Multi-Platform Desktop Application for 3D Printing Technology
A company in 3D printing approached our team to develop a multi-platform desktop application for controlling and visualizing their cutting-edge 3D printing process for nano-layer coatings. We created a solution using ElectronJS, TypeScript, and React, enabling real-time control and monitoring of the micro and nanodevice fabrication process.
Industry:
Manufacturing
Services:
Front End Development, QA as a Service
Location:
Denmark
Challenge
Our team faced several complex challenges in developing this application:
Cross-platform compatibility: Ensuring the desktop application works seamlessly across multiple operating systems.
3D visualization complexity: Implementing intricate 3D rendering of parts and manufacturing processes.
Backend-frontend communication: Developing a robust API communication layer.
High reliability requirements: Meeting the demands of critical manufacturing processes.
Performance optimization: Reducing processing time for improved efficiency.
Complex geometric calculations: Handling geometric calculations for building meshes (Arcs, Bézier curves, Polygons, Nurbs curves) for accurate 3D rendering
Solution
We created a desktop application using ElectronJS, which allowed for cross-platform compatibility. The application featured a 3D visualization component using Three.js (replacing the initially used Babylon.js) to render parts and simulate the coating process. We implemented a secure communication layer between the backend and frontend, optimizing request handling and error management.
The application featured:
Geometric сomplexity: We implemented advanced geometric calculations, including complex Bézier curves, to accurately represent detailed micro- and nanodevices.
Real-time visualization: The system provides dynamic updates of the 3D printing process, showcasing the application of nano-layer coatings in real time.
Performance optimization: We focused on optimizing rendering performance by implementing efficient algorithms for polygon generation, which is crucial for handling intricate geometries.
Interactive features: Users can interact with the 3D model by rotating, zooming, modifying specific areas, and translating elements within the model and its coatings.
Translation feature: A translation feature was added, enabling users to switch between different languages, thereby making the interface more accessible to a global audience.
Technologies Used
As the engineering team behind this project, we tackled the challenge of creating a cutting-edge 3D printing visualization application head-on. Our tech stack was carefully chosen to address the unique demands of this project.
Each of these technologies played a crucial role in overcoming the challenges we faced, from handling complex 3D visualizations to ensuring high performance and cross-platform compatibility.
The workflow
We embraced a flexible and responsive methodology that allowed us to adapt quickly to changing requirements and emerging challenges. This approach, honed through numerous high-stakes projects, enabled us to deliver a sophisticated solution that precisely met our client's evolving needs.
Our workflow was structured to maximize efficiency and ensure continuous improvement.
Initial requirements and setup
Our team thoroughly assessed the client's requirements and existing prototype to define a comprehensive project scope and technical specifications.
Backend optimization
We developed custom Fetch API for optimized communication
UI development
Our design team developed and iteratively refined a responsive user interface using React and TypeScript.
3D visualization implementation
We implemented advanced 3D rendering using Three.js and developed complex geometric calculations for accurate nano-layer coating visualization.
Feature integration and optimization
Our engineers iteratively enhanced the application with new features, performance optimizations, and multi-language support to meet evolving global requirements.
Regular client demos
We held biweekly demos to showcase progress and gather feedback, ensuring continuous alignment with client needs.
About the team
The software product team consisted of:
Team composition
Frontend developer
1
QA engineer
1
PM
1
Backend support from our client's side
1
Impact
Our team transformed an early-stage prototype into a fully functional multi-platform desktop application for 3D printing nano-layer visualization.
Key achievements and their business impact:
• From concept to app: Developed a sophisticated application from an initial setup that merely processed requests, turning a rudimentary concept into a usable app.
• Real-time visualization and control: Enabled visualization and control of the nano-layer coating process.
• Optimized communication: Improved backend-frontend interaction, enhancing overall system responsiveness and reliability.
• Multi-platform compatibility: Expanded the potential user base by ensuring the application works across different operating systems.
• Enhanced operational efficiency: Reduced processing times through optimized request handling and improved frontend performance.
• Quality assurance: Implemented rigorous testing processes, achieving approximately 80% test coverage and ensuring a stable, reliable product.
• Industry versatility: Created a solution applicable to aviation, aerospace, and healthcare, broadening the client's market opportunities.
• Future-ready platform: Established a robust platform capable of accommodating future enhancements and adapting to evolving market needs.
By evolving from a basic prototype to a sophisticated visualization tool, we provided our client with a significant competitive edge in the advanced manufacturing sector. This transformation not only improved their operational capabilities, but also positioned them as leaders in 3D printing technology.
