BigRep Flow Workflow Automation for 3D Printing Parts

BigRep’s Flow is a workflow for automated application engineering. This software as a service (SaaS) product is said to enable anyone to create customized, 3D-printable factory tooling with just a few clicks. No experience is required in 3D printing or 3D design. Much more than just design automation, BigRep Flow is said to automate the entire application engineering process with a customized app for users to produce ready-to-use tooling, such as jigs, fixtures and manufacturing aids.

Because every customer’s needs are unique, the initial step for using the software is for BigRep’s engineering team to learn more about the customer's application. Together with the client, BigRep determines feasibility based on user-defined benchmarks and qualifications to launch the development phase. Feedback and development iterations result in a custom BigRep Flow application that generates consistent 3D-printable tooling.  With this software, all design configurations are optimized for 3D printing speed and success, as well as reduced material costs. Customers are said to get the tools they need faster, cheaper and more accessible.

In addition to a custom app, BigRep FLOW includes a collection of sample apps to produce a range of factory aids and tools. Available developed apps include transporters and organizers such as customized trays, boxes, storage dividers and shadow boards. Tooling apps and factory aids such as soft jaws, assembly jigs and product twisters can enable anyone to create complex parts.

No training is required to create custom tools. The software is accessible across platforms, including mobile devices. Each custom Flow App requires virtually no training as the user experience is straightforward and streamlined. Users log in to their Flow account to access an App Library, which includes their custom apps as well as free sample apps. After opening the appropriate app (for example, a fixture configurator), the user uploads a 3D file of their existing part, for which the software then generates the custom fixture. The user easily configures the parameters within seconds. With a single click within the app, they can order their printed tools or start production on an in-house BigRep 3D printer.

BigRep says its Flow can replace an existing 3D workflow to save time and money. Users new to 3D printing can instantly create the tools they need and skip the 3D learning curve entirely, from application engineering to printing functional tools. The advantages of BigRep Flow over a traditional 3D design workflow is that it an create printable tools in minutes rather than days for immediate results and fast design iterations. The intuitive cloud-based interface makes it simple to configure custom tools, and design changes are calculated in real-time with instant visualization.