How to optimize your 3D printing workflows and resources

We’re in makerspace a lot, in universities, high schools, trade schools, and more. Following are tips to make sure your 3D printing workflow is at its best. We’re also happy to give you a demo of our 3D printer fleet management software – just ask! After all, it’s the reason we’re in makerspaces so much. 

Optimizing 3D Printer usage in a makerspace

Our clients have told us it can be tough to manage the 3D printing workflow, especially around the end of semester, when multiple classes are likely to have projects due at the same time as each other.

Managing a busy makerspace, especially one that experiences this peak time high traffic, can be a massive challenge. 

If these bottlenecks are not managed well, they can get out of hand quickly, and cause a snowball effect of delays and missed deadlines. On the other hand, using software that helps you manage your 3D print queue effectively means you make full use of the 3D printing capacity you have.

Tools like 3DPrinterOS let administrators prioritize print jobs. Your makerspace likely allows students to create personal projects, but you might need to limit those at certain times of the academic year. With 3D print queue management software, you’ll be able to allocate resources better, and make sure that each project gets the attention it needs without delays. By managing the print queue effectively, you can handle increased demand and maintain a smooth workflow.

Streamlining 3D printing workflows using cloud-based software

Making and keeping your makerspace efficient will need a streamlined workflow. One common issue is the hassle of dealing with physical media like USB sticks or SD cards for transferring files to 3D printers. This can be cumbersome and prone to errors, and impossible to determine later which file actually printed. 

Adopting a no USB or SD card policy and using cloud-based 3D printing solutions like 3DPrinterOS can simplify the process. By allowing users to upload their designs directly to the cloud, you can eliminate the need for physical transfers and reduce the risk of lost or corrupted files. This not only speeds up the workflow but is a much better user experience overall.

Systems, automating 3D print job assignments, and data-driven decisions for makerspaces

Another key to makerspace success is adding systems, automation, and data-driven decisions.

Systems might include details like where a finished project is placed while waiting for pickup. But it could also include mandatory training for new users, which will in turn reduce 3D printer downtime or print fails.

And by automating your 3D print job assignments, you can use each 3D printer to its full potential and improve the overall efficiency of your makerspace. Software solutions like 3DPrinterOS mean you can assign jobs to the most appropriate 3D printer based on factors like availability, material type, and project size. This helps in balancing the workload and reduces idle time, leading to more productive use of resources. Additionally, features that allow you to monitor your 3D prints remotely provide you with the ability to keep an eye on progress and address any issues promptly.

And data! With everything tracked in your 3D printer fleet management software, you’ll be able to make decisions based on facts. You might find that one brand of 3D printer is preferred, or that a particular user group has the most print fails. Each of these insights combine together to make it easier to make better decisions.

Managing 3D Printing Resources in Educational Makerspaces

Educational makerspaces often face unique challenges.

It’s quite typical, among our makerspace clients, to have students who need to run their 3D printers from a Chromebook or similar. Schools provide these devices because they’re both versatile and economical.

So making sure that all students have access to the tools they need, regardless of their device, is critical. Our clients love that 3DPrinterOS is designed to be platform-agnostic, and allows students to manage their print jobs from any device, including Chromebooks. 

This flexibility means that everyone can participate fully in the makerspace activities. 

And fleet management software provides detailed insights into resource usage. This includes how much filament is being used, printer uptime, and maintenance needs. By tracking these metrics administrators can make better decisions about inventory management, maintenance scheduling, and budgeting. This helps reduce waste and plan for future needs.

It also sends automated alerts when maintenance is due or if a printer encounters a technical issue. This proactive approach helps avoid breakdowns, and extends the lifespan of the printers.

By providing remote monitoring capabilities, you can also make sure that all prints are progressing as expected, even when you're not physically present.

Want to learn more? Drop us a line and we’ll be glad to provide you a demo.

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