The 3D printing industry is growing and shows no signs of slowing down. This is because 3D printing offers many companies a competitive edge and is known to be the most promising technology for the future. Today, many manufacturers have already embraced this technology, and most of them see it grow within the next 3 to 5 years. This technology has proven to produce prototypes reasonably quickly and cost-effectively. Companies today can reap many benefits using the 3D printer. This is truly a remarkable technology that can contribute to the bottom line of any business.
3D printing is a three-dimensional digital model that can produce solid objects by reading a digital file on the computer. If you print through a 3D printer, you can expect to pick up and hold the printed object. 3D printing can be used for many materials, including gold, ceramic, steel, titanium and more. Models for sculptures and airplanes can be created through these sophisticated printers.
There are many ways that 3D printers can contribute to business growth and success. Below are twelve ways on how 3D printing helps businesses:
1. Prototype development
3D printing has helped massively in prototype development. In the past, business prototypes would take a long time to produce. With the 3D printer, it can be completed within hours. With the prototype in hand, companies are manufacturing products in greater detail and much more efficiently. They no longer have to rely on a digital model. With 3D technology, companies can inexpensively create functional prototypes.
Many companies that produce prototypes of their products greatly benefit from the 3D printer technology as it reduces production time, allows for a physical demonstration of the product and provides cost-effective market testing. Many organizations have also been able to streamline processes and take control of their supply chain with the use of 3D printers.
2. Less workforce
These 3D printers do not need a lot of people to operate the machine. It is 100% computer-controlled and is in-built with smart technology. It is also smaller in size and can fit easily within the workplace. Not a lot of people are needed even to maintain the printer. The benefit as well is that this printer can integrate easily into different software and can also be controlled remotely.
3. Efficiency
The 3D printer has helped businesses in eliminating faulty productions and delays. These printers are boosting operations, saving the utilization of excess raw materials and energy. This means that these printers are better for the environment and better for the business as well.
4. Customization of products
3D printing helps businesses to focus on the needs of the consumers. It is known to personalize the process of goods and services. It offers the ability to achieve mass customization of products.
5. Time of manufacturing
Manufacturers have cut their product development time by half, which also reduced the cost to produce. This is because the 3D printer enables manufacturing firms to produce complex shapes using less materials than traditional methods.
6. Product quality
Ever since the birth of 3D printing, the quality of products has drastically improved. Today’s customers are seeking quality, and with the 3D system, companies can quickly achieve a high standard of quality with all their products. This is because the 3D printer offers an exact replicate of the actual product, and each part is printed with all the most delicate details.
7. Reduced errors
A significant improvement with the 3D printers is that it has reduced and even removed the number of errors made with products. It has minimized the risk of mistakes during the prototype process and decreased the number of steps that need to get a digital version converted into a tangible product.
8. Stay ahead of the competition
Companies that are well versed with the 3D printing technology can be assured of superseding competition. This is because companies can communicate the product better and be first to market.
9. Reduce costs
There are many costs saved with the 3D printer, like workforce, production, overhead and raw materials. When all this is added up, you can confidently say that the 3D printer does save a company a lot of money.
10. Production on demand
Companies are leveraging 3D printing technology to produce products in demand. This allows businesses to meet the changing requirements of various customers. Outdated products can be sitting in inventory and resulting in financial costs. With 3D printing, companies can produce the quantity of parts when needed.
11. Consistency
With 3D printing, parts are printed in succession, and therefore errors are caught in real-time and corrected before the actual manufacturing of the product.
12. Reduced Risk
It is clear with all these advantages that the 3D printer allows companies to mitigate risks and prevent manufacturers from making disastrous investments. By using 3D printing, companies reduce the risks in the design process by making tangible working concepts of the product before investing in an actual product.