3D printing has amassed a huge reputation throughout the past couple of years. Nowadays, you can find 3D printers in regular households; not to mention, businesses, too. Nevertheless, some businesses still remain hesitant regarding buying a private 3D printer for their firms. This is why we’ve done some research, and came up with three ways to identify whether or not you need cash for toner.
1. Do you have special production needs?
Most businesses tend to manufacture by the bulk so as to make as much profit as possible. Bulk production often costs less per unit which allows a business to keep more of the money acquired from the sale. This is a smart strategy, however, it should be reserved for products that are sure sellers.
When it comes to new products, it is much more financially clever to produce small quantities at first, then shift means of production accordingly. With market trials, and businesses that sell customized specialty items, a 3D printer is the best option. This way, you can easily alter simple details to develop a desired product, or cater to each customer’s specific needs and wants.
Even if your business doesn’t run on selling products, 3D printing can prove to be of a great benefit. Some, if not most, businesses are always on the hunt for ways to materialize their ideas. It can mostly be noticed with architectural firms; 3D printers make it easier to visualize, and communicate their ideas to their clients.
How can 3D printers help? Well, according to io3dprint, large 3D printers can effortlessly print out large architectural models. This is a quick way to see what you’re working with, and how it would look like, if it were real. In other words, a 3D printer makes it easier to accurately develop a concept, edit it, and pitch it to clients.
3. Do you regularly need to print 3D models?
Of course, needing a 3D printer doesn’t necessarily mean that you should own one. On the other hand, it is a lot more cost-effective, and all-round beneficial if you invest in one. Going to a 3D printing firm every time you need to print out a model of something is a constant waste of funds. Not only that, you will also be wasting time on the commute to a 3D printing firm.
In addition to those two reasons, it can be almost impossible to communicate your exact ideas to the person responsible for printing your project. Meanwhile, owning a printer means that you will able to print anything you want with no additional costs, maximum production accuracy and customizability, and minimum time loss.
Having said all of that, it is important that you remember to carry out a quick cost-benefit analysis to determine whether you actually need it or not. While the aforementioned reasons have been found to apply to most businesses, it is not always the case. However, keep in mind that a 3D printer is not a regular item but, an investment. So, don’t compare it to a couch, or a TV screen; instead, compare it to a higher internet speed, or an office coffee maker.
