Thrinno Marketplace
The design of a metal component in the Thrinno Marketplace.
Thrinno, a Belgian software start-up present in the 3D printing space, has today launched an integrated platform tailored for metal additive manufacturing.
The Thrinno MarketPlace will allow companies to obtain the most competitive price, based on actual manufacturing capacity. Access available in any location, at any time, the online program offers professional design optimisation and a platform for users to assess their designs with Thrinno’s metal AM design checks.
Working to establish itself as a software solutions provider for companies using additive manufacturing methods, Thrinno’s MarketPlace boasts a ‘Fast Quote’ feature. Thrinno Fast Quote is an intelligent quotation generator for metal AM service providers.
The inspiration behind the launch of the system was the often time consuming task of searching for the cheapest quote for a supplier to produce a part. Thrinno is aware it is not uncommon to be quoted three different prices from three different companies for the same part. Additionally, going back a month later, for example, for quotes to the same three companies with the same object, may return another three set of prices.
This is explained by a ‘simple technical reason’. Typically, objects requested from different customers will be printed on the same build plate – the fuller the build plate, the cheaper each object will be. In an ideal scenario – a scenario Thrinno is looking to create – and for an optimised design, customers would be able to find excessive capacity on a build plate anywhere in the world and for an optimal price.
Thrinno Marketplace
Thrinno Marketplace will also allow customers to select the ‘right’ supplier through its proprietary matching system, which offers filters on geographic location, materials, experience, type of industry, printable dimensions, and print lead times. In the near future, a bidding system will also be accessible, allowing the Thrinno customer to get the most competitive price from suppliers with excess short term capacity. Suppliers can also be asked to sign an e-Non Disclosure Agreement before accessing the file.
Meanwhile, the Marketplace is also beneficial to the suppliers. Eventually, suppliers will be able to connect their system with the platform to get real time information on objects that fit onto their build plate. This would ensure the quality of each object on the build plate is protected.
Also on the Thrinno platform, companies can now assess their designs’ printability and gain a better understanding of the design process and other factors that influence printability. This design check toolbox is currently freely available for all users of the platform. Additionally, users of the platform will have access to assistance from additive manufacturing consultants, who will help to guide them in assessing all functional aspects when designing a part for metal AM in the first place.
