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3D Printing Solutions

5301 Campus Drive


Fort Worth, TX 76119

Date:

November 11, 2015

To:

Tom Peters
Chief Executive Officer
3D Printing Solutions

From:

Clint Sceeles - Project Manager


Christi Davenport - Project Materials Coordinator
Adrian Rodriguez - Research Analyst
Jon Russell - Research Analyst

Progress Report
Purpose

This is a progress report on our research for a new 3D printer filament that will cost
our company less to manufacture, as well as maintain a high durability in order to
increase our profit margin. With approval from Mr. Peters the team has been able to
continue to research for a better solution.

Introduction

The current material cost of the PLA 3D printer filament we are using to
manufacture our products is too high. Due to the cost of our current filament, our
profit margin per sale is no longer substantial. As of today, we have not taken any
steps to address this problem except raising the cost of our products. We need to
lower the cost of our products in order to keep them competitive with other brands.
Raising the prices of our merchandise has not been beneficial for our company.

Completed Work


Task 1: Research Filament Types

Our team investigated the many different types of filaments we could use for our
products. We began our search by obtaining a list of a few common filaments based
on color, cost, and durability. The most notable filaments we researched were ABS,
PLA, nylon, PVA, and resin. From the types of filaments discovered, we proceeded to
narrow our selection to the best two options using the same criteria. Our research
led us to further compare ABS and PLA filament types.

Task 2 & Task 3: Compare Filament Options/ PLA vs ABS



We began to research the pros and cons of ABS and PLA filament types. Our team
looked for durability, quality, cost, production time, and final product details. We
discovered that ABS is a more durable material, flexible, heat resistant, easy to work
with, and bonds easily (English). However, ABS releases fumes, is prone to cracking
if not properly handled, and is non-biodegradable (English). On the other hand, PLA
has a high print speed, is non-toxic, and produces finer details (English). However,
PLA has a low resistance to heat, is prone to curling, it is brittle, and does not bond
well (English).

Task 4: Compare Cost Options

Concerning price to manufacture, ABS is more cost effective than PLA while still
maintaining our standards of durability and quality. ABS 3D printer filament cost
ranges from $14 - $60 USD per kilogram in comparison to $19 - $75 USD per
kilogram for PLA (What Material). ABS 3D printer filament is the ideal filament for
our company to use in order to increase our profit margin.

Task 5: Progress Report

Submitting this progress report to update Mr. Peters on the teams findings, and to
continue our research on the pros and cons of PLA and ABS plastic filaments.

Future Work


Task 6 & 7: Preparing and submitting report

Our team has been continuing our research and is projected to be on schedule to
submit a complete report containing our entire analysis of the issue as well as our
proposed solution.

Updated Schedule

Tasks

10/21

10/29

11.1

11/16

11/20

Task 1. Research Filament Types


Task 2. Compare Filament Options
Task 3. PLA vs. ABS
Task 4. Compare Cost Options
Task 5. Progress Report
Task 6. Prepare Report
Task 7. Completed Report

Conclusion

Our team has obtained all of the information that we need in order to make a valid
argument in favor of switching from using PLA 3D printer filament to ABS 3D
printer filament. We will compile our information into a final research report to
further solidify our reasoning behind switching to ABS in order to increase our
companys profit margin.



Works Cited


"What Material Should I Use for 3D Printing? | 3D Printing for Beginners." 3D
Printing for Beginners What Material Should I Use For 3D Printing Comments. 23 Feb.
2015. Web. 11 Nov. 2015.

English, Alex. "3D Printer Filament Buyer's Guide." ProtoParadigm. 13 June 2013.
Web. 11 Nov. 2015.

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