In the era of modern manufacturing, as advanced production processes become an integral part of leading industries, managing the additive manufacturing (AM) workflow has become a complex challenge — but also an exceptional opportunity for optimization, automation, and quality improvement. One of the key platforms leading this revolution is AMFG – Autonomous Manufacturing.
This article reviews the stages of the workflow, the main challenges, and the unique solutions offered by AMFG — currently considered the world’s leading integrated platform for managing additive manufacturing workflows end to end.
What Is an Additive Manufacturing Workflow?
Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a process that builds parts layer by layer from a digital file. The typical workflow includes the following steps:
1. 3D Design (CAD) – Creating the geometric model in dedicated software.
2. Conversion to STL / 3MF Format – Converting to a printer-readable file format.
3. Slicing – Translating the model into layers and generating G-code.
4. Printing – The mechanical process of building the part.
5. Post-Processing – Finishing, cleaning, support removal, painting, and quality checks.
6. Tracking, Quality Control, and Reporting.
While these steps may seem simple, in reality, they involve various systems, interfaces, teams, and high chances of errors if not properly managed.
Challenges in Managing the AM Workflow
Without an integrated solution, many companies are forced to rely on a patchwork of dedicated software tools — one for design, another for file management, a different one for slicing, a separate
system for quality control, and manual Excel sheets for tracking. This leads to several issues:
• Lack of integration between stages – Causing task duplication, errors, and delays.
• Manual processes using emails, forms, and Excel files – Hindering automation and accuracy.
• Poor coordination between teams – Including design, production, quality control, and logistics.
• Limited data tracking – Making it harder to gain business insights and drive continuous improvement.
AMFG: A Comprehensive Solution for AM Workflow Management
AMFG (Autonomous Manufacturing) is a SaaS-based platform designed for organizations looking to manage the entire 3D printing workflow — in an integrated, intelligent, and automated way.
The system includes several modules that form a unified platform:
- Order and Quotation Management
AMFG enables the intake of orders from internal or external web interfaces, with automated quoting based on predefined parameters such as material, technology, print time, and more. - Geometric Analysis and File Approval
The system includes tools to analyze STL and 3MF files for geometric validity. Files can be automatically approved or routed for manual review based on defined rules. - Team and System Coordination
AMFG creates a coordinated workflow across all departments — from design through production to logistics. Users can define custom rules, workflows, and reporting for each stage. - Print Process Automation
AMFG’s smart scheduling engine considers printer availability, material types, priority levels, and more — and automatically assigns jobs to printers in real time. - Quality Control and Reporting
AMFG allows full documentation of every print, including technical parameters, quality control results, approvals, and part tracking. - Post-Processing Management
Manages finishing tasks like support removal, polishing, thermal cleaning, painting, and more. Also supports inventory management of materials and dedicated equipment. - Integration with ERP / MES / PLM Systems
AMFG supports deep integration with existing systems — such as SAP, Oracle, SolidWorks, and various PDMs — creating a unified and continuous production process.
Benefits of Using AMFG
1. Time and Labor Savings – Through automation of many workflow stages.
2. Improved Print Quality – Thanks to precise process control and smart quality assurance.
3. Full Transparency – All teams work on the same platform with unified information.
4. Data-Driven Decision Making – Real-time analytics and insights from past production.
5. Scalability – Suitable for both small labs and large industrial plants.
AMFG Customer Success Stories
Companies across industries — aerospace, medical, automotive, and precision manufacturing — report:
• 40% reduction in production times
• 50% fewer process errors
• Ability to manage thousands of parts simultaneously while maintaining high quality
• Faster time-to-market for critical projects
Conclusion
An additive manufacturing workflow is not just a series of technical steps — it is the core of operations for advanced manufacturing organizations. Using integrated solutions like AMFG maximizes the potential of 3D printing technology, reduces errors, accelerates processes, and improves the quality of the final product.
Whether you are a research lab or a full-scale industrial production line — investing in a smart workflow management system like AMFG is a necessary step toward more advanced, precise, and profitable manufacturing.
