3D printing, often referred to as additive manufacturing (AM), has been a vital prototyping tool for decades and is increasingly becoming a more efficient solution for manufacturing applications. Despite its growing popularity, several misconceptions about this technology need to be addressed.
3D Printing Is one Technology
To an average person, 3D printing may seem like a single technology. In reality, however, 3D printing is an umbrella term that houses a group of 3D printing processes. When discussing 3D printing, they usually refer to the Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) process. However, there are seven different categories of additive manufacturing processes.
Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing falls under the binder jetting category, while FFF falls under material extrusion 3D printing. The other categories include VAT photopolymerization, Material Jetting, powder bed fusion, Directed Energy Deposition, and Sheet Lamination. Instead of going for any 3D printer you see in the market, it is essential to consult an expert and understand the capabilities and areas of application of these different types of 3D printing technologies.
Additive Manufacturing Is Too Expensive
There is no denying that the equipment and operational costs associated with additive manufacturing are pretty high. However, while analyzing the costs, you must also factor in AM's overall impact on the supply chain. 3D printing does not require specialized tooling, allowing you to print as many parts as you need. These features can help you eliminate inventory and transportation costs.
Imagine mass-producing medical implants using traditional methods, such as injection molding, which come with a high tooling cost. Besides, if you need to produce just a few hundred units using this method, you will still have to produce thousands of parts because of the method’s limitations. The extra stock requires warehousing and transportation costs. 3D printing can eliminate those expenses, making it a great investment choice in the long run.
3D Printing Will Replace Traditional Manufacturing
One of the most common misconceptions surrounding the 3D printing landscape is that it can replace conventional manufacturing. It is essential to understand that 3D printing is a niche technology suited to specific applications but cannot replace traditional technologies. Some significant applications of 3D printing include producing components with long lead times, printing customized parts, and manufacturing complex parts that are too expensive.
While 3D printing has the potential to revolutionize manufacturing, it is unlikely that it will ever fully replace established manufacturing methods, like injection molding and CNC machining. Instead of considering 3D printing as an alternative to conventional manufacturing, it is better to view this new-age technology as a complement to existing methods. In fact, 3D printing is used with traditional printing methods, as it brings about decreased costs and streamlined production instead of replacing them totally.
3D printers Can Only Create Small Parts
This is perhaps the biggest misconception about 3D printing that most people believe to be true. Some 3D printers, especially the powder-based ones, have relatively small build volumes since 3D printing of larger parts using powder-bed processes can be expensive. However, that is just one area of 3D printing. As mentioned earlier, several 3D printing technologies can produce stunning objects beyond small parts.
Since 3D printing is still an evolving technology, you may see most of its applications focusing on producing small parts. However, several companies have released 3D printers capable of precisely printing larger objects. 3D printing offers a cost-effective and flexible solution for manufacturing large parts faster. As a result, we may see more and more businesses using it to produce larger components using 3D printers. As technology advances further, 3D printing may become more affordable and accessible while making more intricate and larger parts.
Conclusion
If your idea about 3D printing is limited to what you have seen in popular media, it is difficult to differentiate between the misconceptions and the truth. However, if you take a deeper dive into the matter, you will discover that the knowledge a majority of us have about 3D printing is just the tip of the iceberg. Now that you have a better understanding of 3D printing technology, you can make informed decisions.
