3D Printing For Low Volume Production
Short Lead Times, Zero Start-Up Costs, Design Freedom. A Cost-Efficient Alternative to Injection Moulding
Additive manufacture: your solution for BATCH production
Leverage our cutting-edge 3D printing technology for streamlined, low-volume production of plastic components. Manufacture batches of fully functional components using premium materials suited for end-use applications. With 3D People, you gain not just cost benefits but also the advantage of rapid production cycles and design flexibility. Explore the inherent benefits and factors to consider when selecting additive manufacturing for your production.
PROS
+ No tooling cost
+ Flexible manufacturing
+ Short lead times
+ Limited design restrictions
+ Free Vibro-Polishing
CONS
- Expensive for large parts
- Limited finishes available
- Limited materials available
OPTIMAL COMPONENTS FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURE:
Certain components are naturally more aligned with the benefits of additive manufacturing. In the context of low-volume 3D printing, components exhibiting the following characteristics typically yield the most cost-effective and efficient results:
Small Components
In traditional manufacturing, small parts often have a significant upfront investment. However, 3D printing transforms this equation, allowing for cost-effective and fast production of low-volume batches of small components.
Complex Geometries
Additive manufacturing embraces complexity, granting design freedom without added costs. While conventional methods inflate costs for complex designs, 3D printing offers a cost-efficient solution for producing intricate parts.
Customised Parts
Without the constraints of traditional tooling, 3D printing empowers you to do things differently - innovate and iterate. Harness mass customisation and serialisation to elevate your product offerings.
VOLUME CONSIDERATIONS FOR 3D PRINTING
The economic viability of 3D printing as a manufacturing solution is largely influenced by component geometry and production volume. For intricate or smaller components, 3D printing remains cost-effective up to several thousand units. However, for larger parts, injection moulding may become more economical after producing just a few hundred or even dozens of units. The adjacent graph illustrates the cost dynamics between injection moulding and 3D printing based on production volume
KEY BENEFITS OF 3D PRINTED PRODUCTION:
No Set-up Costs
No initial investment is required for 3D Printing as there is no need for injection mould tooling or CNC programming. Our unit price is the only price you pay with some volume discounts.
Express Lead Times
Receive parts in as little as 2 days using our express service. This is a significant advantage over IM where it can take many weeks to receive parts.
Flexible Manufacturing
Update designs after manufacturing has begun for no additional fee. Use 3D printing to launch your product earlier in development. Continue developing while customers are giving real world feedback.
RECOMMENDED materials for low volume production:
MATERIAL
PA12 Nylon (SLS)
The industry leading material for industrial 3D printing. This robust material has superb mechanical properties and can replace injection moulded alternatives.
Clips, Casings, Fixtures
Standard
5 - 7 Days
Express
2 - 4 Days
MATERIAL
PA12 Nylon (MJF)
The preferred choice among industries for industrial-grade polymer material. This resilient thermoplastic material excels in creating high-density components with outstanding mechanical properties and superior surface finish, offering a viable alternative to injection-molded parts.
Standard
5 - 7 Days
Express
2 - 4 Days
HOW TO ORDER YOUR 3D PRINT:
Featured
our clients that take advantage of low volume PRODUCTION:
Featured
HOW TO REDUCE COSTS FOR SLS 3D PRINTING:
What is nesting
Nested files use 3D printing space more effectively by grouping parts together to minimize their overall bounding box volume.
How nesting works
SLS machines print thousands of parts simultaneously within a single build. The more parts that can be squeezed into a single build, the cheaper the unit cost.
Which parts can nest
There are no specific parameters that make a single part suitable for nesting, some of the most common indicators are overhangs, gaps, curves and draft angles.
LOW VOLUME & BATCH MANUFACTURING FAQ
+ Do you offer volume discounts for 3D printing?
Yes, we provide tiered volume discounts. These are automatically applied in our Online Quote Tool when ordering two or more of the same file. The discounts are:
- 5% for 2+ units
- 10% for 10+ units
- 15% for 50+ units
- 20% for 100+ units
- 30% for 250+ units
- 35% for 1000+ units
+ Can I order a sample before proceeding with a 3D printing production run?
Certainly, before proceeding with a batch production run of 3D printed parts, we recommend ordering a sample print to verify the manufacturing process is suitable for your application. We offer refunds for the sampling cost after receiving a batch order. Refundable samples apply to orders that exceed a value of £1000. To claim the refund, email us with the order details, and we will refund the cost of your sample.
+ Is 3D printing more cost-effective than injection moulding?
3D printing is typically more cost-effective for lower volume orders, as there are no start-up costs. In contrast, injection moulding becomes more affordable for higher quantities despite the large initial investment required to create the tooling.
+ What materials do you recommend for 3D printing production runs?
For low-volume production runs, we recommend PA12 Nylon (SLS) for smaller components and PA12 Nylon (MJF) for medium-sized parts.
+ Can I modify the design after the 3D printed production has begun?
One of the advantages of 3D printing is its flexibility. While we can't replace parts that are already manufactured, you can adjust your design at no extra charge, and we can utilise the updated design for subsequent units.
+ Is 3D printing suitable for mass production?
3D printing is chosen for mass production when the product requires unique manufacturing attributes that only this technology can provide, such as intricate designs or bespoke, custom-made orders. For example, products like Adidas Futurecraft or Invisalign aligners.
+ How is 3D printing employed in manufacturing?
3D printing offers a plethora of advantages in the manufacturing realm:
Low volume production: This is cost-effective, especially for smaller components, as it avoids the large upfront costs associated with other manufacturing methods.
Rapid production: 3D printing can meet urgent demand, without the need forcomplex design for manufacture preparations or tool setups.
Design complexity: 3D printing can produce designs that are impossible or fabricate with other manufacturing methods.
Customisation: 3D printing is ideal for producing custom, made-to-order parts.
Efficiency: Manufacturers use 3D printing to create tools, jigs, and fixtures that enhance the production line's efficiency.
Auto analysis and file repair for an instant onscreen quote. We accept STL, OBJ and STEP files.