A functional web-based platform for a company specializing in 3D print services to optimize and streamline their workflow with the end-to-end orders management system.
The software has boosted 3D printer optimization by 40% and facilitated the product delivery process with more than 50 printer model support. 3D model order leaves in less than 10 min. The platform includes 3 different apps: an application for 3D Printer, an admin panel, and a website.
Goal
The 3D print company requested our team to create a universal web solution for the whole 3D print management industry. The main goals of this platform are as follows:
- unite designers, printer owners, and customers who want to print parts within a single platform;
- simplify and streamline the ordering process for 3D details and their delivery;
- secure source files by encrypted sharing source files with printer owners.
Challenges
To release a high-quality and secured web-based product for the 3D print industry, we’ve faced multiple challenges in the process. Our team was to complete the following requirements:
- ensure the platform is compatible with the graphical user interface (GUI) applications for 3D printers;
- provide stable and effective performance management through Web applications;
- create the workflow with 3D printers hardware and software for process automation;
- prioritize the application system security to comply with the basic project standards.
Solutions
We’ve implemented the following solutions:
Automated & Configurable Subscription System
To optimize the interaction for both parties – the 3D parts designers and 3D printing vendors – our team has developed a fully automated subscription system, which can be customized per user needs for convenient and quick interactions.
Automated Payment System
The integration of Stripe allowed our developers to make the transactions for any of the delivered 3D printing services more secure and transparent. Additionally, we incorporated the warranty and dispute functionalities. The latter can help increase the audience’s trust, client loyalty, and engagement.
Lucrative Buy-and-Earn Model
To get started as a 3D printing vendor, clients should only purchase the equipment to work on. The 3D print management software system, as well as the supportive software, comes pre-installed already!
GCode File Support
To simplify the cooperation between designers and 3D print contractors, the platform supports a universal GCode source file type, which reduces the time for order processing and delivery.
Convenient Interface
The web-based 3D management workspace features a functional admin panel for different user segments and supports a diverse number of 3D printers. The platform also has a convenient dispute management system to effectively tackle issues of any sort and type.
Technologies
- Frontend: React.js library, GraphQL.
- Backend Phoenix framework, CURA (open source slicing application for 3D printers), WxWidgets library, PostgreSQL.
Infrastructure
All the modules are autonomous and set in separate servers on Amazon. They interact with each other by Graphql API. We use service architecture with a completed CI/CD process for the speed of development and better server management.
- Technologies: Docker, Amazon S3, Amazon RDS, Digital Ocean, Github actions.
Outcomes
Our team has delivered a functional web-based 3D platform that will contribute significantly to the 3D print services optimization, making the order and delivery processes extremely simple, transparent, and hustle-free.
