Frequently asked questions
Answers before you reach out.
The questions engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams ask us most — about the work, the processes, pricing, and how we handle your parts.
The basics
What is Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM)?
DfAM is the practice of designing parts to be manufactured well by a specific additive process. It covers geometry rules, orientation, supports, material limits, post-processing, inspection, and the release evidence a part needs — so additive parts can move from prototype to qualified production instead of staying stuck as one-off prints.
Which additive processes do you cover?
Seven, each treated as its own discipline: FDM/FFF, SLA/DLP, SLS, MJF, metal powder bed fusion (PBF), binder jetting, and directed energy deposition (DED/WAAM). A bracket on FDM and a manifold on metal PBF fail in completely different ways, so we never train against “additive” in the abstract.
Who is DFAM Academy for?
Engineering managers, manufacturing leads, and quality leaders who are accountable for releasing additive parts. If your team is moving from one-off prototypes toward repeatable, release-ready production, you're who we build for.
Engagements & pricing
How do engagements work?
Most teams start with a DfAM Implementation Assessment to map where additive belongs and what it takes to release it. From there, a DfAM Implementation Program builds a standardized decision framework, qualified machine and process workflows, and a capstone release review on a live candidate. Enterprise and multi-site programs add inspection gates, release governance, and executive signoff.
How much does it cost?
The DfAM Implementation Assessment starts from $15,000 and is credited toward your implementation. The DfAM Implementation Program starts from $50,000. Enterprise and multi-site qualification is scoped and priced to your environment. Every engagement is quoted to the outcome — not sold as a fixed catalog. See Enterprise for the full breakdown.
Do you train on our actual machines and parts?
Yes. Curriculum and reviews are tailored to your printers, materials, target processes, and release gates, and run against real production candidates rather than generic examples. The capability is meant to stay with your team after we leave.
Tools, data & IP
How do you handle our parts and confidential data?
The browser-based analyzers compute geometry locally and do not intentionally upload model files to our servers. For engagements, we work within your IP and export-control requirements. As a precaution, avoid uploading confidential, export-controlled, or regulated files unless your organization has approved that use. Full detail is in our Privacy Statement.
How do we get started?
Book a 30-minute strategy call or request a proposal. Tell us your parts, machines, and timeline, and we'll come back within one business day with a scoped engagement and a clear investment.
Still have a question?
Ask us directly — we reply within one business day.
If your question isn't here, send the details and we'll give you a straight answer about whether and how additive fits your parts.