In the manufacturing business, daily, new ways are invented to ease the production process and save cost. A good businessman always aims to stay ahead of competitors and save costs while doing this. So, if you are a manufacturer seeking to maximize profit by using cost-friendly production methods and equipment then this article is for you. Getting a 3D printer is perfect for you.
3D printing is simply the process of using digital design to create physical objects. While there are several types of 3D printing, one is becoming increasingly popular. This article will focus on the reason for this increasing popularity arising from the benefits of a desktop FDM 3D Printer.
Advantages of a Desktop FDM 3D Printer
The advantages of using a desktop FDM 3D Printer are numerous. This article will only look at a few of those advantages.
1. It is Cost Friendly Yet Efficient
Manufacturers are actively looking for cheap equipment that can get the job done. An average entry-level FDM 3D printer costs less than a thousand dollars while a professional Desktop FDM 3D Printer costs upwards of $2,000 to $3,000. This differs greatly from other 3d Printers such as the SLA 3D printer which usually begins from $3,000.
The price range of the FDM 3D Printer makes it pocket-friendly for a wide variety of businesses as it gets the job done and saves manufacturers and business owners a chunk of money.
2. Variety and Options in Materials
A Desktop FDM 3D Printer though less expensive than others, has a variety of colors and thermoplastics to choose from, such as PLA, ABS, PEEK, etc.
It also has a variety of engineering materials such as PETG, PVA, and TPU. A key feature of a desktop FDM 3D Printer is the experimental filaments which makes it possible to blend materials to create the manufacturers’ unique design.
3. Low Maintenance and Availability
The materials used for FDM printing are easy to access and purchase. This is due to the affordability and popularity which has made it a favorite among manufacturers and even those who merely consider it as a hobby.
The popularity leads to increased demands and if one part gets spoiled, it can be easily replaced at a low cost.
4. Diversity of Usage
FDM 3D Printers are suitable for diverse fields such as medicine, dentistry, automotive industry, aerospace industry, education industry, etc.
5. Saves Cost in Personnel Training
FDM 3D Printers are easier to operate than other 3D printers. This saves cost and time in staff training because the technology is not complex. It is easier to grasp.
6. Learning Opportunities for Children
With the increase in STEM programs, FDM 3D Printers are heavily relied on as teaching tools. This is due to the variety in material options and the pocket-friendly prices.
7. Post Printing Requirement
The simplicity of FDM 3D Printers makes it easy to remove the printed object after printing. By comparison, this is difficult with other 3D Printers like SLA.
Manufacturers using SLA often find difficulty with object removal after printing. Some of the objects can remain glued to the platform which will cause you extra work to remove them.
Conclusion
Purchasing a 3D printer is largely dependent on what you need it for. So, while we recommend a Desktop FDM 3D printer because of all the reasons highlighted above, you should carry out further research on its suitability to your product before making a final decision.
