The 3D printing solution is not a brand new technology anymore, but then, there is still a lot of organisations and businesses that are yet to adopt this type of technology. Most IT solution providers can tell you that businesses stand to lose a definite competitive edge due to this. For example, subtractive manufacturing and injection moulding manufacturing methods enjoy many advantages with the 3D printing process.

Keeping up with the industry trends is vital. This fact is reflected in the statistics as it shows how 93% of businesses who used 3D printing technology gained competitive advantages over other businesses who do not. What most businesses do not realise is that 3D printing has moved ahead from merely being utilised for frames, prototyping, rapid tooling, trinkets, toys, etc. Today, this technology is also being used to create durable end products to be sold in the market.

Many A-list companies have embraced 3D printing. It is time you gave it a thought as well. With that being said, here are five ways in which 3D printing technology can give your company a serious competitive edge:

Cost reduction

The major deciding factor for many businesses is reducing overhead costs. 3D printing solutions can provide additive manufacturing —

• without occupying large premises thereby lowering rent
• requiring only minimal operator intervention thereby lowering labour costs
• not requiring expensive product moulds, and specific equipment tools
• posting comparatively lower maintenance and servicing costs due to fewer moving parts
• creating less or no waste at all by using exactly the amount of material that is necessary for each product.

Speed and efficiency

3D printing technology makes manufacturing much faster and more efficient. It allows for rapid prototyping thus cutting down on time required to fully develop a product. Designing, producing, and testing can be a continuous process enabling the shipping of the final product much sooner than usual. Moreover, it is easier to replace a faulty component making them more efficient and reliable.

Superior in quality

3D printers are computer-controlled hence, they provide a superior replica of the original product or prototype. The quality of additive manufacturing is second-to-none. More and more important products such as dental braces, jet engine fuel nozzles, and aircraft and satellite parts are now being produced using 3D printing technology. The 3D printing process allows for a step-by-step assembly that guarantees utmost accuracy, design enhancement, and better-quality products.

Consistent and low-risk

3D printing is a successive manufacturing process where each batch can be monitored for errors. This creates consistent quality and also reduces risk of faulty or failed products. Additional risk is mitigated by verifying each batch, design, and prototype before embarking on a substantial manufacturing investment.

Flexibility

With the 3D printing technology there is no limitation to the types of creations and building volumes. All it requires is programming the slicer software and adding the required support to print any variation without requiring much equipment. From various geometric possibilities to varied colours, textures, and mechanical properties and a wide range of different materials, 3D printing technology allows greater customisation and unlimited editing.

Given the advantages mentioned above, it is clear how 3D printing technology can give your company a competitive edge compared to using the traditional manufacturing methods. By successfully shortening the product life cycles, enhancing designs, and delivering better quality products. It allows physical demonstration of a new product for a more cost-effective approach in market testing. In general, 3D printing is often superior to other industrial manufacturing methods.