The cutting-end technology of commercial 3D printers can be a truly great asset to your business, but alike all technology, it may not suit every business…
If correctly utilised by small businesses, there are an abundant number of benefits that can ensure business success. From reducing costs, optimised business efficiency and enhanced product construction, providing a competitive advantage ahead of industry competitors.
3D printing can allow a business to climb its industry, but the common misconceptions surrounding 3D technology often discourages small businesses and entrepreneurs. While some believe the technology is too futuristic, expensive and hard to use – but in reality, 3D technology is becoming more accessible, better quality and cheaper. With commercial 3D printers, your business uses fewer employees, less equipment, and fewer resources – keeping most of your manufacturing line in-house.
At Emona Instruments, we sincerely believe that most small companies should invest in 3D printing immediately, but don't just take our word for it! We have put together this helpful guide to bust some of the myths surrounding the technology so you can discover if your business is suitable for 3D printing.
Since 2015, Emona Instruments has offered industry-leading Additive Manufacturing Products and 3D Printing Materials to industries Australia-wide, we know exactly how small companies could benefit from this form of technology.
For more expert knowledge, check out Emona's recent article to discover how five early adopters of Industrial 3D Printers improved their business models and optimised their scope of production.
Optimised Production Lines
Without a doubt, 3D manufacturing makes production lines more efficient, 3D printing does not require a mould to create a product, so if a product requires any modifications, it can be completed easier with Production 3D Printers.
3D manufacturing makes mass-producing products possible with near-zero manual labour, thus creating the overall scope-of-product a much more affordable process. With no need to go through multiple middlemen and consultants to achieve a finalised product with commercial 3D printing. Soon the initial costs of a 3D printer will pay its self-off.
In addition, if in the rare situation where something goes wrong with your machine, replacing or fixing the broken parts of a 3D printer is a much quicker process than with traditional machinery, overall saving money and time.
More Advanced & Specialised Product Manufacturing
If your business is primarily based on creating customised products, 3D printing is the most beneficial type of technology for your business. With a build-on-demand business model, you can allow your customers to customise their product at any batch size, without many extra costs.
Product specialisation is one of the most significant advantages of additive manufacturing. Unlike traditional methods, the customisations of products are less expensive and take much less time with 3D printing. Achieving such mass-customisation into your production line expands the opportunities of your business.
Final products can be made more specialised with the accuracy of additive manufacturing which can create anything you can think of, and not just default designs. Even more complex geometries with impressive unique designs and special joints are easily accessible to 3D manufactures. For example, commercial 3D printers can create complex jigsaw-like structures which not just look good but allows your product to gain extraordinary strength and resistance.
In addition, Production 3D Printing can easily make your object weigh less, and innately your product will be lighter as the technology uses more lightweight raw materials to form the product. But other design tricks can be included in production to make the product even more lightweight – such as hallowing out your objects to make them less dense.
Better and More Affordable Prototypes
Often prototypes are essential marketing materials for businesses as they are used to attract investors and potential customers. Usually, this phase is costly and time-consuming, but Additive Manufacturing can fully optimise this process quicker and more efficient.
Prototypes are specifically beneficial to bring at trade shows and for in-store displays. Having a product sample allows your prospective clients to get a physical feel for your brand, helping you stand out from the competition. Showcase the functionality of your product without spending too much money with 3D printed prototypes.
Furthermore, with commercial 3D printers, you can create small-batch specialised products to bring with you to trade shows; for example, you can sell merch or create 3D business cards to give to potential buyers. Such little additions can make a big impression on clients and investors, ultimately representing your business as out-of-the-box creative, impressive, and a step ahead of your competitors.
Additive manufacturing will considerably improve your R&D process. The prototyping process is made more accessible and can significantly accelerate your whole product development. As a small company, you will be able to develop your project without wasting time and money.
Storage and Resource Reduction
In contrast to traditional manufacturing where the process begins with a large amount of resources requiring an ample space for storage, and then created into a product. Additive manufacturing only requires the exact amount of resources needed to create a product, optimising overhead costs and less physical storage space required.
Notably, for small businesses, storage is a common issue with expensive costs and the problem of sourcing enough physical space. Commercial 3D Printers allow for a mostly digital inventory and on-demand manufacturing, permitting a lot more feasibility within supply-chain management.
Sourcing Commercial 3D Printers and 3D Printing Materials at Emona
Particularly from a small business perspective, your customer base will be more satisfied with the benefits of 3D printing mentioned in this article, including the excellent quality of your product and the hyper-customisation when you work with additive manufacturing.
The potential of 3D printing is still in its infancy; in the coming years, almost all industries and companies will use the technology to enhance their manufacturing and supply chains. Be an early adopter of commercial 3D printing with a state-of-the-art 3D printer and high-quality 3D printing materials from Emona Instruments.
Emona Instruments caters for a range of budgets, functions and technologies, suitable for R&D professionals, production lines or the classroom. From Markforged Carbon Fibre Composite and Metal 3D Printers printing in stainless steel, tool steel, copper and Inconel, through to Formlabs SLA 3D Printers printing resin, the Emona team are ready to help with expert advice and benchmark sample part printing. Contact the Emona team for more information or technical support on (02) 9519 3933, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.emona.com.au/markforged.