According to Nir Evanhaim, writing for Massivit 3D, while some CNC service shop owners still think of ‘desktop hobbyist’ machines when it concerns 3D printing, the reality is that 3D printing technology has made huge strides. 3D printing is just as relevant, if not more so, to commercial and industrial production where the technology can shorten lead times and boost quality. This is especially so when considering breakthrough technologies for large-scale 3D printing.
For CNC service shops, remaining relevant in a highly competitive market is key. In order to stay ahead and meet the growing demands of customers, CNC service shops need to incorporate the latest tools and equipment into their operations. One such tool that is becoming increasingly popular and relevant is a large-scale 3D printer.
By adding a large-scale 3D printer to their arsenal, CNC service shops can not only increase their efficiency and cost savings, but also offer a wider range of services to their customers. It’s for these reasons and more that they are augmenting their offering with 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing.
The advancements in additive manufacturing technology have enabled CNC service shops to explore the use of 3D printing as a viable option for their operations. 3D printing provides a cost-effective and efficient means of producing prototypes, which is crucial for testing and refining designs before mass production. Furthermore, the use of 3D printing in CNC service shops allows for greater flexibility and quicker turnaround times compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
Benefits of adding a large-scale 3D printer to a CNC service shop
1. Custom and complex parts production: large-scale 3D printing technology allows for the production of full-sized custom and complex parts, which traditional manufacturing methods struggle with. This opens up new opportunities for CNC service shops to offer services to a wider audience that is looking to rapidly print complex or short run components for a range of industries, including marine, automotive, and even events.
2. Faster and more cost-effective prototyping: cutting-edge 3D printing technology enables CNC service shops to produce prototypes quickly and iterate designs faster than traditional manufacturing methods such as CNC, resulting in significant time and cost savings.
3. Increased efficiency and flexibility: adding a 3D printer allows CNC service shops more flexibility. The efficiency of receiving digital files for print is already a norm for some shops, and the ability to leverage a large-scale 3D printer for part or all of a project means all of a shop’s machines can be used in the smartest way possible. This allows shops to respond to customer needs and demands more quickly and effectively.
4. Reduced waste: as opposed to subtractive manufacturing technology like CNC, which creates a great deal of waste, 3D printing does not. As an additive manufacturing technology, 3D printing only uses the absolute minimum of material needed, and leaves very little waste behind. This is good for business, and good for the world too.
5. Production of composite part moulds: Some cutting edge 3D printing technologies enable the production of composite parts. Creating a mould for a composite part is an exceedingly long process.
The 3D printing industry is rapidly growing, and its use in manufacturing is on the rise. This technology allows for greater flexibility, faster production times, and the ability to produce custom and complex parts. As a result, many industries are incorporating 3D printing into their operations, including rail, aerospace and bathware.
With continued advancements in the technology, the use of 3D printing in manufacturing is expected to increase in the coming years. With an existing user base to tap into, as well as increasing inquiries by those looking for 3D printing services, CNC service shops are perfectly placed to capture this growing market.
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