For decades, 3D printing has been the primary tool for rapid prototyping. However, with technological advancements during the recent years, 3D printing is being increasingly used as a production tool for end-use production parts.
These end-use production parts are being printed in various materials including engineering polymers, metal alloys, ceramics and composites.
End-use production parts may be tooling parts such as molds, master patterns, jigs & fixtures, replacement and spare parts, medical devices ( hearing aids, implants, surgical guides, etc.), customized consumer goods such as shoes, earphones, eyewear, etc. , jewellery, scale models, promotional products, personalized gifts, etc.
It must be noted that in many cases involving 3D printed production parts, 3D printing has to be complemented with post-processing techniques such as heat-treatment, machining, polishing, etc.
So when do you prefer 3D printing vis-à-vis other fabrication methods?
- a) When it is more cost-effective compared to other methods, especially for limited quantities;
- b) When the element of freedom of design allows for the fabrication of complex geometries;
- c) When it is essential to get the product to the market in the shortest possible timeframe;
- d) When multiple iterations of the product design are required before finalizing the right design for large scale production;
- e) When you need to increase the efficiency of the manufactured part through higher strength-to-weight ratios, lower the number of subcomponents in an assembly model, etc.
To get a quotation for your parts quickly, you may
upload your cad files / 3D models on our website or you may email us the files with all the required information at
support@fabforma.com.
