Cost-Driven Planning: Maximizing Profit in Additive Manufacturing

AM is often seen as an expensive endeavor – but does it have to be? We challenge the notion that high cost is inevitable in AM and show how smart planning can turn AM operations into profit powerhouses. We introduce an optimization-based production planning approach, exemplified by the SYNOPTIK system, which uniquely allows manufacturers to set cost minimization as a primary objective.
What makes this approach special is its holistic integration of material and process planning. For example, SYNOPTIK optimizes material usage and powder recycling for metal and SLS printing – all within the scheduling process. Instead of treating material planning as an afterthought, the system builds the most cost-efficient recycling and reuse strategy for your expensive powders right into the production plan. It’s like having an economic compass that guides every print job, ensuring no material is wasted and every resource is used efficiently.
While the focus is on economics, our approach includes optional settings to balance profitability with sustainability goals. In practice, this means you can weigh decisions like recycling or energy use not just by dollars saved, but also by environmental impact – finding a sweet spot where going green also saves you money. The result is a more sustainable AM operation that doesn’t sacrifice profit.
Crucially, this presentation is about sharing a capability that could benefit the entire AM community.. We’re offering this cost-optimization solution free of charge for anyone who wants to explore it, because we believe spreading these practices can make a difference in the wider adoption of AM. After all, if manufacturers see that AM can be run cost-effectively, more will embrace it. In this talk, you’ll hear about real-world scenarios and results where intelligent planning slashed costs by double digits, transforming AM from a cost center into a competitive advantage.