Frequently asked questions
Here you can find answers to some of our most asked questions. If you still can't find an answer, please send us an email.
We provide you with a simple .xlsx (Excel) or .csv-template and instructions for our top-down approach. This file is then filled with part-related data such as weight, name, dimensions, and current cost per part. Alternatively, you can also start the process by uploading single CAD-files for our bottom-up approach.
All relevant industrial AM processes including selective laser sintering (SLS), selective laser melting (SLM), fused deposition modelling (FDM), directed energy deposition (DED), metal binder jetting (BJ), multi jet fusion (MJF), stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), indirect AM via sand casting and investment casting encompassing 25 manufacturers, hundreds of AM systems and material types.
No. We have developed a new approach, which allows us to bypass CAD files completely and, at the same time, maintaining the analysis accuracy. Our software will provide you the same Additive Manufacturing market price (price for which you can order parts) without the CAD model as compared to with the CAD model. This allows you to get an exact price point before generating the CAD model. Nevertheless, some technical analysis steps benefit from the visualization of detailed design features.
The software itself requires .stl (standard tessellation language) or .stp (STEP) files as an input. We provide numerous other CAD file conversions including .prt, .iges, and .3mf to .stl or .stp together with our software partners if requested.
AM cost, AM price, AM production time, CM price estimates: Minimum data --> (volume or weight or CAD) + material /// Optional data --> height, width, length, manufacturing cost, material cost, name, SKU ///// Lead time savings: Minimum data --> lead time ////// Total cost of ownership estimates: Minimum data --> minimum order quantity, yearly demand, remaining service lifetime /// Optional data --> stock ////// AM scores: Optional data --> suppliers count, supplier criticality index, safety criticality index
All data stays with you and is exclusively being stored locally in your browser. We do not collect any customer data apart from your e-mail address for log-ins. Our software is hosted on AWS.
Many of our calculations are based on machine learning. All algorithms are tested and verified systematically before being applied in our software.
Our initial analysis without CAD assessments is done rapidly, approx. 10k stock keeping units (SKUs) within 50 seconds. The full process workflow including CAD assessments takes about 40 seconds for 10 SKUs (assuming average CAD file size of 3 MB and average computer's processing power).
Weight or dimensions & material groups as a minimum. If available, part volumes, production volumes, material types, CAD files of selected parts, and the conventional manufacturing cost values should be applied.
We are using machine learning for certain result approximations and LLMs when analysing 2D drawings to extract data and to convert them into approximated 3D models.
Yes. The user can choose between several process-specific post-processing steps, which will affect part prices and qualities (e.g., surface roughness, tolerances). Furthermore, 2D drawings can be assessed to support the selection of required post-processes.