Configuring Post-Processing Methods
The 3YOURMIND platform allows you to setup post-processing methods independently from materials to streamline the setup and management process. The customer can select multiple post-processing methods in a single step to create accurate pricing no matter what final product they select.
Configuring Post-Processing Methods for Materials
To select and configure a standard post-processing method for a material, follow these steps:
In the Service Panel, go to Materials
Select the Material for which you want to add Post-processing options
Select Post-Processing in the action bar
Click the button Add Post-processing method
Configure all applicable fields according to the table below
If you want to publish the post-processing immediately, enabled Offered
Add the post-processing by clicking Add Post-processing method
Field | Description |
|---|---|
Method | The name of the post-processing method that will be shown to customers in the basket. |
Type | Select the (unique) type of post-processing from a standard list. You cannot select the same type for different post-processings on the same material. E.g. if you want to offer multiple versions of Sanding, you need to add additional post-processing types in the admin panel first. |
Description | A brief explanation of the post-processing method that will be shown to customers in the basket. This will help customers understand what the method involves. |
Production Time | The estimated minimum and maximum days it takes to complete the post-processing method. This will be shown to customers in the basket. |
Require Technical Drawing | When enabled, the user is prompted via a small banner to upload a technical drawing when selecting this post-processing. The user is not blocked from continuing to the checkout if not drawing is uploaded. |
Colors | If the post-processing method involves coloring, painting or dying the 3D model, specify the colors that customers can choose from. The list of colors can be extended in the admin panel. |
Offered Inserts | Only for Type “Adding Inserts”: Choose from a list of standard metric and unified insert sizes that clients can select. Customers will be prompted to select which insert size and quantity they need. The list of inserts can be extended in the admin panel. |
Accepted 3D Model Dimensions | The range of dimensions that the post-processing method can accommodate. This should be specified in terms of minimum and maximum values for X, Y and Z. Can be disabled if the post-processing is independent of part size. |
Pricing Formula | The formula used to calculate the cost of the post-processing method. This could be based on factors like the volume of the 3D model, the time it takes to complete the post-processing, and the cost of materials used. For more details see Post Processing Pricing Scripts |
Enable Manual Pricing | A toggle that allows you to manually set the price for the post-processing method, overriding the pricing formula. |
Offered | A toggle to indicate whether the post-processing method is currently being offered. If it's not, it won't be shown to customers in the basket. |
The use of standard Post-Processing Types ensures that post-processing methods are comparable across different Services. An OEM can thus specify the necessary post-processing methods for a given part and be sure that any Supplier knows exactly which PP is meant.
Assigning Existing Post-Processing Methods Already Configured on Another Material
Many of your materials will reuse the same post-processing methods and pricing formulas. By assigning them to multiple production methods, you can save time and simplify updating of pricing.
Go to Offers and select a 3D Production Offer
Select Post-Processing
Click the button Import from Another Material
Select an existing method from the list
Click Save
Duplicating Post-Processing Criteria
The Post-Processing Pricing Criteria are specific to each material and not to each method.
When you use the Add Existing button, the criteria are copied from the existing post-processing method and can then be adjusted for that specific material without affecting pricing for the post-processing method on other materials.
Enabling Multiple Post-Processing Methods
For materials that use two or more post-processing methods, that option can be enabled for the user.
Go to Offers and select a 3D Production Offer
Select Post-Processing
Toggle Allow Multiple Post-Processes
If enabled, the user can then select multiple Post-Processing Methods for each material during checkout.
Adding Additional Post-Processing Types
In the Admin Panel go to Home › Catalogue › Post processing products
Click on Add Post Processing Product
Configure the new type given the available fields (see description below)
Save
Field | Description |
|---|---|
Name | The name of the new post-processing type, e.g. Sanding 400 |
Slug | A unique internal variable, e.g. |
Applicable material categories | Choose one or several material categories for which this PP type is applicable. The selected categories determine for which material this PP type is shown. |
Description | An optional description of this type. This description is currently not shown in the application. |
Troubleshooting Pricing Formulas
The most common source of errors in pricing is overlap between the parent materials and the post-processing methods. It is important to determine which elements of pricing will be accounted for in each pricing formula and coordinate the two different settings (Material and Post-Processing). The recommended process is to think through which criteria are assigned to each method using the following checklist:
Pricing Formula
Manual Pricing
Lead Time
Accepted Model Dimensions
Available Colors
Production Status
Datasheets