While it’s a stretch to suggest that all businesses need a 3D printer, many can gain a competitive advantage by going this route.
The 3D printing market is growing by leaps and bounds. MarketsAndMarkets reports that the segment was worth $15 billion worldwide last year and is on pace to reach $34.5 billion by 2028. That works out to a compound annual growth rate of 18.1% from 2023 to 2028.
Used to make everything from jewelry to shoe designs, 3D printers extrude thermoplastic filaments — like polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) — through a heated nozzle. They melt the material and manufacture the desired design on a layer-by-layer basis until the product is done.
Is a 3D printer right for your business? Consider these five benefits and decide for yourself.
- Create Prototypes Faster
Does your company sell products that require prototypes before manufacturing? Your company can use a 3D printer to save time so the product manufacturing process is more efficient. Going this route will also fast-track the time to market so consumers in your target demographic get what they need sooner.
The prototype stage is traditionally a time- and resource-intensive process, requiring a lot of time before a product is ready to hit the shelves of your virtual store or a brick-and-mortar store. But a 3D printer can simplify the process, save money, and hit retail shelves sooner rather than later.
- Increase Efficiency
Your business can also increase efficiency with a 3D printer. Again, doing things the traditional way versus using a 3D printer will take more time and money than necessary. You’ll also have to factor into the equation the time spent fixing errors that can be avoided or nipped in the bud when using a 3D printer. Your company will be a more efficient and productive entity with a 3D printer that helps manufacture high-quality products faster than would otherwise be possible.
- Manufacture High-Quality Products
Your business can manufacture high-quality products with a 3D printer. Depending on the capacity of the 3D printer, you may bring product manufacturing in-house rather than outsource that process. You’ll get ultimate control over the end product.
Creating precise replicas of the original prototype is a major selling point for 3D printers. You can revolutionize how your company manufactures products — giving you complete control over the process from start to finish.
- Lower Overhead Expenses
Overhead expenses can make things difficult for any company, which is one reason to find ways to lower those costs. Rent, electricity, and administrative expenses can add up. A 3D printer can help cut costs without jeopardizing product quality.
Going with a 3D printer also means you can reduce the number of employees in the product manufacturing space since the technology requires minimal human intervention. As was mentioned before, a 3D printer will ensure worker error isn’t a concern.
You can pass the cost savings onto customers or use those funds for other business purposes.
- Less Equipment
Investing in a 3D printer also means you’ll require less equipment. A traditional manufacturing facility requires a considerable investment in equipment. But a 3D printer route will simplify the manufacturing process by requiring less equipment. And considering the mobility and relatively small size of a 3D printer, your business won’t require that much floor space to accommodate one.
While a 3D printer isn’t necessary for all businesses, it’s worth considering. For the reasons mentioned above, your company may see a 3D printer as a must-have. It can be a game-changing investment that helps your business manufacture products more efficiently and get them into customers’ hands faster. So, it’s the sort of investment to look into, whether or not it ends up being a good fit.
