How can you effectively manage your time as a 3D Printing freelancer?

3D printing is a fascinating and versatile skill that can open up many opportunities for freelancing. Whether you offer design, prototyping, customization, or production services, you can use your 3D printer to create value for your clients. However, freelancing also comes with its own challenges, especially when it comes to managing your time effectively. In this article, you will learn some tips and strategies to help you plan, prioritize, and execute your 3D printing projects without compromising your quality, budget, or deadlines.

1 Set realistic expectations

One of the most important aspects of time management as a 3D printing freelancer is to set realistic expectations for yourself and your clients. 3D printing is not a magic process that can produce anything in minutes. It requires careful planning, designing, testing, and post-processing, which can take hours or days depending on the complexity, size, and quality of the print. You need to factor in these variables when you estimate the time and cost of your projects, and communicate them clearly to your clients. You also need to account for potential issues, such as printer malfunctions, filament jams, or design errors, that can delay or ruin your prints. By setting realistic expectations, you can avoid overcommitting, underdelivering, or stressing yourself out.

Add your perspective

Dr. Mario Hüttenhofer

Im Einsatz fürs Klima. Alle Äußerungen sind privat.
Report contribution
When working as a Custom AM Manufacturer, I found the most important information I needed to know was: What do you want to achieve? What performance/quality is required from the component? What does the component look like? How many are needed? What is the customer's expectation in terms of delivery time? By asking questions like these, you can manage your customer's expectations and build confidence in your abilities as a freelancer/contractor.

Like
Rayton L.

| Cyber Security Engineer | I.T | Maker |
Report contribution
The most critical thing I learned was to give extra time if a print fails or doesn't look as good. It is also essential to let the client know that you hit a snag even though the deadline is still a few weeks out. My clients love communication, knowing that their project is moving rather than just sitting around and nothing is being done.

Like

2 Use a project management tool

Another way to improve your time management as a 3D printing freelancer is to use a project management tool that can help you organize, track, and manage your tasks and deadlines. There are many online platforms and apps that you can use for this purpose, such as Trello, Asana, or Basecamp. These tools allow you to create boards, lists, or cards for each project, assign priorities, set due dates, attach files, and collaborate with clients or team members. You can also use them to monitor your progress, update your status, and get notifications or reminders. By using a project management tool, you can have a clear overview of your workload, streamline your workflow, and stay on top of your deliverables.

Add your perspective

Dr. Mario Hüttenhofer

Im Einsatz fürs Klima. Alle Äußerungen sind privat.
Report contribution
Suitable planning software also helps to minimise hands-on time in all phases of the preparation, production and post-processing process. In addition to planning and controlling throughput times with classic PM tools, it is also important to minimise expensive throughput times and waste. To achieve this, sufficient effort should be invested in the planning of production runs and the dense stacking of parts to maximise cost efficiency. Specialised 3D loading tools can help to achieve dense stacking.

Like

3 Automate and delegate

Another tip to save time and increase efficiency as a 3D printing freelancer is to automate and delegate some of the tasks that are repetitive, tedious, or outside your expertise. For example, you can use software or plugins that can automate some of the steps in your 3D printing process, such as slicing, scaling, orienting, or repairing your models. You can also use tools that can automate some of the administrative or marketing tasks, such as invoicing, accounting, or email marketing. Alternatively, you can delegate some of the tasks that you are not good at or enjoy doing, such as graphic design, copywriting, or customer service, to other freelancers or agencies that can do them better and faster. By automating and delegating, you can free up more time and energy for the core aspects of your 3D printing business.

Add your perspective

Dr. Mario Hüttenhofer

Im Einsatz fürs Klima. Alle Äußerungen sind privat.
Report contribution
Ich möchte hier noch ergänzen: Nutzen sie die Dienstleistung anderer Unternehmen. Fokussieren Sie sich auf ihre Kernprozesse. Im Gegensatz zur Beschreibung in Kapitel "automatisieren und delegieren", empfehle ich dringend für die Steuer- und Lohnbuchhaltung, ggf. auch die Rechnungsstellung die Dienste anderer Unternehmen in Anspruch zu nehmen. Vernetzen Sie sich auch mit Mitbewerbern. Manche "Fische" sind zu groß für einen allein.

Translated

Like

4 Batch and schedule

Another strategy to optimize your time management as a 3D printing freelancer is to batch and schedule your tasks according to their similarity, urgency, or duration. Batching means grouping together tasks that are similar in nature, such as designing, printing, or post-processing, and doing them in one go. This can help you reduce the switching costs and distractions that come from jumping from one task to another. Scheduling means allocating specific time slots or days for each batch of tasks, and sticking to them. This can help you create a routine and a rhythm that can boost your productivity and focus. For example, you can schedule your design tasks for the morning, your printing tasks for the afternoon, and your post-processing tasks for the evening.

Add your perspective

5 Take breaks and recharge

The final tip to enhance your time management as a 3D printing freelancer is to take breaks and recharge regularly. 3D printing can be a demanding and exhausting activity that can drain your physical, mental, and emotional resources. If you neglect your well-being, you can end up feeling burnt out, frustrated, or unmotivated. Therefore, you need to make sure that you take breaks and recharge throughout the day, as well as between projects. You can use your breaks to stretch, exercise, meditate, eat, or do something fun or relaxing. You can also use your downtime to learn new skills, network with other 3D printing enthusiasts, or explore new opportunities. By taking breaks and recharging, you can maintain your health, happiness, and creativity as a 3D printing freelancer.

Add your perspective

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Sharad Prateek Singh

Product Designer
Report contribution
The whole article more or less covers the basics of how to approach this whole freelance 3D Printing career. One point I would like to add is to select your clients carefully at least when starting out; be very aware about your capabilities, which means the capabilities of your printers and your proficiency with the process. Once that is known to you, you can then pinpoint the client category(s) that you can serve. Another important thing to remember is the reliability of your machines and the availability of their spares; don't go for the cheapest ones and don't go for the most expensive ones too; talk to an expert to understand where the balance lies and how to maintain your printers in a healthy working condition.

Like

How can you effectively manage your time as a 3D Printing freelancer?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Set realistic expectations

2 Use a project management tool

3 Automate and delegate

4 Batch and schedule

5 Take breaks and recharge

6 Here’s what else to consider

3D Printing

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on 3D Printing

More relevant reading

How can you effectively manage your time as a 3D Printing freelancer?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Set realistic expectations

2 Use a project management tool

3 Automate and delegate

4 Batch and schedule

5 Take breaks and recharge

6 Here’s what else to consider

3D Printing

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills