How AI Solutions Ireland Automated Printin3D.ie’s Order-to-Quote Workflow with n8n
Client
Printin3D.ie (Ireland) — a 3D printing service handling custom orders that require customers to submit files, confirm details, and receive accurate pricing quickly.
The Challenge
Printin3D.ie’s order process had multiple moving parts:
· Customers needed an easy way to submit 3D files (or links) and job details
· The team needed a consistent way to receive files and order info
· Customers wanted a fast confirmation, plus a preview of the print
· Quotes needed to be sent quickly, with a clear payment link to reduce drop-off
As order volume grows, manual handling can slow response times and create gaps (missed files, delayed quotes, inconsistent follow-ups).
The Solution
AI Solutions Ireland built an end-to-end automation in n8n that streamlines the full journey:
1. Customer submits the order via form (single file, multiple files, website link, or image)
2. Files are captured and routed automatically based on the submission type
3. A preview email is sent so the customer can confirm what will be printed
4. The workflow checks for existing order records, retrieves required details, and prepares the quote
5. A team member adds two quick inputs — estimated print hours and a preview image — and the system automatically sends the customer:
o a price quote email
o a payment link to complete the order
This created a reliable, repeatable process that reduces manual back-and-forth and speeds up time-to-quote.
What We Built (Workflow Overview)
Using n8n, we implemented multiple connected flows to cover the full process.
1) “Submit 3D File” Intake Workflow
A central workflow handles submissions and routes them through a switch-based logic depending on what the customer provides:
· Single print file submission
· Multiple files submission (split and process)
· Website link submission
· Image submission
Each path uploads files via FTP where needed, then triggers confirmation emails and follow-ups.
2) “Download 3D Files” Workflow
A dedicated workflow supports secure file handling:
· Form submission triggers an FTP download step
· The flow completes cleanly with a controlled form ending
3) “Send Price Quote” Workflow (Human-in-the-Loop)
Once the order data is available, the quote workflow:
· Sends a preview email
· Checks if the relevant row/order record exists
· Pulls the required order details
· Prompts a team member to enter estimated print hours and upload the preview image
· Automatically triggers the final customer emails with the price quote + payment link
Key Automation Features
· Smart routing for different submission types (single/multiple/link/image)
· FTP-based file handling for reliable storage and retrieval
· Automated customer communication (preview + quote)
· Human-in-the-loop checkpoint (print hours + preview image) to keep quotes accurate
· Order validation logic (row exists / does not exist) to reduce errors
· Cleaner handoffs between intake, file handling, and quoting
Results (Business Impact)
· Faster response times from submission to quote
· Reduced manual admin work for the Printin3D.ie team
· More consistent customer experience (clear confirmations and next steps)
· Improved conversion potential with instant quote + payment link delivery once the print estimate is confirmed
Why This Matters for SMBs
This is a great example of how automation can remove friction from a service business:
· Customers get answers faster
· Teams spend less time on repetitive tasks
· The business can handle more orders without adding overhead
Want to See It in Action?
If you need 3D printing services in Ireland and Europe, check out Printin3D.ie.
If you want to automate your own order-to-payment workflow, AI Solutions Ireland can build a similar system tailored to your business.