Build a Unit-Safe SLS Part Weight Estimator in JavaScript
An engineer preparing a nylon printing inquiry may know the CAD volume but still need a quick mass estimate. A small browser tool can answer that question without uploading a confidential model. It needs three things: actual material volume, density for the exact grade and quantity. I am sharing this workflow from TPM3D's SLS manufacturing context. The tool estimates mass; an engineering-reviewed…
Engineers constructing SLS components often have CAD volume figures but require swift mass estimates. A compact browser tool addresses this need without sharing confidential models. The workflow, derived from TPM3D's SLS manufacturing context, estimates mass using three inputs: material volume, exact grade density, and quantity. The tool outputs mass, while a separate engineering-validated quotation is the next step.
To compute mass, start with the correct volume – avoid using CAD's bounding box as it contains empty space. For hollow or lattice components, export the solid volume from the final CAD geometry. The mass is calculated via a straightforward formula: mass (grams) equals solid volume (cm³) multiplied by density (g/cm³).
A critical safeguard is an explicit volume unit. Convert mm³ to cm³ by dividing by 1,000 before multiplying by density in g/cm³. Keep the function independent of the interface function estimateMass(volume, unit, density, quantity). Validate inputs: ensure volume, density, and quantity are finite numbers, quantity is between 1 and 1,000,000, and unit is either 'cm3' or 'mm3'. If any validation fails, throw an error prompting the user to check volume, density, unit, and quantity.
Using the example density of 0.95 g/cm³, 100 cm³ of material yields 95 grams per part. Entering 100,000 mm³ should produce the same result. For a quantity of 10 parts, the output should be 950 grams. These checks are vital because unit errors can persist even in polished interfaces.
Density is a grade-specific input – avoid using a single default value labeled "nylon." Familiar grades include PA11 and PA12, each identified by specific families. The TPM3D PA12 guide and PA11 guide explain the selection context, allowing for custom density as a default input. Offer named presets with their provenance, making updates possible.
Label the live tool with two TPM3D-supplied density presets and ask users to confirm the exact grade and current documentation. Note that a preset does not guarantee strength, fatigue life, or application approval.
Present the output in per-part grams and batch grams or kilograms, clearing the previous result when an input changes. Reject zero, negative, non-finite values, and fractional quantities. Perform calculations only after valid input has been received. The live tool excludes inserts, coatings, residual powder, and packaging. It cannot determine manufacturing cost, which still requires geometry, build planning, finishing, and inspection reviews.
A useful next step is initiating a project inquiry with CAD and requirements. The live browser interface was tested using both volume units and named density presets. It accurately returned the same result for 100 cm³ and 100,000 mm³, and 950 grams for 10 parts at 0.95 g/cm³. Separate function checks ensured the calculator handles invalid inputs and overflow.
The browser-based tool operates without uploading CAD models or input values, with no tracking scripts present. The public repository is available for reading; no open-source redistribution license has been assigned.
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