Businesses need innovation to thrive in competitive industries while satisfying evolving customer needs. Various businesses across multiple industries have approached this in different ways, including the use of 3D printing technology.
This technology provides design freedom, high customization, and accelerates prototype and product development, among other things. You can click here for more information on the application of this technology across various industries.
Although innovation is crucial, we need to address other concerns like the sustainable use of this technology in Canada and beyond. One example is the use of 3D printing and additive manufacturing services to guarantee faster production cycles.
Read on to learn more about the need for this and how to solve the challenge.
Understanding the Need for High-Volume 3D Printing
One effective use of this technology will be high-volume production. Some of the advantages of doing this include:
Quick and Flexible Production
This technology enables quick and seamless conversion of ideas into final products. The process starts with a prototype, which is then studied and developed as a blueprint for the intended product.
This allows you to make necessary changes, including design updates. Overall, it makes it possible and easy to improve one’s product, as well as do so quickly.
Improved Supply Chain
Supply chain troubles are common in various industries. This particularly applies to the manufacturing industry and a few others. Unfortunately, these issues can severely impact production, causing businesses to appear untrustworthy before customers.
Fortunately, this technology has significantly prevented or reduced the chances of this happening. For example, it allows you to print parts nearby instead of shipping them from overseas.
Optimized Inventory
This production technology offers a lot when it comes to preventing wastage. The ability to print the exact amount of product required on demand proves this.
This simply means you do not need to worry about filling a warehouse with unneeded stock. Since the pace of 3D printers enables this, there are no fears of delays. This greatly helps reduce waste and save money.
Cost-Saving
This technology offers manufacturers cost savings in various ways. For example, the previously mentioned point demonstrates one of its cost-effective benefits. In addition to the above, it also means a reduced need for warehouses and associated costs, among other things. Other ways it can be cost-effective include the following:
Printing Cost
Traditional manufacturing equipment typically costs more than the 3D printing approach. Instead of paying for expensive, special molds needed for traditional manufacturing, you can save money with this technology. This applies especially if you are not producing many parts.
Quicker and Cheaper Production of Prototype
Its rapid pace of prototype creation allows manufacturers to work fast and achieve desired results. Additionally, this technology generally makes prototypes more affordable than other methods. This is possible because it eliminates the need for special and expensive molds and/or tooling.
The points above represent only a few of the cost-saving benefits that this technology provides, especially in manufacturing. Some of the others include:
- Reduced Shipping/Logistic Costs – It is usually more of local manufacturing
- Low-Volume Production (if required)
- Simplified Assembly
However, simply deploying this technology does not mean you will enjoy all these advantages. The competence of the hired 3D printing service provider significantly influences it, among other factors.
Key Factors in Choosing a High-Volume 3D Printing Partner in Canada
Partnering with the right 3D printing service provider is crucial for making the most of this technology. Since this is important, discussed below are some key factors to consider before partnering with a 3D printing service provider:
Relevant Experience
Imagine your automobile business finds a 3D printing service provider with 15 years of experience. However, this service provider has no experience with automobile clients.
In simple terms, their experience might not meet your specific needs. However, some 3D printing service providers offer services across multiple industries and are experienced at it. You can see https://anubis3d.com/ for more on this. The point is not to assume that a service provider can competently serve diverse industries.
Machines and Technology
3D printing technology has greatly evolved to the point that there are various kinds of 3D printers, with some better for certain applications. For instance, some printers handle metal best, while others specialize in plastic.
To have the right expectations about machine deployment, you should understand these basics. Part of your inquiries should also include the availability of backup machines, just in case faults arise.
Since technology usage matters, investigate how effectively they use software solutions and automation like robots. These contribute to faster, effective, and seamless product manufacturing.
Speed and Deadlines
One advantage of this technology, as stated earlier, is the speed at which it allows for product manufacturing. This is why you should avoid entrusting your projects to a company terrible at meeting deadlines. So, choose a partner who will consistently deliver for your business in this area.
Design Support
This is a perfect reason why having relevant experience is important. With relevant experience, the 3D printing service provider can assist with product design and even upgrades.
Materials Used
It is common knowledge that the quality of a product depends significantly on the quality of its materials. Therefore, ensure your hired 3D printing service provider commits to using quality materials.
Certain industries and businesses should pay even more attention to this. Medical devices, for instance, require materials that ensure human safety. You can read this article for more insight into this.
Licensing and Certifications
You need assurance that your 3D printing company will operate compliantly. Verifying licensing and certification will help you achieve this. To do this, you need to learn about official quality standards for these service providers and base your decision on that.
Finishing Services
Beyond 3D printing, find out whether companies that are being considered offer finishing services. This matters because many 3D-printed products eventually need additional processing. Such processes may include sanding, polishing/painting, and shaping.
Conclusion
In addition to the above-discussed factors, pay attention to communication/customer support, transparency, pricing, and proximity. These factors are crucial because selecting the right 3D printing service provider significantly helps you maximize 3D printing technology’s potential.