3D Printing Solutions

5301 Campus Drive

Fort Worth, TX 76119

Date:

November 11, 2015

To:

Tom Peters
Chief Executive Officer
3D Printing Solutions

From:

Clint Sceeles - Project Manager

Christi Davenport - Project Materials Coordinator
Adrian Rodriguez - Research Analyst
Jon Russell - Research Analyst

Progress Report
Purpose
This is a progress report on our research for a new 3D printer filament
that will cost our company less to manufacture, as well as maintain a
high durability in order to increase our profit margin. With approval
from Mr. Peters the team has been able to continue to research for a
better solution.
Introduction
The current material cost of the PLA 3D printer filament we are using to
manufacture our products is too high. Due to the cost of our current
filament, our profit margin per sale is no longer substantial. As of
today, we have not taken any steps to address this problem except
raising the cost of our products. We need to lower the cost of our
products in order to keep them competitive with other brands. Raising
the prices of our merchandise has not been beneficial for our company.

Completed Work
Task 1: Research Filament Types
Our team investigated the many different types of filaments we could
use for our products. We began our search by obtaining a list of a few
common filaments based on color, cost, and durability. The most
notable filaments we researched were ABS, PLA, nylon, PVA, and resin.
From the types of filaments discovered, we proceeded to narrow our

selection to the best two options using the same criteria. Our research
led us to further compare ABS and PLA filament types.
Task 2 & Task 3: Compare Filament Options/ PLA vs ABS
We began to research the pros and cons of ABS and PLA filament
types. Our team looked for durability, quality, cost, production time,
and final product details. We discovered that ABS is a more durable
material, flexible, heat resistant, easy to work with, and bonds easily
(English). However, ABS releases fumes, is prone to cracking if not
properly handled, and is non-biodegradable (English). On the other
hand, PLA has a high print speed, is non-toxic, and produces finer
details (English). However, PLA has a low resistance to heat, is prone to
curling, it is brittle, and does not bond well (English).
Task 4: Compare Cost Options
Concerning price to manufacture, ABS is more cost effective than PLA
while still maintaining our standards of durability and quality. ABS 3D
printer filament cost ranges from $14 - $60 USD per kilogram in
comparison to $19 - $75 USD per kilogram for PLA (What Material).
ABS 3D printer filament is the ideal filament for our company to use in
order to increase our profit margin.
Task 5: Progress Report
Submitting this progress report to update Mr. Peters on the teams
findings and to continue research on the pros and cons of PLA and ABS
plastic filament.

Future Work
Task 6 & 7: Preparing and submitting report
The team is currently on schedule to submit a complete report by the
deadline. Conclusions of why the company should switch from using
PLA plastic filament to ABS plastic filament and why this choice would
be good for the companys bottom line will be further discussed in the
report.

Updated Schedule
Tasks

10/21

10/29

11.1

11/16

11/20

Task 1. Research Filament Types

Task 2. Compare Filament Options
Task 3. PLA vs. ABS
Task 4. Compare Cost Options
Task 5. Progress Report
Task 6. Prepare Report
Task 7. Completed Report

Conclusion
Our team has obtained all of the information we need to make a valid
argument in favor of switching from using PLA 3D printer filament to
ABS 3D printer filament. We will compile our information into a final
research report to further solidify our reasoning behind switching to
ABS in order to increase our companys profit margin.

Works Cited
"What Material Should I Use for 3D Printing? | 3D Printing for
Beginners." 3D Printing for Beginners What Material Should I Use For
3D Printing Comments. 23 Feb. 2015. Web. 11 Nov. 2015.
English, Alex. "3D Printer Filament Buyer's Guide." ProtoParadigm. 13
June 2013. Web. 11 Nov. 2015.