Aditya Parmar
20223018
C.S.E
Innovation and Design
Assignment 2.1
3D PRINTER
Identifying Customer Needs
Customer : Yash Kumar
Telephone : 9693078****
Email :kumaryash010@gmail.com
Profession : Student
Willing to do follow-up ? : YES
Interviewer(s) : Aditya Parmar
Date :11/5/2023
Currently uses : Printrbot
Type of user :
Question / Customer Interpreted
prompt Statement Need
The filament jam occurs Heat the extruder to the appropriate temperature
and check for any blockages or obstructions.
Typical issues frequently.
Limited print volume. Plan your designs accordingly to fit within the
available print volume of your Printrbot printer.
The 3D printer is not very expensive.
Affordable.
Likes - Current
Model Compact Size
The size of 3D printer is compact.
Build Volume Limitations. The volume limitation will be increased, you can
Dislikes - also make subpart of the mode at a time .
Noise and Vibrations. The 3D Printer will be more stable.
Current Model
My model will be compatibile with various type of
Limited Material Compatibility.
materials.
Limited Customer Support. We will make availabe customer service center at
Suggested every city.
The volume printed by the Printrbot We will increase the print volume in single use.
Improvements is very less.
Hierarchical list of primary and secondary customer needs for the 3D
Printer. Importance ratings for the secondary needs are indicated by
the number of *’s, with *** denoting critically important needs.
Primary Customer Needs:
1. Print Quality and Accuracy
- Consistent and precise printing with minimal errors or imperfections.
- Accurate reproduction of intricate details and complex geometries.
- *** Importance rating: High
2. Reliability and Ease of Use
- Dependable performance with minimal downtime and maintenance requirements.
- Intuitive user interface and straightforward operation.
- Quick and easy setup and calibration procedures.
- ** Importance rating: Medium
3. Print Speed and Efficiency
- Faster printing times without compromising print quality.
- Efficient use of materials to minimize waste.
- * Importance rating: Low
4. Build Volume and Flexibility
- Sufficient build volume to accommodate a wide range of print sizes.
- Compatibility with various filaments and materials.
- * Importance rating: Low
Secondary Customer Needs:
1. Customer Support and Resources
- Accessible and responsive customer support channels for assistance.
- Comprehensive documentation, user manuals, and troubleshooting guides.
- ** Importance rating: Medium
2. Upgradeability and Modifiability
- Compatibility with aftermarket upgrades and modifications to enhance performance or add new features
- Availability of open-source designs and documentation for customization.
- * Importance rating: Low
3. Noise and Vibration Levels
- Quiet operation to minimize disruption in the surrounding environment.
- Reduced vibrations for improved print quality and stability.
- * Importance rating: Low
4. Connectivity and Software Compatibility
- Seamless integration with popular 3D printing software and slicers.
- Support for standard file formats and connectivity options (USB, SD card, etc.).
- * Importance rating: Low
5. Material Compatibility and Versatility
- Support for a wide range of filament types, including specialty and composite materials.
- Ability to print with flexible filaments or exotic materials.
- * Importance rating: Low
Product Specifications
Customer needs for the 3D Printer and their relative importance.
No. Product Need Imp.
1. 3D Printer Precise printing with minimum imperfections. 3
2. 3D Printer Efficient and fast printing without compromising quality. 3
3. 3D Printer Spacious print area to make larger models . 3
4. 3D Printer User-friendly interface. 3
5. 3D Printer Support for a wide range of filaments and materials.
3
6. 3D Printer Multiple connectivity options such as USB, Wi-Fi, or SD
2
card for convenient file transfer.
7. 3D Printer Easy and accurate bed leveling 2
8. 3D Printer Quiet operation for a more comfortable working
2
environment.
9. 3D Printer To address inquiries and troubleshoot issues.
2
10. 3D Printer Ability to print with multiple materials or colors 2
simultaneously.
11. 3D Printer Automatic detection of filament run-out and ability to
1
pause printing for filament changes.
12. 3D Printer Integrated camera for remote monitoring of prints. 1
3D Printer Wireless connectivity for remote control .
13. 1
.
List of metrics for the 3D Printer. The relative importance of each metric
and the units for the metric are also shown. “Subj.” is an abbreviation
indicating that a metric is subjective.
Metric No. Metric Importance Units
1 Print Quality and Accuracy 4 subj.
2 Reliability and Durability 3 subj.
3 Print Speed 3 mm/s
4 Build Volume 4 mm or cm³
5 Ease of Use 3 subj.
6 Material Compatibility 3 subj.
7 Bed Leveling and Calibration 2 subj.
8 Support and Customer Service 2 subj.
9 Connectivity Options 2 subj.
10 Noise Reduction 2 subj.
11 Software Compatibility 2 subj.
12 Dual Extrusion Capability 1 subj.
13 Auto Filament Detection and Pause 1 subj.
14 Onboard Camera 1 subj.
15 Wireless Printing Capability 1 subj.
Competitive benchmarking chart based on metrics.
