Overview

To understand Econ and Tech scores it is important to understand what information is considered and how it is processed to get to a result.

...

• Factor
  The blackbox - and thus the corresponding properties - that are considered for the score

• Score
  The individual result which is calculated by the corresponding blackbox - without applying weights.

• Impact
  The weight, or impact, this blackbox should have in the overall calculation

• Subscore
  The weighted result of each blackbox how it is considered for the overall score calculation

Calculating a Tech Score

...

The tech score uses the following parameters:

...

What do these functions mean?

1. Max Dimension (MaxDim):

   • Summary: Evaluates the printability and structural integrity of a 3D printed part based on its maximum dimension.

   • Explanation: The function calculates a score that reflects how the maximum dimension of a part compares to a desired center value. The score is determined using a Gaussian curve, with a higher score indicating that the part's size is closer to the desired center value. This center value is determined through empirical evaluation that parts that are too small should be penalized and parts that are close to the printer’s maximum are also slightly less viable than those with a reasonable dimension and where multiple of the same part can fit in the printer.

2. Average Wall Thickness (AvgWallThickness):

   • Summary: Assesses the printability of a 3D printed part by considering the average thickness of its walls.

   • Explanation: The function calculates a score based on the average wall thickness of a part. A sigmoid function is used to map the score, with a higher score indicating that the average wall thickness is closer to a printable threshold. This score helps determine whether the part's walls are within a suitable range for successful printing. A lower threshold is riskier in AM while being over-thick isn’t problematic, unless special printing processes take place, such as printing large full metal blocks that can cause issues with thermal stresses.

3. Max Dimension vs. Avg. Wall Thickness (MaxDimAvgWallThickness):

   • Summary: Provides a combined assessment of a part's size and wall thickness to determine its printability and structural stability.

   • Explanation: A higher ratio indicates that the part is relatively larger compared to the thickness of its walls, which can result in thin or unsupported areas. This may pose challenges during printing, as thin walls can be prone to deformation, warping, or structural instability. On the other hand, a lower ratio suggests that the part has a more balanced relationship between its size and wall thickness, which can contribute to better printability and structural integrity. It indicates that the walls are relatively thicker compared to the overall size of the part, providing better stability and strength.

4. Surface Area vs. Bounding Box Area (SurfaceAreaBoundingBoxArea):

   • Summary: Evaluates how efficiently a 3D printed part utilizes its space within the bounding box.

   • Explanation: A higher ratio indicates that the part's surface area is relatively larger compared to its bounding box, suggesting a more complex and intricate geometry. This can be desirable for detailed and intricate 3D prints. On the other hand, a lower ratio indicates that the part's surface area is relatively smaller compared to its bounding box, suggesting a simpler and more solid geometry. This can be advantageous for printing sturdy and robust objects with less intricate details.

5. Aspect Ratio (AspectRatio):

   • Summary: Assesses the balance between the dimensions of a 3D printed part to ensure optimal printability.

   • Explanation: A higher ratio indicates that the part's surface area is relatively larger compared to its bounding box, suggesting a more complex and intricate geometry. This can be desirable for detailed and intricate 3D prints. On the other hand, a lower ratio indicates that the part's surface area is relatively smaller compared to its bounding box, suggesting a simpler and more solid geometry. This can be advantageous for printing sturdy and robust objects with less intricate details.

6. Waste Ratio (WasteRatio):

   • Summary: Evaluates the efficiency of material usage in a 3D printed part.

   • Explanation: Minimizing the waste ratio is desirable in 3D printing as it helps optimize material usage, reduce costs, and reduce environmental impact. Design considerations, such as optimizing support structures, using lattice or infill patterns, and incorporating lightweight designs, can help reduce the waste ratio and improve the overall efficiency of the printing process. Additionally, a high waste ratio for classical manufacture does point towards AM as a solution.

...