How 3D printers improve on-demand manufacturing
Prototype motorcycle components 3D printed on spec for a customer.
Businesses offering on-demand manufacturing services face three major challenges
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Product design and order quantity can vary greatly
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Traditional manufacturing technologies have high MOQ threshold of profitability
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Efficiency of traditional manufacturing tools is heavily affected by products' design
No MOQ
3D printers fabricate models at a steady price regardless of the order quantity, so there is no need to force a high MOQ upon customers.
Simple toolset
Almost all shapes can be fabricated on 3D printers, so there is no need for having specialized tools for different designs.
Short lead times
Ordered products get to customers faster because 3D printers can start working on the assignment immediately with no time wasted on tooling.
Less human labor
Fabrication on 3D printers is for the most part done automatically with no need for human supervision, so it requires minimal workforce.
Workflow in 3D printing services
Businesses offering on-demand manufacturing can implement implement 3D printers following four simple steps. Here's how it works.
Step 1: Design optimization
Customer's product design is optimized for 3D printing.
Step 2: Choice of material
The right material is chosen to meet customer's requirements.
Step 4: Post-processing
Appropriate post-processing techniques are applied if necessary.
Step 3: 3D printing
Fabrication is assigned to available 3D printers.
Step 1: Design optimization
Customer's product design is optimized for 3D printing.
Step 2: Choice of material
The right material is chosen to meet customer's requirements.
Step 3: 3D printing
Fabrication is assigned to available 3D printers.
Step 4: Post-processing
Appropriate post-processing techniques are applied if necessary.
Automotive prototyping
Falectra has built a fully functional prototype electric motorbike with 3D printed components.
Technologies for 3D printing services
The choice of the right 3D printing technology for an on-demand manufacturing business depends on the complexity of ordered products and the MOQ.
Small size products with complex geometry
Resin 3D printing technologies like the Zortrax UV LCD are best for small yet intricately designed products ordered in large quantities.
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Medium size products with simple geometry
LPD technology is the most cost-efficient for making simple medium size products in large quantities.
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Medium size products with complex geometry
LPD Plus technology is best for intricately designed, medium size details with complex internal architectures ordered in small to medium quantities.
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Medium size products with smooth surfaces
SVS automated post-processing devices can be used with LPD or LPD Plus printers to achieve superior aesthetics in large quantities of products.
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