Quoting Non-Planar 3D Printing

Most 3D printing quotes assume planar slicing — flat layers stacked on the Z axis. But non-planar printing, whether on a 5-axis machine or through curved-layer slicing on 3-axis hardware, changes the geometry of the job and the economics of the quote. If you’re still applying a standard per-hour or per-gram rate, you’re likely undercharging for the engineering time and overpromising on lead time.

Why Non-Planar Breaks Standard Quoting

Planar slicing is predictable: slice, generate toolpaths, estimate time, add material and overhead. Non-planar introduces variables that don’t scale linearly:

• Slicing itself takes longer — curved layers require custom algorithms or manual CAM work.
• Collision avoidance becomes a per-job engineering task, not a checkbox.
• Surface quality varies by angle; you may need tighter tolerances or post-processing.
• Support structures behave differently — sometimes you need fewer, sometimes you need sacrificial geometry that adds print time and removal labor.

These factors make “cost per gram” or “machine hour rate” dangerous shortcuts.

Identify the Real Time Drivers

Break the quote into phases that reflect actual effort:

1. Geometry analysis & DFM review: Can the part be printed non-planar without gouging? Does it need reorientation or splitting?
2. Slicing & toolpath generation: Time spent in CAM or specialized slicers (e.g., DotX, Slic3r non-planar, custom scripts).
3. Simulation & collision check: Mandatory for 5-axis; recommended for complex 3-axis curved layers.
4. Print time: Often slower per layer due to coordinated motion, but fewer layers total.
5. Support strategy & removal: Non-planar supports can be harder to reach.
6. Inspection: Curved surfaces may need CMM or structured-light scanning instead of simple caliper checks.

Track each phase separately so you can refine estimates over time.

Choose a Pricing Model That Matches Risk

Three models work well for non-planar jobs:

• Time & materials with a non-planar surcharge: Transparent, low risk for you. Add 20–40% on engineering hours for slicing/simulation.
• Fixed price with defined scope: Specify layer strategy, orientation, and max overhang angle in the quote. Charge for revisions outside scope.
• Tiered by complexity class: Class A (simple curved walls, 3-axis), Class B (overhangs >45°, 5-axis), Class C (full 5-axis simultaneous, internal features). Publish base rates per class.

Whichever model you pick, document the assumptions — slicer version, machine kinematics, support philosophy — so the customer knows what they’re buying.

Communicate Lead Time Honestly

Non-planar jobs often have shorter print time but longer prep time. A 12-hour print might need 8 hours of CAM and simulation. If your quote says “2-day lead time” but prep takes a day, you’ve set a trap. Quote prep and print separately, and flag any external dependencies (specialized slicer license, simulation cloud credits).

Build a Feedback Loop

After each non-planar job, capture actuals vs. estimates for every phase. Feed that data back into your quoting engine. Over time you’ll replace gut feel with a lookup table: “Class B, 500 cm³, Inconel 718 = 6.2 hrs prep + 14 hrs print.” That’s the point where quoting stops being a bottleneck and starts being a competitive advantage.

Automate the Repeatable Parts

Once you have reliable phase-level data, you can codify it. A quoting engine that stores your non-planar complexity classes, material-specific feed rates, and simulation overhead lets you generate accurate quotes in minutes instead of hours. That’s where Solvi fits in — customizable quote logic, integrated MES for actuals capture, and a job board to fill the capacity you free up.

Start by instrumenting your next three non-planar jobs. The data you collect will pay for the effort on the fourth.