The manufacturing industry is one of the essential pillars of the economy and in recent years has undergone a rapid technological revolution in th form of additive manufacturing, also known as 3-D printing. Those companies that have embraced this new technology have not only improved their operational agility and innovation but also significantly reduced production costs. Some of the key benefits of 3-D printing include:

1. Faster production

3-D printing can manufacture prototypes and small numbers of components very quickly. Compared to traditional manufacturing methods, which will take days or even weeks to mould a prototype, 3-D printing can take a matter of hours. Also, iterations can easily be made if the customer isn't satisfied with the first 3-D printed component produced.

2. Cost-effectiveness

The traditional manufacturing process can be very costly. This is because it requires human input and labour. Also, the cost of hiring experienced machinists can be high. With 3-D printing, just a single operator can initiate the automated 3-D printing process. As such, if a company is 3-D printing parts it will significantly cut down on the of cost labour while at the same time, 3-D printing machines are cheaper to acquire and maintain.

3. High-quality products

When using traditional manufacturing methods, the chances of getting poor initial prototype designs are high. In other words, there is no guarantee of getting it right first time, whereas with 3-D printing, accuracy is guaranteed as it follows a step by step assembly guide. In addition, the prototype can always be tested on the screen before 3-D printing which gives the user a chance to correct any flaws before production starts.

4. Freedom of design and customisation

This is another great advantage of using 3-D printing technology. Unlike traditional techniques, 3-D printing provides the user with endless personalisation. Users can explore their ideas before production begins. Again, the technology allows users to 3-D print different iterations of the same product, enabling themvto use different textures, colors, and other variables.

5. Wide variety of technology and materials

3-D printing exists in a wide variety of technology and materials. Additionally, there are various materials that can be 3-D printed. With the multiple materials existing in the market, it’s essential to first consider requirements before purchasing them. Types of components include resistant parts, flexible parts, food compatible parts, and heat resistance parts. Taking these factors into account will help the user to choose the right 3-D printing technology or materials that match their needs. There is, for example, a wide range of office printers from Konica Minolta to suit most needs.

6. Less waste production

Less waste production is another compelling reason to choose 3-D printing As opposed to traditional manufacturing, it only uses the right amount of materials needed to create a prototype. In addition, the 3-D printing technology makes it easy to re-use or recycle used materials which in turn saves a company money and resources.

Conclusion

3-D printing technology has presented industrial manufacturers with a platform to turn their concepts into reality in a faster and affordable fashion. Due to its numerous advantages, many manufacturig companies are taking the plunge and adopting the technology to prepare themselves for the future.