How to choose the best 3D printing software
1. Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for 3D Printing Software
Whether a company is looking to purchase its first 3D printing software or upgrade to a new solution, G2.com can help select the best 3D printing platform.
Choosing and deploying a 3D printing tool can be a significant initiative for a company. It brings with it a wide range of options available for features and different types of materials. A company must determine whether it wants to have an in-house solution or outsource the responsibilities to a 3D printing service provider.
The buyer can evaluate the right software fit after determining the business goals it is trying to achieve through this solution. Depending on the scope of the deployment, it might be helpful to produce an RFI, a one-page list with a few bullet points describing what is needed from the tool.
2. Compare 3D Printing Software Products
Create a long list
Buyers should take into account the following factors when creating a long list of options.
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User-friendly interface: The tool should be easy to use. It must have an intuitive graphical user interface to empower users to print objects with ease.
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File import and repair: The software must import STL files and other digital file formats containing 3D models at a high speed, regardless of their size or intricacies. It also has to prevent the reprinting of models by alerting the user of errors in the files and empowering them to repair the models.
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Accurate estimates: The software should offer accurate evaluations of the estimated time and the amount of materials that would be required for printing.
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Compatibility: The software must be compatible with the buyer’s operating system (OS). Even though most 3D printing solutions are versatile, some programs may only work with a specific OS. Compatibility ensures a seamless printing experience.
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Support: The availability of adequate technical support in the event of glitches with the software is crucial. The vendor must offer training and tutorials on software usage, as well as provide technical support if the software malfunctions.
Create a short list
From the long list of vendors, narrow down the list of contenders. Organizations should select solutions that are aligned with their goals. Reading user reviews, viewing ratings on the G2 Grid for the 3D Printing software category, and shortening the list of vendors in the G2 "My List” down to a handful help make this smaller list. Businesses can compare the features offered by different vendors, as well as the pricing structure of various solutions.
Conduct demos
Demos provide an opportunity for buyers to see how a 3D printing platform works. While pre-recorded demonstrations and slide decks are available online, requesting a live demo of the tool will help buyers dive deep into their technical capabilities.
Mapping out a draft deployment plan or proof of concept (POC) is highly recommended before making a selection because it provides a roadmap for subsequent activities and defines the resources required at each phase. A POC should prove whether or not the tool matches the organization’s requirements.
3. Selection of 3D Printing Software
Choose a selection team
Forming the team and establishing a common vision is imperative. The selection team should consist of those who will use the tool the most. This usually includes product designers as well as managers who oversee these teams.
Negotiation
When negotiating during the purchasing stage, it’s smart to start small in terms of licenses and functionality. Licenses will always be the biggest cost of any purchase, and oftentimes, companies buy additional licenses or features that they don’t necessarily need. During this negotiation, vendors will try to convince buyers that they can offer discounts on more functionality or licenses if they buy in bulk, but most businesses don’t need this. If businesses end up needing a few more licenses down the road, they can always add them.
The selection team should always strive to have implementation and ongoing support fees included in the cost. 3D printing software is not easy to learn. Before purchasing, buyers must ensure that the vendor offers regular training or online training options to help new users onboard quickly. This way, if any ongoing support is needed, companies can contact their customer support representative.
Final decision
After the negotiation stage is over, the final decision requires buy-in from everyone on the selection team. It’s important to guarantee that all requirements are met. It’s advisable to roll out a test run or pilot program to try out adoption with a small sample size of users. If the tool is well-received, the buyer can be confident that the selection was correct. If not, it might be time to reevaluate other options.
