3D Printing Order Transfer With Dynamic Nesting-Based Supplier Quotes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current AM platforms fail to optimally regulate multi-part 3D printing order transfers, leading to suppliers either losing money on quantity discounts or missing out on profitable orders due to inaccurately calculated supplier quotes and production resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
Implement a system with a nesting module and quote price calculation module that dynamically calculates supplier quotes based on actual production statuses, job types, and supplier-specific customization rules, optimizing the order transfer process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If quantity discount factors are applied to multi-object orders, then the calculated supplier instant quote may be too low, but the supplier loses money when accounting for production resources effectively employed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes pricing parameters based on production resource utilization. Instead of fixed quantity discounts, the quote module adjusts price per part based on real-time parameters such as build volume occupancy, printer throughput, and material consumption rates. This allows the system to maintain operational simplicity while achieving accurate quotes that reflect actual production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The pricing system transitions from static quantity-based discounts to dynamic resource-based pricing. The quote calculation continuously adapts to current production status, available build volume, and resource utilization metrics. This dynamic approach ensures quotes remain accurate regardless of order timing or production conditions.
2Reliability
If quantity discount factors are applied to multi-object orders, then the calculated supplier instant quote may be too high, but the supplier loses the multi-part printing order which could have generated a gain
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback loops where production resource data feeds back into the quoting process. The quote module receives real-time information about build volume availability, printer status, and resource utilization, then adjusts quotes accordingly. This feedback mechanism prevents both overpricing (losing orders) and underpricing (losing money) by continuously aligning quotes with actual production capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations of resource utilization and build volume occupancy before finalizing quotes. By pre-assessing production capacity and resource availability, the system can provide accurate quotes that reflect true production costs and profitability potential, enabling efficient order acceptance decisions.
3Ease of operation
If traditional quantity discount factors are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the order transfer for multi-part orders is not optimally regulated
Solution Approach 1:
The quote module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it calculates pricing, assesses production feasibility, optimizes resource utilization, and provides profitability analysis. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple separate systems (pricing engine, production scheduler, resource manager) with a single integrated module that handles all aspects of order regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary quote module that mediates between the simple pricing interface and complex production resource management. This intermediary layer translates simple order requests into detailed resource allocation plans while maintaining ease of operation for end users. The module acts as a bridge between operational simplicity and production optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and a method for regulating a multi-part 3D printing order transfer between at least one requesting unit and a plurality of supplying units. Access to a nesting module is received. A quote module is defined for providing a price quote for a printing order based on material cost and on production cost. At least a portion of the production cost is calculated based on required build portion and on selected printing job type. For each supplying unit, it is received data on supplier auto-quote profile. Aata on a multi-part order of N parts requested by the requesting unit. For each relevant supplying unit and by using said two modules customized in via the auto-quote profiles, it is calculated a supplier quote to the nestable part subset, by applying the customized quote module—with the identified build portion size and with the type of the identified jobs as module input parameters. Supplying units are identified and the 3D printing order transfer is regulated by matching a selected set of supplying units to the requesting unit.