Automated Additive Manufacturing assessment

The challenge: In the aftersales market, maintaining a supply of spare parts for discontinued models is a logistical nightmare. Stock often runs out after a few years, and restarting conventional production is only viable in large batches that far exceed actual demand. This leads to high costs for surplus storage, repackaging, and slow, expensive shipping to workshops. Furthermore, many companies lack specialized technical know-how to determine which parts are suitable for 3D printing or how to parameterize them for high-quality results.

The solution: Susi & James has partnered with industry-leading manufacturing experts to develop a solution where the Digital Employees act as automated consultants for Additive Manufacturing. The system simplifies the transition by:

• • Technical & economic evaluation: The Digital Employee automatically assesses parts to determine if they are technically feasible for 3D printing and if switching from conventional manufacturing makes financial sense.
• • Parameterization for quality: The AI leverages expert knowledge to suggest the best possible print parameters, ensuring the final component meets all industrial requirements.
• • End-to-end digital services: Users can commission additional high-value services through the portal, including the digitization of old 2D technical drawings into 3D models, part texturing, and custom modifications.
• • Decentralized production network: The solution connects companies to a qualified network of 3D printing service providers, allowing parts to be manufactured locally—at the place of need—to bypass traditional supply chain delays.

The result: Companies can focus on their core aftersales business while enjoying the benefits of a "Digital Warehouse." By producing parts on-demand, they eliminate capital commitment in physical inventory, reduce logistical overhead, and drastically shorten delivery times for the end customer. This high-tech approach ensures that even the oldest models can stay on the road without the burden of "classic" spare parts management.