Below is a list of the key parameters for your machines and materials. Each parameter affects cost estimates, feasibility checks, and overall process efficiency. Use these descriptions to accurately configure your setup and get the most from the 3D Spark system.
Reminder: How can I add / create a new machine?
Reminder: How can I add / create a new material?
Machine Parameters
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Name
Enter a descriptive name for your machine. We recommend appending the paired material name (e.g. “Fortus 900mc / Ultem 9085”) so it’s easier to distinguish. -
OEM Name
The machine’s manufacturer (e.g. Stratasys, Nikon SLM Solutions). -
Process
The technology the machine uses (e.g. FDM, SLA, SLS). -
Machine Hourly Rate (€/h)
The hourly cost (in euros) to run this machine. -
Build envelope x-direction (mm)
The printable size of the machine along the X-axis. -
Build envelope y-direction (mm)
The printable size of the machine along the Y-axis. -
Build envelope z-direction (mm)
The printable size of the machine along the Z-axis. -
Process time per layer (s)
The additional time per layer—typically independent of part geometry (e.g. recoating powder, nozzle cleaning). -
Fixed machine cost per job (€)
Any fixed, time-independent machine cost per job. -
Setup time (h), Unloading time (h), Machine idle time (h)
These times are added to the build time regardless of how long the build takes. They incur both machine costs and (optionally) labor costs if staff supervision is required. You can also enter “0” and create separate process steps in your process chain.
(More details: How to create your process steps and cost drivers) -
Layer Height (mm)
Usually left blank here; specify layer height when creating the material instead. -
Staff supervision time (%)
What percent of total build time (Setup + Build + Unloading + Idle) requires staff assistance? This percentage is multiplied by the total build time and your technician’s hourly cost.
(Learn more about staff hourly rates here.) -
Access
Determines whether the machine is visible only to you or also to other users in your organization. -
Average Power Consumption (kW)
Used to estimate the carbon footprint based on total build time and your energy settings.
(More about energy settings: Energy Settings) -
Id
The machine’s unique 3D Spark system ID (read-only).
Material Parameters
General
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Name
Name of the material. It is often helpful to include process details (e.g. “ABS / 0.2mm layer”). -
Access
Determines whether the material is visible only to you or to others in your organization. -
OEM Name
The name of the material or feedstock manufacturer. -
Technology
The manufacturing method (e.g. additive manufacturing, milling, casting) in which this material is used. -
Process
The specific technology (e.g. FDM, SLA). -
Raw Material Cost (€/kg)
Cost of the feedstock (filament, powder, etc.) per kilogram. -
Material Density (g/cm³)
The density of the material once it is transformed into a part. -
Color
The color of the material. -
Default Machine
The machine that this material is paired with. Make sure you select the correct one.Important note: Setting the correct machine is often overlooked. Ensure that you pair the material with the appropriate machine.
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Material Level 2
The material family. This usually auto-selects if you base this on a similar existing material. -
Id
The material’s unique 3D Spark system ID (read-only).
Additive Manufacturing
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Infill Density (%)
Primarily for AM processes, specifies the interior density of the printed part. -
Relative density of support structures
How much of the support volume is actual material (0 = no supports needed, 1 = fully dense supports). For example, 0.3 means 30% is material, 70% is empty space. -
Ratio of build material, that cannot be recycled
Fraction of feedstock that becomes waste (e.g., 0 = fully recyclable, 1 = none is recyclable). For instance, 0.3 means 30% of unused feedstock is waste. -
Minimal printable supportless overhang angle (horizontal-to-surface angle) (°)
Angle at which the software begins generating supports (0° = no support needed for any overhang; 90° = everything needs support). A common value is 45°. -
Layer Height (mm)
The thickness of each printed layer. -
Wall Thickness (mm)
Defines the wall thickness of the part and affects the infill zones. This also determines which areas are built at “Build Rate (Contour)” vs. “Build Rate (Core).” -
Built Rate (Core) (cm³/h)
The build speed for the internal (core) region of the part, starting at “Wall Thickness” depth from the surface. -
Embodied Carbon (kgCO₂/kg)
The carbon footprint associated with the feedstock. -
Build Rate (Contour) (cm³/h)
The build speed for the outer contour regions (within the specified wall thickness). -
Minimal printable wall thickness (mm)
Used in feasibility checks; the thinnest possible wall for this material. -
Maximum printable wall thickness (mm)
Used in feasibility checks; the thickest possible wall for this material. -
Minimal printable gap size (mm)
Used in feasibility checks; how close walls/surfaces can be before merging. -
Minimal printable size (mm)
Used in feasibility checks; the smallest part dimension in any direction. -
Maximum general part size (mm)
Used in feasibility checks; the largest part dimension allowed. -
Scaling factors to respect process and sintering shrinkage (x, y, z)
If your process has unusual shrinkage characteristics (e.g., sintering), specify them here. Typically, 3D Spark accounts for common shrinkage factors automatically. -
Bounding Box Price (€/cm³)
If costing is based on the bounding box rather than geometry or manufacturing times, enter the price per bounding box volume here.
Casting
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Minimum allowed edge radius for Sharp Edges Detection (mm)
Relevant for feasibility checks in casting. -
Minimum allowed mean wall thickness (mm)
Relevant for feasibility checks in casting.
Milling
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Milling rate for roughing (cm³/h)
Rough milling speed for this material. -
Milling rate for surface finishing (cm²/h)
Surface finishing speed for this material.
Fire and Smoke
- EN45545, Hazard Level, UL94, NFPA130, Thickness Range (mm)
Specify any fire/smoke/hazard properties. These can be used to filter materials later when selecting for parts.
Safety Data Sheet
If you have a URL for the material’s Safety Data Sheet, you can enter it here.