It goes without saying that today’s world businesses worldwide use 3D printing for product development and manufacturing. They’re investing in finding and hiring resources with experience in additive manufacturing. Most companies know the benefits of 3D printing but face bottlenecks in operational implementation — should they buy a 3D printer or hire a 3D printing service provider? Both of them serve different business models and objectives. In this article, I’ll weigh the pros and cons of buying a 3D printer and availing of 3D printing services.
What Are The Advantages Of Using A 3D Printer?
When you have a printing related business, purchasing 3D printing becomes important. Here are some of the advantages of having an in-house 3D printer.
Zeal3Dprinting is not the owner or creator of the image. Image source: (Kjpargeter/shutterstock.com)
Quick Turn Around Time
Once you have purchased the industrial 3D printer and have trained your staff to operate it, you can print parts in-house. This way, you can speed up the process of printing parts. The good part is, you don’t need to wait for days or months for your 3D printing service provider to do your work. You’ll have the end result in front of your eyes to determine whether it’s good to go or needs some amendments.
Get An Edge Over Your Competitors
Online 3D printing is a relatively new concept in the business world. As the trend of 3D printing in Melbourne will grow, more and more businesses will start buying 3D printers. So, if you invest in purchasing a 3D printer now, you’ll have the edge over your competitors who are still in a dilemma of whether or not to purchase a 3D printer
What Are The Advantages Of Using 3D Printing Services?
Outsourcing your 3D printing needs to an affordable and expert service provider helps you achieve operational efficiency. Here are the advantages of hiring a 3D printing service provider for your products.
Zeal3Dprinting is not the owner or creator of the image. Image source: (Amin Hasani on Unsplash)
Experienced Team
The best part of hiring a 3D printing service provider is getting an experienced team that understands your requirements and works accordingly. This means you can hit the ground right from day one and don’t need to spend time hiring and training resources.
As your business grows, your demand for 3D printing will grow alongside. You’d also add new products or start a new 3D printing venture. This is where a 3D printing vendor would be the most helpful. They can print what you want to without any setbacks.
Access to the Latest Equipment
3D printing service providers will have access to the latest technology and equipment. They are always on the lookout to streamline their processes and provide their best equipment to their clients. Hence, if you’re looking to hire an online 3D printing company, stay assured that your designs would be printed on the latest 3D printers in the industry.
No Expense On the Overheads
When you purchase a 3D printer, you’d have to spend $20,000-$100,000 on a single industrial 3D printer. Plus, you need to find and hire resources who would operate the printers. Not only that, but you will also spend on maintaining the printers and upskilling your staff.
On the other hand, hiring a 3D printing agency will be cost-efficient. You would get all your requirements fulfilled without purchasing a 3D printer or hiring resources. The best part is you’d get the skills, industry experience, and access to the best 3D printers at a fraction of the price of a 3D printer.
Which One Would You Choose?
As the adage goes — you’re your best judge. No one knows your business better than you. If you need to 3D print often, purchase a 3D printer. But you have to keep in mind that with an in-house 3D printer, you will have you hire people and spend on the printer’s upkeep. Hence, there would be contingencies, and you’ll not be able to start from day one.
On the other hand, outsourcing 3D printing services will give you access to the best technology and resources with no setbacks whatsoever. Hence, to sum up, weigh your pros and cons and make your decision wisely.
