Considering the possibility of 3D printing in your company’s manufacturing techniques? If you are reading this article, you may probably be aware of how 3D printing can help with the challenges you are facing with your traditional manufacturing processes. The next step is to decide whether it is more economical to integrate 3D printers into your manufacturing process or directly order from a 3D printing company in Singapore. Here’s what you can expect when you outsource online 3D printing services:
When you rely on 3D printing services, you can trust that the company has access to the latest and up-to-date equipment for the best end results possible. Service providers are also able to offer different 3D printing technologies as they usually have multiple machines or a network of partners with different 3D printing capabilities. Take note that some 3D printing companies offer a wider range of service expertise while others specialise in certain techniques only. You ultimately want your project to be in the capable hands of a reliable 3D printing service provider.
Meanwhile, if you choose to purchase a 3D printer, you have limited access to different 3D printing technologies unless you are planning to invest in many printers, which will then lead to space consideration as your company will need to set aside a production space to store the machines.
Within 3D printing technologies, they also come with a diverse range of 3D printing materials to choose from. If you choose to purchase a 3D printer, you might find that materials available for your selection are limited. This is because 3D printing materials are specific to the 3D printing technology. For example, with Stereolithography (SLA) printing, the more commonly used materials include GP Plus, Somos Watershed XC 1122, Taurus, Somos EvoLVe 128 and Somos NeXt. On the other hand, with Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), compatible materials include PP, PA2200, Glass-Filled Nylon and more. This applies to other 3D printing technologies as well, such as Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM). Furthermore, it requires industry expertise and practice to change materials easily and efficiently. Therefore, if you wish to try out different materials to figure out what works best for your product, it is more financially savvy, not to mention time effective to engage a 3D printing company to cater to your needs. When deciding on a 3D printing company, you will want to first ensure that they are flexible in meeting your industry needs. Depending on the finishing and application of your 3D printed parts, your 3D printing service provider can then better advise you on the type of material and 3D printing process best suited for your product specifications.
For the early phases of your design process, 3D printing eliminates the use of moulds and can be your solution to quick-turn prototyping. Engaging a 3D printing service provider shortens your trial-and-error time frame where you may have to continuously fix your 3D files and settings to achieve a good print job. With service providers, this challenge is solved as 3D printing providers will take over this with industry experience and expertise.
Depending on your project, lead time can be shortened to seven days or less.
You may have realised that through traditional manufacturing methods, attempting to produce more complex parts can be costly and even difficult to achieve. Offering a wider range of geometric capabilities through automation, 3D printing can not only reduce cost but also allow your business to focus your manual labour on other areas.
For companies who choose to purchase their 3D printers, there will always be that nagging need to upgrade it when newer models are released in the near future. This becomes a long-term investment in the long run. On the other hand, you can expect investments to be lower when you engage service providers as it removes the need to invest in 3D printers which otherwise cost thousands of dollars or more.
The main takeaway is, outsourcing your 3D printing needs can be an immense opportunity for businesses who have yet to try this new technology. If you are looking for a 3D printing company for your production needs, let us help you get started. With Additive3D Asia, we are a renowned leader in Additive Manufacturing based in Singapore, serving businesses in the Asia Pacific region since 2014. As we are ISO 9001:2015 certified, rest assured that we have a stringent 3D printing process in place to best fulfil your additive manufacturing needs. To make things more efficient on your end, explore our Digital Part Analysis which will help to analyse and recommend the right technology and materials for your product.
Get in touch with Additive3D Asia today to discover how 3D printing can accelerate your product development.
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