3D printing is taking the world by storm and rapidly growing in usage and in volume too. But what is 3D printing? It is a unique process of additive manufacturing that adds layer upon layer of material according to a previously designed prototype.
We’ll talk more about different components of 3D printing as we go along, but let’s discuss the benefits this amazing technology has brought and how it has the potential to revolutionise manufacturing.
Speed
3D printing offers a speedy solution in many types of manufacturing. Probably the most evident example of this is 3D printing in construction. When it comes to construction 3D printing UK is not the leading country on this front. Japan and China are offering many devices and solutions at the moment that will benefit the world.
These construction printers are able to build a small housing unit in a few day’s time, which is unprecedented and can help solve the housing crisis in many countries.
Cost
The advantages of 3D printing are versatile and the low cost is definitely one of them. As a one-step process, it requires less time to produce a single unit than a production line, thus saving both maintenance costs and eliminating the human factor.
Cost-effective solutions are often what holds many people back from achieving their goals. One 3D printer is much more cost-effective than a whole production line. Yes, you pay for the printer, and yes, you pay for the 3D printer filament and utilities such as electricity, but these costs don’t stand close to what a production line might add up to.
Flexibility
What limits a standard manufacturing production line? You have to have a machine that is capable of producing the part you need and make exact copies of it, right?
Well, these machines need adjusting, which can be a pain and you might not end up with what you initially intended. When it comes to 3D printing, making adjustments is much easier, because you’re dealing with 3D printing software and not machinery.
The whole production system is much more flexible as a result. You make adjustments in the software and get the desired result. If it’s still not what you need. Tweak the design a bit more. In the end, the perfect result is much more accessible.
The limit is only your imagination. If you master the 3D printing design software, it’s hard to put a limit on what you can do with it.
And even if you need something standard, there are plenty of print-ready 3D printing designs online that are accessible to anyone interested.
Quality
Quality in 3D printing highly depends on the grade of the device and the filaments used. The smallest cheapest models might not give the desired effect when it comes to detail, but a professional-grade printer armed with high-quality 3D printing materials can produce amazing results.
When it comes to manufacturing, smooth surfaces and sturdy construction are a must. A 3D printer is able to achieve that with every print without fail.
Consistency
The key aspect in 3D printer consistency is again the 3D printing software. If the design is executed perfectly, the outcome will be the same every time. You can eliminate the percentage of defective outcomes, as there are none.
A 3D printer produces consistent results. Plus, it needs minimal maintenance along the way. Just make sure there’s no power shortage and sufficient filament. Consistency is one of the 3D printing advantages in different fields. From car part production to construction. The results are quick, cost-efficient and consistent.
Risk reduction
A production line poses risks for the maintenance crew. People lose fingers and limbs in machines all the time. No matter how safe the machine is, accidents still happen. 3D printing eliminates those risks and produces the needed details in a safe and risk-free way.
The only risk when it comes to 3D printing is the hot nozzle that is not a good idea to touch with your bare hands. In all other aspects, accidents will not happen. If there’s a need for maintenance or fixing, make sure the device had some time to cool down.
Also, if you’re printing something big, there’s a risk of a power outage causing you to start over. However, all the modern 3D printers are equipped with a special feature, that allows them to pick up where they left off, instead of starting all over and losing all the effort.
Accessibility
Most of us don’t have access to fancy machines and massive production. So if we need to replace a broken clip on the bike helmet, or have a comfortable car holder for the phone, we go to the store and buy it.
So what if they don’t have what we need? That’s where it gets tough. As consumers, we have to either conform to what is offered to us by manufacturers or find another way to alter the merch offered. 3D printing offers a whole other approach.
Never before has manufacturing been accessible to the general public. But it is now. All you need is a computer that can support 3D printer software, a 3D printer, and an idea. Then you’re good to go!
If you need a 3D printer UK has lots of options to offer. From table-top models to professional large devices. The best 3D printing software is also available to the public. It is not free, but it is accessible.
Sustainability
The 20th century, with its industrial revolution and the wide use of plastic, has devastated our planet and continue to do so throughout the beginning of the 21st century. We are just waking up to what we have done and now try to reverse the damage.
What better way to do that than to start reusing plastic? Some 3D printing filaments are even biodegradable. 3D printing is all about reusing, and doing it efficiently, and in a sustainable way.
Customization
The customization feature of 3D printing is probably easiest to illustrate on the example of prosthetics manufacturing. 3D printing has brought medicine a lot of benefits, and especially when it comes to prosthetics. They are very individual and have to be calculated very precisely.
That’s exactly what 3D printing helps us achieve. Each prosthetic and denture are unique, and each print can be adjusted to the future owner. Plus, these prosthetics are still lower in costs than the ones manufactured in a conventional way and are less time-consuming.
Win-win for manufacturers and clients alike.
Economic growth
Because of all the reasons listed above, economic growth will follow as a result. 3D printing is truly sustainable, efficient and consistent.
That means low costs for production, low risks and a less time-consuming process. With less input, manufacturers can gain higher profits and grow.
By now you hopefully have an answer to the question of how does 3D printing work, and how is it different from other types of manufacturing. As you can see it carries a lot of benefits, that could save us time, effort, budget and still give us excellent results. The future of 3D printing is surely prosperous, but it’s our job to make that happen.
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