3D printing is a technique which uses the CAD design to create an object or part of it. It has gained momentum due to its advantages over traditional metal 3D printing. 3D printing has the capability to put the complex designs into the creation of a unique and unbelievable form which is not possible with machining. The following advantages make 3D printing an attractive option:-

- Speed manufacturing – Complex and unique designs can be carved out from CAD designs which can be printed in a few hours. Designers don’t have to go through multiple steps while manufacturing a product.
- Low wastage – Traditional machining generates a huge quantity of scrap while cutting a metal. 3D printing uses CAD model designs to print an object and that is why there is greater efficiency in manufacturing. It uses the technique of Additive manufacturing, which creates an object by putting one layer onto another. At the same time uses only the required metal to put into a layer and that is how wastage is near zero.
- Customization – with the use of 3D printing customization of objects has become possible. Its use in the healthcare sector has risen in the manufacturing of prosthetic legs and customized dental set. It allows the designer to design products according to the specific needs of people. It is also giving services to athletes for their demands of specific sports accessories to improve their performance. Customized rings, helmets, mobile case, etc. have become possible only because of 3D printing.
- Use of complex designs – Earlier objects with complex designs were not possible due to challenges like drilling complex holes, inaccessibility of designing tools etc. But 3D printing has made that possible with CAD models which only needs to be uploaded and then printing an object according to the design.
- Simplified manufacturing process- Eliminating many traditional steps of manufacturing like machining, welding, sanding, coating, finishing and polishing an object 3D printing uses a single manufacturing step to create an object. As said above, a CAD design is uploaded into a machine and a single press of button prints metal object within few hours. It has simplified the process of manufacturing.
- Cost reduction- Reduction in manufacturing steps automatically brings down labor cost and reduces wastage lowers the cost incurred in raw materials. That is why many manufacturers are opting for 3D printing satisfyingly. Speed and accuracy further save time decreasing delay in manufacturing and improving overall profit of the customer.
- Risk mitigation – Designers have to approve the prototype before moving further into full-on manufacturing of the product. In traditional machining, ordering a faulty prototype delays the work. 3D printing allows the designer to verify the design by printing the prototype and then investing in high-cost manufacturing machines. Certainly, it averts upcoming risks and saves time.
- Design freedom- 3D printing has allowed designers to design products according to their choices which were earlier restricted due to the traditional manufacturing process. It uses a layering technique to create object making giving designer full freedom to design complex prints.
Original source is from http://www.3dprintingchina.com, which is one of leading 3D printing companies in China provide service via SLA, SLS and other techniques. Contact KLARM Precision Prototypes for more details.