FAQ: Where is 3D printing used most often?

Beyond hobbyists, 3D printing is used where it has advantages over traditional manufacturing methods. A few examples include:

- Rapid Prototyping: 3D printing can create representative parts in hours for a few dollars. These parts can be used as mockups to check fits, clearances, validate geometry, and express complex design ideas. A 3D print that is ready to use in an afternoon and uses only $2 of material can point out a design flaw that might cost thousands in rework and downtime at the production level.

- Small Batches and One-off Customization: Injection molding tools are expensive and have long lead times. One-off CNC requires programming and setup by experienced personnel, especially for overly complex geometry. This is less crucial when the initial investment can be spread out over hundreds or thousands of parts. However, if only a few to 100 parts are needed it is hard to overcome the initial investment. The advantage to 3D printing in this scenario is that there is no tooling cost. Programming 3D printing files is relatively easy and 3D printers can build complex designs that may be impossible with traditional manufacturing methods.

- When Lead Time Matters: 3D printers, and especially GZERO Additive 3D printers, make complex parts very quickly compared to traditional methods.

- Fixtures and Tooling: 3D printing is very well suited for building complex geometries in small quantities at low costs. This lends itself very well to the production of assembly fixtures, custom work-holding, tools for low temperature molding or casting processes, as well as parts and tool organization.