3D printed product logistics: the model Crowd Factory is preparing
From product preparation to customer handover, these are the inputs a distributed manufacturing workflow needs and Crowd Factory's current position before launch.
Crowd FactoryShop and Custom are in pre-launch. Orders and custom production requests are not open yet.
Logistics for a 3D printed product starts before dispatch. It connects a design, manufacturing instructions, a maker's capacity and the way the finished object reaches the customer.
Crowd Factory is preparing a marketplace connecting designers with a network of local makers. Shop and Custom are in pre-launch. Orders and custom production requests are not open yet; we are recruiting our pioneer cohort of designers and makers.
Prepare manufacturing information
A product needs dimensions, material requirements, finish expectations and any available options. A digital file alone does not define the expected physical result. Instructions also need to support inspection of the finished piece and selection of suitable packaging.
For designer applicants, preparation means presenting their work and its manufacturing requirements. For makers, it means describing equipment, materials and available production capacity.
Plan local production
Geographic proximity is one input when preparing the network. It does not establish whether a maker can manufacture a particular piece: process, material, dimensions and availability also matter.
The model Crowd Factory is preparing connects designs with those capabilities. Applications help prepare the network before orders open.
Plan inspection, packaging and handover
A production workflow needs to define how a piece is checked, how it is protected in transit and what information the customer receives. Each product's size and fragility influence packaging and transport choices.
Availability, production lead times and delivery arrangements will be announced when orders open.
Take part before launch
Designers can present their work, while makers can describe their equipment and manufacturing capacity. Applications help prepare the initial cohort.
Read the participation FAQ, apply as a designer or apply as a maker. For the company and current team behind the project, see the Crowd Factory introduction.
Want to turn this into a more concrete next step?
Crowd Factory is preparing a marketplace for 3D printed objects, designed by independent creators and made by a network of local makers. We are recruiting our pioneer cohort before the official launch.