Workflow example: FDM printing

Overview

This example demonstrates how to implement a simple FDM 3D printing workflow using operations in Phasio. The workflow covers the entire production process from initial part queuing through final post-processing and quality control, providing a practical reference for manufacturers setting up FDM production workflows.

FDM 3D printing workflow structure

This implementation creates a six-step workflow that efficiently manages FDM printing operations while maintaining clear visibility and control over each production stage, accommodating the unique requirements of filament-based printing.

Workflow sequence

The example workflow consists of six sequential operations:

1. Waiting for Slicing: Initial backlog management.
2. Printing: Active production with print preparation.
3. Post-Printing: Essential post-production processes (part removal, support removal, etc.)
4. Polishing: Optional surface finishing operations.
5. Quality Control: Final inspection and validation.
6. Completed: Workflow completion and order fulfilment.

Operation configuration

Operation details

Waiting for Slicing

Manages the backlog of parts that have been scheduled for production.

• Uses the Basic operation type, which has no operational effect.
• Parts are only moved out of this station—no processing occurs here.

Printing

When parts move into this operation, the Upload Bill of Parts  step type allows manufacturers to download parts grouped by material and color constraints.

• After preparing the sliced print job, parts can be progressed either individually or as a group by uploading the exported file from the slicer software.
• In most cases, parts move individually, as prints typically consist of a single part—unless a full build plate is prepared.

Post-Printing

Supports post-processing steps immediately after printing.

• Parts are grouped by material and color constraints for efficient batch handling.
• Uses the Inherit Previous Name naming strategy to preserve custom job names assigned during the Printing stage.
• Maintains clear job identification through key post-printing processes like part removal from the build plate and support structure removal.

Polishing

An optional finishing operation where parts are grouped by both material and color constraints, ensuring identical finishing treatments are processed together. Using the Inherit Previous Name naming strategy maintains job identification as parts undergo surface finishing operations to improve print quality and appearance.

Quality Control

Parts moving into this operation have no grouping constraints. The Inherit Previous Name naming strategy maintains traceability by preserving job names from earlier stages during final inspection and validation.

Completed

The final stage of the workflow.

• Parts arriving here are automatically renamed with a “Finished” prefix using the Always Rename naming strategy.
• This operation is the final station, signaling completion of the production workflow.
• This station can be used to indicate storage until the entire order is prepared for shipment.

Workflow operation

Scheduling a work order

Parts enter the workflow when a work order is created from the order's Production tab.

💡 If you have designated a default routing template for the part, it will be applied automatically. Without a designated template, the work order's routing is derived from your current process configuration.

Part progression and filtering

When advancing parts from one operation to the next, manufacturers can apply filters to optimize build preparation. This is especially useful for grouping parts that share identical material and colour requirements.

Build screen

Open an operation to access the build screen. From here, operators stage parts per destination, name the outgoing build, and commit the move with Progress.

Scrap management

At any operation, individual parts can be marked as scrapped. Provide a scrap reason for quality tracking and optionally schedule a replacement quantity — a replacement is queued automatically on the work order.

Part progression flow

1. Create a work order for the part from the order's Production tab — parts land at Waiting for Slicing.
2. Open the Printing operation; download parts grouped by material and color.
3. Prepare the print job offline with slicer software.
4. Upload the exported file to progress parts out of Printing.
5. Move parts manually through Post-Printing, Polishing, and Quality Control.
6. Parts reaching Completed are renamed with the "Finished" prefix.

Workflow efficiency benefits

Some advantages include:

• Material and color-based grouping minimizes filament changes and reduces setup time.
• Flexible batch processing supports both single-part and multi-part print jobs.
• Individual part tracking provides precise visibility, well-suited to FDM’s typically smaller batch sizes.
• Clear workflow visibility ensures proper handling of support removal, finishing steps, and downstream operations.