Since it has been obvious that additive manufacturing technologies are the future of manufacturing, more and more businesses are deciding to place bets on them. When we discuss 3D technologies, we don’t just mean prototypes; we also mean high-quality final products. Its adoption enables production to evolve while cutting costs and manufacturing times. Despite this, there are still questions regarding the factors that should be considered when purchasing an industrial 3D printer. Notably, users must ask questions like, What needs to be considered? Do the materials matter? Today, we’ll respond to a few of these.
We will concentrate on fused deposition modeling technology to focus on one of the currently available 3D printing technologies. The wrong association has been made between this technology and compact, daily-use machines. But now that this technology and its materials have advanced, we consider it an intriguing industrial technology. However, being able to tell an industrial machine apart from a device with a high printing volume is crucial.
What Should I Do Before Buying an Industrial 3D Printer?
It is crucial to make a list of the applications for the machine and the steps of the production process where its implementation makes the most sense before deciding whether to buy an industrial 3D printer. After completing this, you can contact the brand’s manufacturer directly. Knowing the materials the machine should work with, whether it can produce high-quality end products, and the size of the printing volume are the most crucial factors to consider. It is always possible to request a sample piece once we know the machine’s quality/price relationship. This enables users to view the object more closely.
Important Factors To Take Into Account
Some factors are crucial before selecting one brand over another, even though each business must consider various factors to achieve the required performance. Here are some of the most significant ones:
- Print speed: This feature directly affects how well a printer performs. Faster print speeds guarantee lower printing costs.
- High-performance materials are used in 3D printing primarily for their stability and resistance to temperature changes. A machine needs to have a heated chamber that can reach temperatures higher than 170C to demonstrate that it can operate with these materials. So long as a device permits using materials like PEEK, ULTEM, or composite materials with carbon or glass fiber reinforcement, it can be used in industrial production.
- Dual extrusion systems: When using an industrial 3D printer, using different extruders will allow duplicating production and using various materials in part. The soluble materials are one of the materials we could single out because they enable us to make more intricately designed parts.
- Systems that save time: A 3D printer should speed up production. It is crucial to consider machines with automatic calibration to reduce time. The potential to use cloud-based software is noteworthy because it will speed up the process of sending a file for printing.
- The total price of a 3D printer for industrial use: We look to reduce costs, not create them when purchasing a 3D printer with these features. It is crucial to consider the materials we will have access to working with. If it is a piece of equipment that accepts materials from third parties or if it affordably sells materials under your brand.
We know that finding an industrial 3D printer is a challenging task. Still, if you do it hand in hand with experts in the industry, you will find a machine that allows the increase in production you are looking for. In addition to these parameters, some details increase the efficiency of a machine. This includes integrating a camera, cleaning systems, and automatic roll change, among many others.
What do you think of our suggestions for getting a 3D printer for the industry?
Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook page to let us know your ideas, and we would appreciate seeing pictures of your works of art!
*Cover Photo Credits: 3D Systems
