3d printing - Pros & Cons - All you need to know
Gone are the days when traditional machining and injection molding is the only way. They are particularly a few outstanding benefits that 3Dd printing holds in comparison to traditional machining and injection molding. The fact cannot be ignored that each method of production comes up with its drawbacks. It is quite essential to make sure that your part's intended applications which may determine if 3D printing or traditional manufacturing methods are ideal for you.
Here, we are going to put the list of pros and cons of 3D printing and explain everything to get to know regarding if 3d printing is counted as being an ideal solution for manufacturing your parts.
What About The Benefits Of 3D Printing
When it comes to buying a printer, many points need to be considered indeed. Hope these points will surely help you to accumulate more information indeed. Let us understand in a detailed manner
Print On Demand
Who does not need to want to have prints on demand? With 3D printing, it becomes possible indeed. Inventory is known for eating up a huge chunk of your space especially if you are not using it that way often. 3D printing is here with the ability to print as per the requirement to circumvent an overstocked and costly inventory.
Getting prints on-demand goes with the option of time inventory management method. Therefore it does not prefer to get prints in abundance but it would focus on making up space in inventory and financial assets. 3D printing designs are a bit similar to CAD and STL files, you may have to go with a virtual library of those parts and get prints when it is needed. You are allowed to change your designs right in the starting. It means your huge time would be saved.
Lighter and Stronger Parts
3D printing's primary material is regarded as plastic which is probably inferior to steel and aluminum. It needs to mention that going with plastic in place of metal comes up with huge benefits. These plastics are way much lighter in comparison to metal counterparts. Here, it needs to mention that a variety of automobile manufacturers have already switched to go with 3Dd printed parts regarding their vehicles so that cars would remain lighter. Plastic could be substituted for metal and provide the same ideal results concerning your parts.
For Waste Reduction
3D printing is regarded as an additive manufacturing process. On the other hand, a machine that cuts away large chunks of non-recyclable material is to produce the part. 3D printing is known for producing less waste indeed. It also reduces the material cost of production since you are only going to pay for the material that you use. Doesn't it sound great?
To Get Freedom Of Design
3D printing plays a major role to enhance complex geometry going with machining and injection molding. Here, it needs to mention that complex geometry probably would not be possible with traditional methods since some areas are regarded as impossible to machine. But because of 3d printing, it becomes possible to go with any sort of geometry. It may enable you to make your design quite simple replacing an assembly following a single 3Dd printed component.
Rapid Prototyping
3D printing and prototypes can easily be produced within sophisticated timing. It enhances the speed of the design process in a great way. The first design process could be done in a sophisticated manner so that the next design could be started as soon as possible. Here, it needs to mention that each design requires a specific sort of modification. With 3D printing, it becomes possible to go with a prototype so that it could be done quickly as well as inexpensively following the sophisticated methodology.
Speed
This one is next on the list since it enhances the speed and can print parts within a stipulated time. Though it also depends on the size and complexity of the part. 3D printing makes you ahead in the competition. We are living in a world where speed matters a lot since we are already running out of time indeed. We all appreciate the way where the task could be done easily and fast
Cost-Effective
The total cost of a 3D printing project goes with a variety of factors and it is essential to consider when it comes to buying a printer. You may expect 3Dd printing to be a bit more responsible. Going with 3D printing means one machine would be enough to do different work. You would not need to spend your extra time or energy on a variety of machines to set different stages of manufacturing. Traditional manufacturing methods may require an operator to do different jobs while printing is being done. It reduces manpower.
What About The Cons of 3D Printing
In this section, we are going to mention the cons of 3D printing. Let us check out the below-mentioned points to grab more information regarding this.
Limited Materials
3D printing is not that versatile to go with most materials. 3D printing produces parts following a limited selection of plastic of different types of mechanical properties. 3D printers will only go with metal following limited selection. Here, it needs to mention that most 3Dd printing materials are neither recyclable nor food safe. Therefore, it needs to be a bit careful while using it. The more you stay aware, the more you would be away from unwanted stress indeed.
Limited Build Volume
Generally, 3D printers do come up with small build champers. It enhances the cost since it would be taking more time to print the parts and probably need manual labor.
Post Processing
Once processing is done, you would need some type to clean up so that support material could be removed and the surface could be smoothened accordingly. It also includes various aspects such as water jetting, sanding, a chemical soak as well as rinse. The amount of post-processing apart would be required depending on what sort of 3D printing technology is being used. It also includes what part's size and intended applications are being used.
In The Last
So, what are you waiting for? Make your decision accordingly. Hope this information has added value to your knowledge while you would make the right decision regarding buying a printer.
