What can 3d printing do for you and your business?

by David K. Business Development

3D Printing is the latest technology that has revolutionized product development and made manufacturing more cost-efficient. 3D Printing involves using computer software to create a digital STS file on a computer, which is then sent to a 3D printer to create a physical model layer by layer. This process can be used to make objects such as artistic sculptures, aeroplane components, proteins, foods, and medications. 3D Printing allows for the manufacturing of products with an unprecedented level of flexibility and precision that traditional methods cannot achieve. In addition, these materials are significantly cheaper than their traditionally manufactured counterparts.

We believe that this technology will become integral in our society when it comes to producing items quickly and efficiently from just about any material. The applications for this exciting new technology are nearly limitless; from creating custom jewelry to helping build prosthetics for people in developing countries, 3D Printing continues to show immense potential for all industries on a global scale.

3D Printing in prototyping is one of its oldest and most widely used applications. Companies have employed the technology to quickly prototype their desired end product, making it an invaluable tool for testing the concept or presenting it to investors. Before the advent of 3D Printing, this process was called “rapid prototyping". By being able to produce a tactile product, it provides confidence and understanding of how the product could work. It is perfect for market research where feedback can be used to make some changes to the design to improve the product further before mass production, after which further changes to designs will be much more costly.

Over time, 3D Printing has become increasingly accessible and adaptable and has been applied to more innovative uses beyond just prototyping. With businesses able to more quickly and accurately develop products from blueprinted designs, opportunities for innovation abound. In addition, cutting costs associated with manufacturing parts can lead to greater efficiency for many industries. Other potential uses for 3D Printing include bridge repair, home building, construction zones, or drone launches requiring refuel stations. The possibilities are truly endless!

The trend of low-volume production is an optimal choice for startups, medical device manufacturers, and businesses that require high customization. Commercial 3D printing services can facilitate the needs of these companies by providing a cost-effective, rapid prototyping and low-volume production service. Low-volume production with 3D Printing is often quicker to market than conventional manufacturing methods while minimizing wasted materials, further reducing cost. In addition, due to technological advances and processes such as automated post-processing techniques and improved printer hardware, 3D Printing can also be used for higher-volume production.

Furthermore, 3D Printing opens up new possibilities for businesses with its ability to offer mass customization of products without high tooling costs. This enables companies to respond quickly to changes in demand and provide unique customized options at a lower price than traditional manufacturing methods. A good example of this is to use 3D Printing to produce moulds for businesses which produce high-end soaps or candles. Low-volume production offers entrepreneurs a great way to test out a product before going into full-scale mass production or jumping into increasingly popular custom-made product markets.