Customers are developing new products faster than ever before, and Paragon plays a critical role in making this even smoother. We listened to our consumers and responded fast in order to save them time. Our consumers no longer have to wait for a quote and can order basic 3D prints online in a matter of times.
Ian Jobling, Commercial Director
The Challenge
One of the major additive manufacturing specialists in the UK is Paragon Rapid Technologies. The company has built a reputation for manufacturing high-quality end parts and prototypes for industrial clients across a wide range of industries, including global brands like Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan, and Aston Martin.
With the growth of its 3D printing facility, how does Paragon use AMFG to ensure that the entire AM workflow, from request to production management, remains as efficient as possible?
Since its inception, Paragon Rapid Technologies has been pushing the frontiers of what is possible in manufacturing. Carbon recently became the UK's first production partner, adding Carbon's unique Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) technology to Paragon's already extensive portfolio of 3D printing technologies, which includes Stereolithography (SLA) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). In addition, the company provides typical manufacturing services like CNC machining and vacuum casting.
However, as its clients base grew, Paragon faced the issue of managing the high volume of incoming requests it received on a daily basis. The Paragon team needed o receive incoming orders, schedule various jobs, and keep track of the items being created throughout the manufacturing workflow.
To track essential information, such as inbound requests, manual and paper-based techniques were initially used. As a result, production engineers has to spend a significant amount of time evaluating each request and preparing bids. This also meant that information had to be manually updated and transmitted, resulting in a lack of traceability from request to production.
The inefficiency of the process meant that Paragon was on the search for a way to achieve a 'Paperless' production process.
The Solution
Streamlining AM Processes with Automation Software
Paragon was looking for a solution to improve the efficiency of its 3D printing facility's request handling and production management operations. AMFG's workflow automation software, which simplifies the entire additive manufacturing procedure, provided the solution.
Following an initial consultation, the AMFG team collaborated closely with Paragon through on-site training sessions to ensure that the software was adapted to the company's needs prior to implementation.
Instead of manual operations, Paragon now use automation to improve every stage of manufacturing. Customers, for example, can quickly submit their files for examination and receive a quotation in seconds using AMFG's on-demand ordering platform. AMFG's software then uses automated STL file conversion, auto-repair, and wall thickness analysis techniques to optimise files for production.
This allows Paragon's production engineers to simply validate the printability of a part before it is shipped to production in a quarter of the time. Job sheets that are automated also help the team to track of each project without having to manually update different Excel sheets.
AMFG's production management module is also being extensively use by Paragon, which can now simply schedule all of its production jobs through the platform. This gives them precise, real-time reporting data and makes it easier for them to manage the ever-increasing demand.
The Results
Automation Leads to Greater Production Efficiency
Using AMFG's automation software, Paragon was able to automate formerly manual operations, resulting in a seamless flow from request to production. AMFG also allows the Paragon team to easily identify and trace items throughout the manufacturing process, increasing efficiency and productivity.
The project and production teams may now spend their time more efficiently, as time spent producing quotations and processing files has been greatly reduced. This means that the Paragon team can now give better customer service while still delivering the shortest turnaround times possible.
Furthermore, because Paragon provides both traditional and additive manufacturing services, the company will be able to leverage AMFG's Internal Quotation tool. This will allow Paragon to price components manufactured using traditional manufacturing methods (such as vacuum casting and silicone tooling) as well as additive manufacturing - all from the same platform.
Source: https://amfg.ai/customers/paragon-rapid-technologies/