"3d-printing-boosts-production-from-concept-to-market","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shapeways.com\/blog\/3d-printing-boosts-production-from-concept-to-market","title":{"rendered":"3D Printing Boosts Production from Concept to Market"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Industrial 3D printing at Shapeways is based on an exciting, continually growing array of advanced 3D printing materials and technology, prompting a wide range of innovation from businesses of all sizes. And although it may seem simple enough to go from that drawing on a dinner napkin to a full-blown 3D printed product, the overall process is not always quite that easy to put into production–leading to one of the main topics in the recent webinar co-presented by Shapeways and ZVerse, \u2018Overcoming 3D Printing Design Challenges with ZVerse and Shapeways<\/em>,\u2019 available for replay here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a lot that comes into play for actually designing something and bringing your concept into real form,\u201d said Steve Weart, Director of Customer Success at Shapeways. \u201cThat\u2019s why there has been such a huge, and positive, impact in partnering with ZVerse, especially due to the massive scope needed for 3D design.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ZVerse<\/a> aids with the design and file formatting process, and Shapeways takes it from there, guiding customers in everything from selecting 3D printing materials and technology, to manufacturing and delivery of market-ready products, shipped in white-label packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The journey from concept to manufacturing always begins with that lightbulb moment, translated into a model; however, the intent behind the design can vary greatly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne-off designs tend to spark a lot of creativity, acting as a door opener,\u201d says Weart. \u201cWhile customers may have originally come to us to solve a problem with a design whether it\u2019s something artistic, a trophy, or something they are trying to create around the house, that actually gets people into 3D printing and often they return with a whole new design project.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The file creation process begins as the customer creates a design request, approves the quote, and ZVerse moves forward with QA, job approval, and the designer completes their work. After that, ZVerse routes the file to Shapeways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Analysis regarding printability is one of the most important steps after the customer uploads the 3D model, and file fixing services are available through the User Application Team to ensure excellence in production.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are able to help regenerate many models that originally were not printable,\u201d says Angeliki Sioliou, User Application Design Specialist at Shapeways. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the majority of models are easily uploaded and 3D printed, in some cases there may be details that prohibit quality 3D printing.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDifferent materials have different guidelines, and sometimes we run into problems when a model is set for a material that isn\u2019t compatible with a more complicated type of geometry,\u201d says Sioliou. \u201cWe are able to offer customized feedback in many cases and help regenerate models that may originally not have been printable.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In working with Shapeways and partners like ZVerse, customers have access to a dedicated design team in-house, and a large network of engineers too, all ready to handle support for unique one-time designs for artwork like statues, or fine jewelry like custom earrings made with precious metals such as sterling Silver<\/a> or Gold<\/a>. Other special products may include models for architectural projects, dioramas used in educational settings, trophies, and other promotional items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More typical projects include 3D designs for scanning and reversing engineering parts, end-to-end product development, and converting 2D drawings into 3D files. The ability to design for rapid prototyping is also one of the most appreciated 3D printing benefits. Prototyping allows for testing, continued product development, and accelerated speed to market. There may be several cycles involved in the iterative process\u2014or a hundred. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Customers like Gavin Stener, founder of 67 Designs<\/a>, are dedicated to 3D printing due to the unprecedented freedom in design and excellence in materials and technology like Selective Laser Sintering<\/a> (SLS) and Nylon 12<\/a> [Versatile Plastic]. 3D printing allows his company to create unique and rugged accessories for off-roading vehicles\u2014even when consumer demand could historically call for a turn toward mass production and methods like injection molding<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prototyping allows manufacturers to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n