Chat with us, powered by LiveChat
 ISO 9001-2015 certified
info@zeal3dprinting.com.au      +61 1300 719 729

Zeal 3D

  • MATERIALS
  • PRODUCTS
    • 3D SCANNERS
    • 3D PRINTERS
  • SERVICES
    • 3D DESIGNING SERVICES
    • 3D SCANNING SERVICES
      • 3D SCANNING SERVICE MELBOURNE
      • 3D SCANNING SERVICE BRISBANE
      • 3D SCANNING SERVICE PERTH
      • 3D SCANNING SERVICE SYDNEY
    • STEM
      • CAD Training
      • Online Coding
  • MANUFACTURING SERVICES
    • 3D PRINTING SERVICES
      • MEDICAL INDUSTRY
      • ARCHITECTURAL INDUSTRY
      • AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
      • CUSTOM PROTOTYPING
      • 3D PRINTED FIGURINES
      • DEFENCE AND AEROSPACE
      • MINING INDUSTRY
      • 3D PRINTING IN SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES
      • FULL COLOR 3D PRINTING
      • SIGNAGE INDUSTRY
    • METAL 3D PRINTING
    • CNC MACHINING
      • CNC Metal Machining
        • CNC Aluminium Machining
      • CNC Plastic & Composite Machining
      • CNC Furniture Manufacturing
        • CNC Routing
        • CNC Cabinet
    • INJECTION MOLDING
    • VACUUM CASTING
    • LASER CUTTING
    • FABRICATION
    • EXTRUSION
    • DIGITAL MANUFACTURING SERVICES
    • CONTRACT MANUFACTURING
    • Mass Manufacturing Services
  • UPLOAD 3D FILE
  • STARTUP ACCELERATOR PROGRAM
  • CONTACT US
    • Resources
      • Blog
      • Ebooks
  • Home
  • Blog
  • 3D Printer
  • 3D Printer Vs 3D Printing Services — Which One to Choose for Your Business?
3D-Printer-vs-3D-Printing
Sam
Friday, 09 April 2021 / Published in 3D Printer

3D Printer Vs 3D Printing Services — Which One to Choose for Your Business?

As we progress around Industry 4.0 and the modernization of the manufacturing domain, business owners now have access to several options. Among those, 3d printing technology is on the top of the list as it offers omnichannel benefits to the manufacturing firms. 

That time is gone where only a few companies used to own a 3d printer for their in-house prototyping and production. However, today business owners now have access to both affordable 3d printers and 3d printing services. Picking one option from these available choices sometimes becomes overwhelming for companies.

To cut the air of confusion, we have brought a side by side comparison. Check out whether you should buy the best 3d printer or opt for professional additive manufacturing services.  

The Basics of 3D Printing

3d printing, or additive manufacturing, is a 3d print a solid object from a digital CAD file. In this additive process, the machine 3d prints objects by laying down layers of materials until the thing is fully complete. It is the opposite of the traditional ‘subtractive process’, including cutting or hollowing out the material block. 

3d printingThe image used for illustration purposes. Zeal 3D Printing is not the owner or creator of the image. (Image Source: Minkus on Unsplash)

Types of 3d printing technologies

Several technologies are available in the market to cater to different 3d printing services across industries. Following are the types of additive manufacturing methods accessible in the market to boost your business:

  • Stereolithography (SLA)
  • Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
  • Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
  • Digital Light Process (DLP)
  • Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
  • PolyJet
  • Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
  • Electron Beam Melting (EBM)

The Basics of 3D Printer

With vast availability, you will find plenty of high-end and affordable 3d printer options that can accomplish your every manufacturing requirement. Multiple 3d printers are available that run on the above technologies. 

If you plan to buy a 3d printer for personal or very small-scale use, you should go for FDM technology printers. These are affordable and easy to use for essential prototyping and design printing. However, if you need a professional printer supporting multiple colours and intricate design printing, you can go for MJF or PolyJet printers. 

The 3d printer price increases as you go up with configuration and specifications. If you are into metal-based manufacturing then, you can go for DMLS printers. These are industrial printers that are more expensive than personal printers. 

3d printer vs 3d printing

Now, the main question is — should you buy a 3d printer to take advantage of the professional and affordable 3d printing services. Check out the full benefits of both the facilities to decide better:

3D printingThe image used for illustration purposes. Zeal 3D Printing is not the owner or creator of the image. (Image Source: kynny/iStockphoto)

Benefits of 3d printing services

Opting for the best 3d printing service comes with several advantages that outperform the need of owning a printer in-house. 

You leverage experience

The most significant benefit of choosing 3d printing services over a printer is that you get the experience of working for years. On the other side buying a 3d printer is only one thing; you also need to learn how to use it. It will consume more time, resources and capital. That’s why it’s always good to go for 3d printing services, and you can expect excellent quality with a shorter turnaround. 

Access to the latest printers

3d printer cost varies as per the configuration, but you don’t need to worry about it when you outsource your work. The additive manufacturing company will leverage the best available modern printers to craft your design at an affordable price. On the flip side, once you invest money into one printer, it becomes a burden on the company to buy another as they are expensive. 

No in-house expenses

When you buy a 3d printer, it comes with several in-house expenses to take full advantage of the machine. Along with training costs, you need to buy 3d printing consumables and support structures for effective printing. 3d printers require periodic maintenance to ensure they deliver their optimum performance, and you need to hire someone for the same. It’s the main reason why 3d printing costs less money than owning a 3d printer. 

