Advantages and Disadvantages of using 3D Printing for Mass Production
We have seen how 3D printing can be used for mass customization and personalization of products, but what about mass production?
3D Printing has long been used in the very first phase of mass manufacturing: rapid prototyping. The big question since then has been around its ability to manufacture on an industrial scale.
This article is our take on this long simmering debate. Let’s get started!
3D Printing in Manufacturing: how things stand
Additive manufacturing is now increasingly being preferred for the production of end-use parts. This is due to the fast speed of the entire process of manufacturing: from ideation to execution.
However, there are some essential drawbacks in realizing the full potential of 3D Printing.
When it comes to large-scale manufacturing, the 3D Printing technique that has been most commonly used is Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM).
FDM Printing uses plastics as the raw material. However, there are several quality issues with most of the current supply.
Since the production material neesd to have a certain heat and pressure tolerance, keeping things consistent from print to print can be problematic due to inconsistent quality.
These limitations with the present techniques used in FDM 3D printing technology are keeping it from being mass adopted as a means for mass production.
Mass adoption: combination of subtractive and additive manufacturing
In our opinion, it is possible to overcome these barriers by using a combination of additive and subtractive manufacturing.
This reflects the common misconception that FDM 3D printing technology cannot compete with traditional manufacturing methods such as injection molding or CNC machining for producing functional end-use parts.
Conventional manufacturing methods produce parts with high repeatability that can last a long time. However, this does not mean that 3D printing technologies can never compete with traditional manufacturing methods.
Examples of 3D Printing in Industry
Many top-tier international companies such as GE and Siemens are already using 3D printers to produce end-use parts for their products.
It is clear from these examples that additive manufacturing technologies have come a long way in terms of achieving the high level of precision required for mass production.
So how did they achieve the accuracy needed for mass production? Well, there are three critical factors at play here:
1) material selection
2) printer calibration
3) post-processing.
Material selection
Generally, as we discussed in our previous blog post, FDM printers can work with various materials such as ABS, PLA, etc.
It is possible to achieve excellent “surface finish” properties with the suitable material, which is vital for mass production parts.
Printer Calibration
As mentioned before, a 3D printer requires calibration every time you switch from a different type of material or use another machine. The reason for this is that each printer has its unique personality.
For example, if your printer is not level, then there is no way that your printed part will come out with the desired dimensions. The same goes for printing speed, extrusion diameter, etc.
Post-processing
Post-processing methods such as sanding and polishing can also be used to achieve high surface finishes on 3D printed parts.
This is very important, especially when using ABS filaments known for their low surface finish properties compared to PLA. ABS requires a lot of post-processing to get it into shape for mass production.
Are you selecting the Right Printer?
Before you invest in an expensive printer capable of producing end-use parts, you should consider some critical factors:
1. Post-processing capabilities: Will your printer require a lot of post-processing? If so, you must have the time and resources to invest in this process. Alternatively, you could also hire another company to do this for you.
2. Material Compatibility: Is your material compatible with your machine? Can it withstand extreme temperatures, or is it water-soluble? Solving these problems might be difficult if you lack the right equipment or know-how.
You should seriously consider finding a way around these kinds of issues before you decide to go down the 3D printing route!
Likes the blog or have some feedback. Please reach out and we’ll get back to you ASAP! If you’re looking for affordable and quality 3D Printing Services, we’d love to help.
