How can Carbon improve its 3D printing resin formulations to increase part durability?

Introduction

To improve Carbon's 3D printing resin formulations for increased part durability, we need to dive deep into the current product offerings, user needs, and market dynamics. I'll approach this challenge by first clarifying our understanding of the problem, then analyzing user segments and pain points, before generating and evaluating potential solutions. Let's begin with some clarifying questions to ensure we're aligned on the key aspects of this improvement initiative.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions

• Looking at the product context, I'm thinking Carbon might be facing challenges with part longevity in specific use cases. Could you help me understand which industries or applications are experiencing the most significant durability issues with the current resin formulations?

Why it matters: This will help us focus our efforts on the most critical areas for improvement. Expected answer: Medical devices and automotive parts are experiencing the most durability issues. Impact on approach: We would prioritize solutions that address the specific stress factors in these industries.

• Considering user behavior, I'm curious about the typical lifecycle of parts printed with Carbon's resins. Can you share insights on how long users expect these parts to last and in what conditions they're typically used?

Why it matters: Understanding user expectations and usage conditions will inform our durability targets. Expected answer: Users expect parts to last 3-5 years under normal use, but some are failing within 1-2 years. Impact on approach: We would focus on extending part life to meet or exceed the 3-5 year expectation.

• Thinking about Carbon's position in the market, I'm wondering how our current durability compares to competitors. Could you provide some context on where we stand in terms of part longevity relative to other 3D printing technologies?

Why it matters: This will help us set competitive benchmarks and determine how ambitious our improvements need to be. Expected answer: We're slightly behind market leaders in durability for certain applications. Impact on approach: We would aim to not only match but exceed competitor durability to gain a competitive edge.

• From a product lifecycle perspective, I'm interested in understanding where our resin formulations are in their development cycle. Are we looking at incremental improvements to existing formulas, or is there room for more radical innovation?

Why it matters: This will guide the scope and ambition of our improvement efforts. Expected answer: Most formulations are mature, but there's openness to explore new chemical compositions. Impact on approach: We would balance short-term incremental improvements with longer-term research into novel formulations.