Only a couple of decades ago, 3D Printing was considered suitable for functional or aesthetic prototypes only. With today’s technological advancements, however, 3D Printing has greatly evolved, adopting a multitude of modern uses that previously didn’t exist. 3D Printing is now implemented across a wide spectrum of industries, such as commercial retail, the scientific and medical spaces, aerospace, and more. Utilizing a 3D commercial printer offers a multitude of benefits – from optimized productivity to economic advantages.
So, why will 3D printing play an integral role in the future of manufacturing? And how can it help drive innovation and new breakthroughs? Let’s explore how commercial 3D printing can be a tremendous game-changer – especially for high-volume businesses.
Amplification of Speed-to-Market
We live in an on-demand era where consumers are seeking products that enhance their lifestyle. Drivers are looking for vehicles that simplify their commute. Gamers want experiences that feel authentic and lifelike in nature. Put simply, people want lighter, faster, better solutions than ever before. In order for manufacturers to meet these growing demands, they can leverage 3D printing to decrease the length of their design-to-production time. Designers and engineers alike can use a 3D commercial printer to create functional prototypes – furnishing them with an easy and convenient way to evaluate features and assess the overall design. Compared to traditional processes, navigating this route takes only a few days to complete.
Enhanced Production Efficiency & Quality
Manufacturing engineers are often responsible for building specialized tools and fixtures to help solve problems faced on the factory floor. As with any custom-made tool, they are not only time-consuming to build but carry a high cost as well. Similarly, each time one breaks, it disrupts and suspends the manufacturing process. So, it should go without saying that by minimizing the time it takes to replace broken tools, there will be a subsequent reduction in costs. Through the use of 3D printing, companies have the ability to replace parts within days (rather than months). What’s more, replacements are lightweight, stronger, and far less expensive than other production methods.
Reduce Waste With Additive Manufacturing
If we take a look at the automotive industry, a bulk of their parts are still created through CNC machining procedures. In these instances, parts using steel or aluminum are first utilized in their solid form – a process known as subtractive manufacturing. Various tools are employed to remove excess materials until the final part is uncovered.
This type of manufacturing has come under scrutiny due to its lack of eco-friendly waste produced. Not only are manufacturers eating the cost and time it takes to collect, clean, and recycle metal shavings, but cooling liquids generated during the machining process also require recycling and carry a high price tag. Through the use of a 3D commercial printer, companies would effectively reduce waste and eliminate the bulk of lost productivity associated with clean-up time.
3D Printing = A Brighter Future
From customized parts for human prosthetics to airline companies saving weight via complex part designs, 3D printing is changing the way industries operate. The cost-savings, increased efficiency in workflow, and customization ability of 3D commercial printing is paving the way for new and innovative technology to hit the market.
