Quality Compass
Standard vs. Production Quality
Sometimes fast & cheap isn't the best option
Sometimes it needs to be good!
We offer upgrades in quality to what we refer to in the industry as Production Quality and we've narrowed it into two categories to streamline the experience for our customers - Form or Function. Based on the application and intended use of the parts produced, we can tailor quality towards cosmetic improvement or towards functional improvement.
Production Quality
How It Works
Standard Quality
When the status quo works just fine
Function (Fit)
When tolerances are tighter or a specific fit is required
Form (Cosmetic)
When aesthetics and common FDM defects need to be tightly controlled
≤ 3 Minor Defects
or
1 Major Defect
Per Sampled Part
≤ 3 Minor Defects
or
1 Major Defect
Per Sampled Part
≤ 1 Minor Defect
Per Sampled Part
Sample Prints/SVP
For High Volume Orders, credited towards mass production.
We usually recommend sample prints in advance of high volume orders, however not required for Standard Quality
Sample Prints are required in advance of any high volume orders.
Visual Inspections
Documented Checks for Common FDM Defects
Visual Inspections on All Pieces
Documented Visual Inspection:
Visual Inspections on All Pieces
Documented Visual Inspection:
Documented Visual Inspection on All Pieces
If > 3 minor defects OR > 1 major defect OR ANY critical defects exist, the part will be scrapped
Larger parts may get sent for approval if they are common due to order complexity or if we find elevated rates of failure during production.
If ANY major defect OR ANY critical defects exist or >1 minor cosmetic defect, the part will be scrapped
It is assumed there will be higher scrap rates due to lower tolerances for minor defects
Measurements
Rules and Sampling Sizes for Measured Inspections
*Measurements not be offered on complex features
**Measurements May Delay the Shipping Process
According to
ISO-2859 Sampling Level II
Dimensional Accuracy:
± 0.5% with a lower limit of ± 0.5 mm (± 0.020")
According to
ISO-2859 Sampling Level III
Dimensional Accuracy:
± 0.3% with a lower limit of ± 0.3 mm (± 0.012")
According to
ISO-2859 Sampling Level II
Dimensional Accuracy:
± 0.5% with a lower limit of ± 0.5 mm (± 0.020")
Price Impact
Impact on the Total Cost
Not Applicable
Up to 50% additional service cost
*can be less if certain thresholds can be within our standard tolerances and only specific parts need to fit together a certain way
Up to 50% additional service cost
*can be less if certain cosmetic defects can be tolerated
Understanding Types of Cosmetic and Functional Defects for FDM/FFF.
Below is our classification of typical FDM/FFF defects that can occur.
Minor
Generally Considered Acceptable With Post-Processing
Stringing/Oozing
Blobs/Zits
Small Gaps Between Infill/Outline
Small Gaps Floor Corners
Deflection That Are Within Tolerance
Major
Happens Rarely, Customers Can Accept To Keep Timelines
Under-Extrusion in Small Areas
Small Gaps in Top Layers
Overheating
Layer Separation/Splitting in Very Small Areas
Weak Infill
Small Gaps in Thin Walls
Very Poor Surfaces on Shallow Overhangs
Small debris on initial layer (<=2mm)
Minor Wobbled Walls
Critical
Generally Unacceptable
Warping Outside of Tolerances
Layer Shifts
Color Variations Per Line Item
Over/Under-Extrusion Over a Large Area
Large Gaps
Large debris in initial layer (>2mm)
Severe Wobble
Full Part Failure/Breakage on Major Features
Frequently Asked Questions
IS THE LEVEL OF QUALITY CUSTOMIZABLE?
Yes!In fact, you can prioritize different levels/types of quality requirements per line item/model.
If one part needs to have high cosmetic quality because it is outward facing, you should tell us that!
If another needs to have a specific fitment requirement inside another part but it doesn't really matter how it looks, you should also tell us that!
And if standard quality is just fine for others, that's ok too!
We always try our best to accommodate our customers' needs
WHAT IS A DEAL-BREAKER?
A deadlock, an impasse, and irreconcilable obstacleCOMMUNICATION IS KEY!
We ALWAYS need to know these before starting an order where quality is a concern. Unfortunately, we haven't mastered the art of mind-reading, so we really need you to lay it out for us like we are small children so that we can ensure you have the best possible experience working with us.
Examples:
Part A must fit a certain way with Part B otherwise both become useless
Specific minor defects render a part unusable or unsuitable for it's purpose
CAN YOU REALLY OPTIMIZE FORM & FUNCTION?
It depends...We try to determine whether a part can be optimized for better form or function that what we consider "normal" for ODM FDM 3D printing. If normal is perfection, absolutely! We won't charge extra if our normal is your perfection.
If perfection or near perfection is not achievable for a part, we always strive to be up front about that with our customers.