Printability Check

Failed 3D prints can happen. Anyone who has operated any type of 3D printer is aware that printing an object requires more than just designing a model and clicking on “print”. There are several variables that will impact the quality and success of a printed part. In some occasions, even the most experienced engineer, designer or 3D printing enthusiast, will end up with a failed print. Obviously, there are ways to maximize the success rate of 3D printed parts such as using conceptual frameworks for designing printable objects like Design for Printability (DFP). But even then, sometimes printed parts will simply not come out right. Having several years of combined experience in Additive Manufacturing, Beamler’s team also had its fair share of 3D print failures. When we started building a platform that enables manufacturers and engineers to print industrial parts anywhere in the world, we made it a priority to provide our customers with a fully automated testing tool that analyses each 3D model’s printability.

What is the Printability Check? Why is it important?

One of the greatest benefits of 3D printing is the ability to build highly customized products and components. In fact, every 3D model is unique by design. For that reason, it is important to assess the printability of your file to ensure that it can be successfully 3D printed, with quality. Our software performs an automated check of all uploaded files. The algorithm of the tool considers all the variables that determine whether a print will succeed or fail in order to run an effective printability check. To ensure the most reliable and optimal results we broke down the printability check into two stages. Each stage is at the two opposite ends of ordering parts on our platform:

1. File upload – Once a printable file is uploaded, our software will run a Geometric Check of the file to identify the following characteristics of the object:

• Size
• Width
• Depth
• Height
• Volume
• Area

This will allow Beamler’s proprietary software to identify the most appropriate materials, technologies and printers for the production of the object. It also provides an overview of the amount of locations where the file can be 3D printed.

2. After check-out – The exact material and printer type to build the custom part is confirmed only after check-out. At that moment, the tool will test the uploaded file for specific design guidelines such as:

• Wall thickness
• Bounding Box Size
• Model Density
• Model Integrity
• Orientation
• Holes
• Area
• Strength (based on material properties)
• Other variables

Automated 3D print preparation

Our smart software fully automates the 3D print preparation, replacing the manual processes that are required to prepare 3D model for printing. The automated process ensures higher quality of prints based on texture, lighting and material information. It makes complex, non-conventional models physically ready for print, scaling and strengthening parts based on the material properties. Lastly, it will optimise the model for the printing technique, without impacting the specifications of the custom part. This ensures a faster print time, reduces material usage and decreases printing cost.

What happens if a 3D model fails the printability check?

If a 3D model fails the printability check, the software is able to automatically adjust, prepare and enhance the file. However, most industrial components require extremely specific design guidelines, in which 1mm, for instance, can make the custom part unfit or unsafe for use. Our tool will notify one of Beamler’s engineers about the failed printability check, whom will contact the person who uploaded the file. After understanding the exact specifications for the custom part, Beamler’s engineer will either suggest another material or give approval for the software to prepare the file for print. The main challenge for companies wanting to implement AM into their operations is to make the right decision. Beamler helps companies get ready for the future of manufacturing. We provide you with a detailed report about the technical and business feasibility of 3D printing solutions for your company. Make your decision to implement 3D printing based on data today, with us.