3d print service MelbourneThe image used for illustration purposes. Zeal 3D Printing is not the owner or creator of the image. (Image Source: Getty)

Advantages of Using a 3D Printer

Owning a 3d printer comes with a particular set of advantages that gives you the option for on-demand service with a shorter turnaround time. Check out whether these benefits are profitable for your business. 

Faster turnaround time

Having an in-house printer lets you print objects with a quicker turnaround once your team learns to use the machine. Depending on the size, you can print objects within a few hours. However, many companies offer you instant 3d printing quotes, and they deliver you the products within a few days. If you are doing some research-specific work, only then owning a printer is functional. 

Hands-on Printing

If you enjoy trying new technologies in your business without prior experience, then you can go for a 3d printer. You can go for a basic FDM 3d printer to start learning the nitty-gritty of additive manufacturing technology. On the other side, if you are not doing everything by yourself, opting for 3d printing services makes more sense. 

Quick Comparison 

 

        Check Points      3d Printing Services     3d printer
  1. Latest Printing Technology    
Yes No
      2.Turnaround Time Faster Faster
      3. Upfront Price No upfront investment  You need to pay upfront cost
       4. In-house Expenses No in-house expenses Recurring in-house expenses
       5. Experience Needed No 3d printing experience needed   Prior Training needed

Final thoughts

Although affordable 3d printers are available in the market, it comes with multiple additional things that you need to handle along with it. Be its high upfront cost, maintenance, or training & learning curve — you will need to invest both capital and time. On the other side, you can quickly get a custom 3d printing quote for your requirement and get things rolling in no time.   

Several companies are not offering on-demand faster 3d print service in Melbourne, Sydney and other areas to match up the growing demands. So, turnaround time and quality are not matters of concern anymore.  

However, if you are into research work and need to test out designs, owning a 3d printer will bring you convenience. In this scenario, you have to spend more comparatively going for professional 3d printing services.

Contact Us

  • Tweet
Tagged under: 3D print service melbourne, 3d printer, 3d printer vs 3d printing, 3d printing, 3d printing technology

What you can read next

Stratasys 3D Printer Fortus 380mc vs Fortus 450mc
Stratasys 3D Printer Fortus 380mc and Fortus 450mc: Which One to Buy
3D Printer
Smart Tips You Should Know to Decide Which 3D Printer to Buy
Stratasys Fortus 450mc Vs Stratasys Fortus 900mc
Stratasys Fortus 450mc Vs Stratasys Fortus 900mc: Which Is Right for You?

Contact Us

    By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. And agreed to get promotional emails.

    Recent Posts

    • Best Startup Accelerator

      Startup Accelerator: All Important Things You Need to Know

      To grow your startup and create a bigger impact...
    • Multi Jet Fusion and SLS technology

      Multi Jet Fusion vs. Selective Laser Sintering: Ultimate Comparison

      Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Multi Jet F...
    • Low CO2 Emission : 3D Concrete Printing’s Potential Looks Promising

      Let’s start with an example that illustra...
    • 3d printing manufacturing

      How Is 3d Printing Bringing a Paradigm Shift in the Manufacturing World?

      3d printing in the manufacturing industry is br...
    • 3d printing maritime industry

      How Can 3D Printing Technology Bring Changes to the Maritime Industry?

      3D printing technology is slowly but surely mak...

    Categories

    • 3D Designing
    • 3D Printer
    • 3D Printing in Architecture Industry
    • 3D Printing in Automobile Industry
    • 3D Printing in Defence Industry
    • 3D Printing in Education Industry
    • 3D Printing in Manufacturing Industry
    • 3D Printing in Medical Industry
    • 3D Printing in Mining Industry
    • 3d printing materials
    • 3D Printing News
    • 3D Printing Services
    • 3D Printing Technology
    • 3D Scanning Services
    • Augmented Reality
    • CNC Machining Services
    • Contract Manufacturing
    • Digital Manufacturing Services
    • Events
    • Fabrication
    • FDM 3D Printing
    • Industry 4.0
    • Injection Moulding Services
    • Laser Cutting Services
    • Mass Manufacturing
    • Metal 3D Printing
    • Polyjet 3D Printing
    • Rapid Prototyping Services
    • SLA 3D Printing
    • SLS 3D Printing
    • Startup Accelerator
    • Vacuum casting services

    Zeal 3D Printing Services © 2022

    • About Us
    • Melbourne
    • Sydney
    • Brisbane
    • Perth
    • Tasmania
    • New Zealand
    • Canberra
    • Services
    • 3d Printing Services
    • Printing Material And Properties
    • 3d Scanning Services
    • STEM Services
    • 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY
      • FDM
      • SLS
      • SLA
      • METAL
      • POLYJET
    • FAQ
    • CAREER
    • CONTACT US
    • Blog
    • Our Business Model
    • Our Philosophy
      info@zeal3dprinting.com.au

      61 1300 719 729

    Get in touch for free quote

      By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. And agreed to get promotional emails.

      Get A Quote





        ISO 9001-2015 certified
        Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy
        Image Disclaimer: The images are using for illustration purposes. Zeal 3D is not the owner of the image.

        CALL

        EMAIL

        TOP
        Quick Enquiry
        × 61-1300-719-729

        Send Enquiry

          By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. And agreed to get promotional emails.