Why additive manufacturing?
We have reached a time when 3D printing is moving significantly from prototyping to the production of final parts and products. And not only in the automotive or aviation industry. It is no longer in doubt that in 10-15 years 3D printing will be a completely normal part of the production process of various products or at least their parts. In this context, the term additive manufacturing is used instead of 3D printing.
Companies actively using additive manufacturing can very quickly gain or further consolidate their leading position in their field. They will be able to bring new products to the market faster and cheaper. Additive manufacturing will allow them to produce when they need, how much they need and where they need it without having to hold capital in inventory. Limited editions or custom modifications will be much more affordable and easy.
Design in 3D printing allows you to focus more on functionality than the manufacturability of parts. Examples are known from practice when it was possible to significantly reduce the number of parts in a complex device and at the same time obtain other benefits: reduction of material consumption, reduction of the weight of the entire device, simplification of assembling the device. And at the same time maintain the necessary properties of parts and equipment. Mostly just the opposite - they improve.
How to do it?
Certainly, many Czech companies would like to discover what potential additive manufacturing has for them. But it is not at all easy to navigate the large number of individual technologies, custom 3D printing providers or 3D printing vendors.
If you are just starting out with additive manufacturing, we recommend trying different 3D printing technologies. The most widespread method of 3D printing from plastic strings - the so-called FDM - is not suitable for the production of final parts, nor are currently rapidly spreading resin LCD 3D printers.
It is necessary to choose professional and industrial 3D printing using DLP, MJP, SLS, SLM technologies. Since their prices are in the order of hundreds of thousands or even millions, custom production may make sense for you.
We at cotu - experts in the most detailed method of 3D printing - DLP - also focus on mass production using 3D printing for our customers on Asiga's own printers.
However, it is not acceptable for every company to entrust their production to an external company, so they consider the possibility of investing in additive manufacturing on their own professional or industrial 3D printers. If this is the case for you, you can also contact us and take advantage of our additive manufacturing consultancy.
You can start additive manufacturing in your company in the following ways:
- by purchasing an expensive industrial printer - so far the only option for metal 3D printing and powder 3D printing (SLS)
- by creating a print farm - you increase production by purchasing additional 3D printers - a great option for DLP 3D printing.
Do you want to bring your idea to life? Contact us for professional advice in SLA 3D printing. We will design the most suitable material, handle the complete production of your product, or deliver and help integrate the manufacturing process, including the technology.
Learn more about our 3D printing services, explore the consultancy offered, or schedule a meeting directly.
