Procure, inspect and hand over FDM production
Practical guides for work between engineering, procurement, quality and production. Not a second DFM library, but templates and decisions for RFQ, approval, production and incoming inspection.
Procurement and specification
Prepare enquiries so quotes, comparisons and orders use the same requirements.
RFQ guide
How to prepare an industrial 3D printing RFQ
The CAD data, quantities, service conditions, inspection features and delivery details needed for a reliable FDM RFQ.
Open resourceSupplier evaluation
How to select and qualify an FDM supplier
Practical criteria for procurement and engineering: process limits, data review, material evidence, inspection planning, changes and repeat orders.
Open resourceSpecification guide
Drawings and inspection features for FDM parts
How to define functional dimensions, datums, tolerances, surfaces and finishing clearly on an FDM drawing.
Open resourceApproval process
First-article approval for FDM production parts
From representative first article to approved small series: inspection features, revision, process data, deviations and change approval.
Open resourceQuality and production control
Set inspection features, approvals and identification to suit the part risk.
Quality planning
How to create an inspection plan for FDM parts
Select inspection features by risk, define measurement method and sample, and document results for small series.
Open resourceIncoming inspection
Incoming inspection for 3D printed parts
A practical incoming inspection for FDM parts: identity, shipping damage, visual inspection, functional dimensions, records and deviations.
Open resourceProduction records
Batch identification and traceability in FDM
Which product, material, process and inspection data should be linked for FDM small series and how much traceability a part needs.
Open resourceAfter production
Packaging, storage and handling of FDM parts
Protect FDM parts from deformation, moisture, UV, abrasion and variant mix-ups by planning packaging and storage for geometry and material.
Open resourceProcess and manufacturing decisions
Compare FDM neutrally with alternatives, in-house production and finishing.
Process comparison
FDM or SLS: which process fits the part?
A neutral FDM and SLS comparison: geometry, supports, material, surface, quantity, finishing and quality requirements.
Open resourceProcess comparison
FDM or SLA: choosing for functional parts and precision models
Compare FDM and SLA by detail, surface, part size, material behaviour, post-curing, load case and environment.
Open resourceManufacturing strategy
Make or buy in additive manufacturing
Choose in-house or outsourced FDM by utilisation, staff, material changes, quality, response time, data and total cost.
Open resourceProcess planning
How to plan finishing for FDM parts
Plan support removal, drilling, reaming, inserts, sanding, painting and joining by function, access, tolerance and cost.
Open resource