EasyPRINT

EasyPRINT is a platform which facilitate the end costumers to pre-evaluate the desired 3D printed products. It allows manufacturing companies and global supply chains to offer to their customers printing solutions that meet the demands in terms of customization and mass customization. EasyPrint will be an important agent that will contribute to the creation of a circular EU manufacturing ecosystem shifting from the cradle-to-grave to the cradle-to-cradle approach.

EasyPrint offers a seamless intelligent design service dedicated to creating personalized products through an eco-friendly approach. This platform empowers customers to articulate specific requirements for fully customized products. Simultaneously, it facilitates 3D printing manufacturers in translating these customer-defined requirements into individualized product specifications, enabling the creation of customer-centric designs for additive manufacturing. The initial considerations in this process are typically linked to the chosen 3D printer hardware. This hardware selection imposes certain limitations on the materials (such as plastics, metals, resins, etc.) and technologies (like FDM, SLA, etc.) that can be employed for product realization. One of the primary challenges lies in determining the most appropriate slicing technique that adheres to the physical constraints of the model, encompassing factors like gravity resistance and cooling time. This is coupled with a myriad of printing parameters, including infill pattern and density, printing temperature, extrusion speed, and more.

Given the multitude of potential parameter combinations, the prototyping process often involves exploring various printing hypotheses. The goal is to identify the optimal printing settings in terms of time, material, and cost. EasyPrint not only streamlines this intricate process by efficiently managing multiple printing hypotheses, but also goes a step further by providing a comprehensive understanding of the ecological footprint associated with each hypothesis. It guides users not only through the maze of design considerations but also sheds light on the sustainability implications of each decision. The platform highlights the eco-friendly aspects, helping users make informed choices that align with environmental priorities. Additionally, it extends a valuable pre-evaluation service to customers, offering insights into both costs and the products they require through additive printing technologies. 

In essence, the design journey with EasyPrint unfolds smoothly, saving both time and costs for customers and manufacturers alike.

Regarding circularity indicators:

CIR1 - EasyPrint platform led to a 30% reduction in material orders compared to the standard method, which indicates greater efficiency in resource management. Moreover, it helps to minimize the risks of having to re-produce a product due to incorrect design configurations, hence reducing the amount of waste materials.

CIR2 - By suggesting materials with lower carbon footprints, improved resource efficiency, and higher recyclability, the platform contributes to more sustainable practices in the industry.

CIR3 - EasyPrint encourages the best environmental printing hypothesis, which favours recyclable materials (keeping the value of products, components and materials in the economy).

CIR5 - EasyPrint encourages the best environmental printing hypothesis, which respects emissions limits by suggesting printers with low environmental impact.