Printing has been a major industry realm for several years now, but with the advent of the third dimension, popularly known as 3D printing, it enables the manufacturing enterprises to mass manufacture parts.
Having numerous benefits such as fewer lead times, rapid response, mass production, and customization, 3D printing services in Australia will have a tremendous impact over the next few years in the world. It is disrupting industries like healthcare, consumer products, construction, and automotive. With that said, let see how 3D printing and fabrication affect different industries.
3D printing vs. Fabrication
3D printing uses computer-driven technology to enable the production of a final product from a digital model. This is done by laying several successive coverings of materials used. 3D printing also requires fewer materials as compared to fabrication.
Zeal3Dprinting is not the owner or creator of the image. Image source: (Pixabay / CC0)
Materials Used – Both processes, 3D printing, and fabrication are compatible with several materials that include metals and plastics. The manufacturers establish more affordable ways of 3D printing on Metal to make the process convenient. Aluminum is one of the most common metals used in fabrication to create superior quality prototypes in industries. Due to its mechanical properties, it is one of the best metals.
- Accuracy and Geometric Complexity – 3D printing creates parts with greater accuracy as compared to fabrication. 3D printing is also popular for its benefits of manufacturing various parts with elevated geometric complexity. Although some technologies require support, 3D printing creates parts using geometries that no other procedure can replicate.
- Ease of Use – 3D printing technologies are much simpler than fabrication. After the file is prepared, you just need to pick the part orientation, fill, and the required supports. After the commencement of the printing, no supervision is needed till the process gets completed. On the contrary, fabrication is a labor-intensive process.
Fabrication in Australia requires skilled operators to choose between different tools, their rotation speed, repositioning of the materials used to create a part, etc.
- Cost – 3D printing processes are cheaper than the fabrication method. The overall costs depend on the parts you require and how rapidly you want them. Low-volumes involve fewer costs and are more appropriate when you need prototypes rapidly.
On the contrary, fabrication incurs heavy use of materials, machinery, and repair. Hence, it is expensive to use.
- Environmental Friendly – The fabrication process involves cutting of materials from the block of original material. After completing the procedure, you need to dispose of the materials, which pollutes the environment and releases many hazardous substances. Additive Manufacturing or 3D printing forms an object on a platform known as the build platform with materials fed into the 3D printing machine. Since it drastically reduces the materials involved, 3D printing is relatively environment friendly than fabrication.
Zeal3Dprinting is not the owner or creator of the image. Image source: (Daniel Wiadro on Unsplash)
All these factors make 3D printing a clear winner. With 3D printing, less amount of materials are used, and less wastage is done. Plus, you can formulate parts in cost-effective ways. Though both procedures are beneficial, the appropriate one will depend on geometric complexity, material, budget, and the volume in which you manufacture. You should find out which one is the best for you based on your requirements.
Conclusion
Functional gain, reduced waste, production efficiency, etc are a few advantages of using 3D printing. It also drives greater design flexibility and freedom. It also cuts down on unnecessary lead times, frequent replacement parts, and other administrative delays.
Are you looking for 3D printing services? Zeal 3D printing is one of the best 3D printing agency in Australia. Our experts have years of work experience in printing customized parts. Book a consultation call to know how we can help you with your next project.
