Factory production is a slow and expensive process. It’s also not very flexible. Small changes in design or specifications require you to start from scratch or create a new mold. 3D printing is the perfect complement to factory production. This article highlights the benefits of using a 3D printer for manufacturing, as well as some of its uses when used alongside traditional manufacturing methods.
Parts Made From Scratch
AMAZING, YES. IMPORTANT? YES. Let’s start with the obvious: 3D printing can produce very detailed parts that require little to no additional finishing work. This saves you time and money while increasing quality. If you have a specific shape you need, 3D printing could be an excellent solution.
What if you need a specific size or quantity of parts? That’s where 3D printing could fail. Why are traditional manufacturing methods better for producing a specific size or quantity of parts? Let’s look at the example of making a part that’s the same shape but smaller or larger. You could make a mold that has the desired size and shape, and then use that mold to make the same part in mass quantities.
This could be very inefficient and costly. Similarly, you may want to make a larger quantity of a specific size, but without a specific design. With 3D printing, you could print a mold of the design or perform CAD design work. With the right software, you could even program the machine to make multiple copies automatically. This can be extremely efficient and cost effective.
Streamlined Production Process
The more steps in your production process, the more chances things might go wrong. The more steps, the more opportunities for mistakes. How many times have you seen a component or product go wrong due to human error?
It’s inevitable. The fewer steps in your production process, the less room there is for mistakes. The more streamlined your process, the less chance there is for problems. 3D printing can take one step out of your production process and add it back in. Let’s take a look at the production of plastic parts as an example. First, you need a design that’s ready for 3D printing. You could have a CAD drawing of the part, but you may also have an existing, non-drafting design that you need. Next, you need your 3D printing design.
This could be a model in a CAD/CAM program, a file sent over a network, or an existing design you want to print. Then, you bring the design and the 3D printing machine together. Depending on the machine, you could use a design file, a print head that scans the design, or a simple printer head that uses a light to create the print. Depending on the printer, you could have many print settings to choose from. You could print at a slower speed to create a stronger part, or at a higher speed to create a more delicate part.
Reduced Manufacturing Costs
As the cost of 3D printing falls, the cost of doing business rises. Some manufacturers are finding that 3D printing can help them reduce their manufacturing costs. If you own a business, you might have costs associated with running the business, such as rent and utilities. Manufacturing costs can include wages for
your employees, tool costs for your machine, and materials for your production. When you use a 3D printer for production, you could reduce manufacturing costs. You might be able to use less expensive materials or even scrap parts from your parts inventory. You could also create your own parts, increasing the amount of customization available to your customers.
Final Product Testing and Quality Control
Once products leave your facility, they’re not under your direct control. What if your supplier messes up? What if your product breaks in transit? 3D printing can help you control quality and provide feedback on an individual level. With traditional manufacturing methods, you have to rely on the inspection of your supplier or the quality of the transportation system. With 3D printing, you have control over the inspection process. You could use a variety of testing methods to make sure your parts are ready. You could even perform a visual inspection on your final product to make sure it meets your standards.
Customized or Improved Parts
Producing parts by 3D printing can be very flexible, allowing you to choose different materials, designs, or even create custom parts. It’s almost like having a toolbox with every tool you would ever need. You could have one machine to produce many different parts with different materials. If you already have a machine set up for producing parts, it can be a great benefit to have a few more parts. With just a few minor tweaks, you could add a range of parts to your production line. You could also use 3D printing to make slight improvements to your existing parts, such as making them stronger or more durable.
Summary
Traditional manufacturing methods are great, but they have their limitations. In many cases, they’re not flexible enough to meet the requirements of your business. You need to decide if 3D printing can help you meet those requirements better than traditional manufacturing methods. The best way to do that is to look at your specific requirements and see if 3D printing can help meet them.