MakerBot
Metric Printrbot My Product Creality Ender 3
Replicator+
Print Quality and
High High Medium High
Accuracy
Reliability and
Medium High Medium High
Durability
Print Speed Medium Fast Medium Medium
Build Volume Small Large Medium Medium
Ease of Use Easy Easy Moderate Easy
Material
Wide Range Wide Range Limited Wide Range
Compatibility
Bed Leveling and
Manual Automatic Manual Automatic
Calibration
Support and
Average Excellent Good Good
Customer Service
Connectivity Options USB, SD Wi-Fi, USB USB, SD USB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Noise Reduction Moderate Quiet Moderate Quiet
Software
Limited Popular Popular Popular
Compatibility
Dual Extrusion
No Yes No Yes
Capability
Auto Filament
No Yes No Yes
Detection and Pause
Onboard Camera No No No No
Wireless Printing
No Yes No Yes
Capability
Enclosed Chamber No Yes No No
Filament Run-Out
No Yes No Yes
Sensor
Multicolor Printing
No Yes No Yes
Support
Adaptive Layer
No No No No
Height
Cloud Printing
No Yes No Yes
Integration
The Target Specifications.
Marginal
Metric No. Metric Importance Units Ideal Values
Values
Print Quality and
1 5 subj. 0.05mm 0.02mm
Accuracy
Reliability and
2 4 subj. 300 hours 500 hours
Durability
3 Print Speed 4 mm/s 60 mm/s 100 mm/s
200 x 200 x 200 300 x 300 x 300
4 Build Volume 4 mm or cm³
mm mm
Intuitive Streamlined
5 Ease of Use 3 subj.
interface setup process
Wide range of
Material filaments (e.g.,
6 3 subj. PLA, ABS, PETG
Compatibility PLA, ABS, PETG,
TPU)
Bed Leveling and Manual with Automatic bed
7 3 subj.
Calibration assisted leveling leveling
Support and response time: response time:
8 2 subj.
Customer Service 24 hours 12 hours
Connectivity
9 2 subj. USB, SD, Wi-Fi USB, SD, Wi-Fi
Options
10 Noise Reduction 2 subj. 50 dB(A) 40 dB(A)
Compatible with
Compatible with
Software popular slicing
11 2 subj. popular slicing
Compatibility software and
software
design tools
Dual Extrusion Dual extrusion
12 1 subj. Optional feature
Capability capability
Auto Filament
Auto detection
13 Detection and 1 subj. Optional feature
and pause
Pause
Onboard
camera for
14 Onboard Camera 1 subj. Optional feature
remote
monitoring
Wireless
Wireless Printing
15 1 subj. Optional feature printing
Capability
capability
Problem Decomposition
Function diagram of a 3D Printer arising from a functional
decomposition: overall “black box”.
INPUT OUTPUT
Energy Energy
Material 3D Printer Material
Signal Signal
Energy : 1. Electric Energy,
2. Solar Energy,
3. Diesel printer .
Filament : 1. Thermoplastics like PLA and Nylon,
Material 2. Photopolymer like resin
3. Metals like aluminum and steel
4. carbon fiber and glass fiber
Signal : 1. Computer Connection
2. SD Card or USB Drive
3. Wireless Connection
4. Sensors
List of Subproblems:
Print Quality or Detail Limitations
The printer's capabilities may have limitations in achieving high
levels of print quality or fine details, affecting the output.
Limited Material Compatibility:
The printer may have restrictions on the types of filaments or
materials it can effectively print with, limiting material choices.
Filament Jamming or Clogging:
The filament path within the printer can sometimes get clogged or
jammed, leading to interruptions in the printing process.
Limited Print Speed or Resolution:
The printer's capabilities may have limitations in terms of print speed
or resolution, affecting the efficiency and quality of prints
Noise or Vibration during Printing:
The printer may produce excessive noise or vibrations during
operation, which can be disruptive or indicate mechanical issues.
Difficulty in Leveling the Print Bed:
Ensuring proper leveling of the print bed is crucial for achieving
successful prints, but it can be challenging to achieve and maintain
the correct level.
Limiting Print Volume:
The volume print at a single use is less and limiting. Which decreses
the productivity of the printer.
Customer service:
The problems of the customers are not solved properly and on
time.
List of Critical Subproblems.
Poor Print Quality:
Prints may have issues such as layer shifting, warping, stringing, or poor
surface finish, affecting the overall quality and accuracy of the printed
objects.
Filament Jamming:
Filament can get stuck or jammed in the extruder, obstructing the filament
flow and halting the printing process.
Limited Filament Compatibility:
Some printers have limitations in terms of filament compatibility,
restricting the use of certain materials or brands.
Noisy Operation:
The printer may generate excessive noise during printing, which can be
disruptive and affect the working environment.
Limited Print Size:
The printer's build volume may be too small, restricting the size of objects
that can be printed.
Slow Print Speed:
The printer may have slow print speeds, resulting in longer print times for
larger or more complex objects.
Insufficient Cooling:
Inadequate cooling of printed parts can lead to issues such as warping,
drooping, or poor overhang performance.
