What are the advantages of Additive Printing for the Manufacturing Sector?

3D printing or additive printing is a process of making 3D solid objects from a digital file. The 3D printed object is created by using a additive process i.e. laying down successive layers of materials until the object is created. Today, a lot of manufacturing companies have started to see the potential behind 3D printing. In fact, according to Statista, there are 23,000 commercial-grade printer in use. The growing popularity of 3D printing is not that surprising considering the value that it adds and the advantages it offers over the more traditional methods of construction. From faster time to market to enhanced flexibility to higher profits we state the four main advantages of 3D printing provides to the manufacturing sector.

1. Rapid Prototyping:

Before mass manufacturing takes place there are a few crucial steps in the product design process. Firstly,?3D Modeling Services?are used to create 3D models. Then once the 3D model is created the next step will be prototyping. It allows better designing, testing and manufacturing of products in quick time. As compared to traditional methods with 3D printing manufacturing companies can building and test their prototypes extremely fast. This is particularly advantageous for small companies who tend to outsource their complex manufacturing to other companies. Here, they can use a 3D printer go ahead with their prototyping irrespective of the design complexities.

2. Cost:

Traditional methods like CNC machines and inject mold require a large number of expensive machines. Added to this is the additional cost of labour as it necessitates experienced machine operators and technicians to run them. In 3D printing firstly few operators are needed. Along with it 3D printers greatly reduce waste by releasing materials only when needed. This not just increases sustainability but also leads to less cost in terms of materials used.

3. Flexibility:

With 3D printer it is possible to create anything would fit in its build volume. In a traditional method to manufacture a whole new product would require part design, new tools, molds, die etc. 3D printing can on the other hand be effectively used along with?CAD Drafting Services. Here, the CAD design is fed into the slicer software, needed supports are added and printing can be carried out. With additive manufacturing it possible to create products of complex geometries, of unique materials and it is even possible to experiment with colours and patterns.

4. Quality and consistency:

As stated before in additive printing there is a step by step assembly of any product or a part that would lead to enhancement of design as well as increase the final quality. Moreover, with 3D printing it possible to use materials which traditional methods of manufacturing may find it difficult to work with. These non-traditional materials could lead to products that are stronger and durable.

Finally, in 3D printing parts or products are printed in succession i.e. one after another. This means that it is possible to monitor each successive part and if there are any mistakes then they can be caught in real time and altered before more products are manufactured.

Along with the above advantages there are also other benefits which include reduced risks, better sustainability, enhanced accessibility etc. Looking at these advantages offered by 3D printing it becomes clear why it is being considered as the future of manufacturing.