Efficient Prototyping through Smart 3D Print Job Management
Reading time: 3min
Table of contents
Summary
The Exolynk platform enables smart job management for 3D print prototyping. Its automated workflow seamlessly connects development, manufacturing, and printing systems. Features like automatic G-code analysis, dashboard reporting, inventory management, and system notifications boost efficiency, reduce costs, and support data-driven decision-making.
Initial Situation
In industrial product development, rapid and cost-effective prototyping plays a central role. As 3D printing technologies become more widespread, new opportunities arise to shorten development cycles, reduce material costs, and make manufacturing processes more flexible.
A recent project illustrates a successful integration of this technology, in which a customized job management system for 3D print prototyping was implemented on the Exolynk platform. This digital workflow connects development engineers, the manufacturing department, and 3D printers through a central platform—automated, transparent, and efficient
Digital Order Processing from Design to Prototype Output
The process begins with the development engineer: using an intuitive form, they can create a new print job, including details such as urgency, material selection, and project reference. The highlight: When uploading a .gcode file, key metadata is automatically extracted:
- Preview image of the part
- Estimated print time
- Material usage and cost
This automated analysis not only provides an overview but also eliminates manual steps and potential sources of error. Once the order is submitted, the prototyping team is instantly notified by email.
Thanks to direct integration with Prusa Connect, the responsible employee can start the print job directly on the appropriate 3D printer—without any media disruptions. After completion and quality assurance, the job is marked as “Ready for Pickup,” including automatic notification to the requester
Data-Driven Decisions via Dashboards and Analytics
One of the standout features of the system is the integrated reporting dashboard, which provides key insights at a glance:
- Cost savings compared to conventional methods like injection molding
- Filament consumption per project and over time
- Utilization and efficiency of the 3D printers
- Average lead times and project status overview
This structured visualization enables well-informed strategic decisions—such as expanding manufacturing capacity or acquiring additional equipment. Forecasting functions also support proactive resource planning.
Fig. Dashboard Exolynk 3D Print Job Management
Administrative Added Value: Automation and Structured Archiving
In addition to operational efficiency, the platform offers administrative benefits:
- Centralized project archiving including *.gcode files
- DMS for filament specifications (e.g., material thickness, antistatic properties)
- Dynamic inventory management with automatic quantity calculation based on completed projects
- Notification systems for maintenance intervals (e.g., extruder runtime) and stock alerts
The entire process chain—from order creation to printing and archiving—is digitally mapped. This significantly reduces manual administrative effort and increases transparency in daily operations.
Technical Highlights: Seamless System Integration
To implement the system, various customized workflows and object codes were developed:
- G-code parser for structured extraction of technical parameters
- Webhook processing from Prusa Connect for real-time status updates
- Email gateway for targeted notifications on status changes
- Inventory logic for filament with intelligent reconciliation of usage and stock
An automatic file workflow also ensures completed print jobs are regularly cleaned and archived—improving clarity and data security.
Conclusion: Digital 3D Printing Workflow as a Driver of Efficiency
The implementation of this solution not only accelerated the operational process in prototype manufacturing but also significantly improved collaboration between development and production. The combination of automation, data visualization, and seamless system integration proved to be a key success factor.
Companies investing in additive manufacturing can reduce administrative workload by up to 60% with such platform solutions—while gaining real-time access to decision-critical data. Investing in smart job management is therefore much more than a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic advantage in global competition
Interested in digitizing your prototyping process and benefiting from efficiency gains?
Feel free to contact us for a personalized consultation and demo of the Exolynk platform solutions.
