How to Select the Right Provider

Question 1

Do AM providers charge roughly the same price?

Answer 1

No, some additive manufacturing services are JUST MORE EXPENSIVE than others.

Question 2

What are 2 smart ways to assess the quality of a 3D Printing service?

Answer 2

1. Request a SAMPLE

2. Ask to see examples of PREVIOUS WORK

Question 3

What is a VALUE ADD that you should always ask an AM service provider if they offer?

Answer 3

DESIGN CONSULTING services

Question 4

What is one of the MAJOR KEYS to the development of a 3DP project?

Answer 4

DESIGN. Dfam, good .stl Files.

Question 5

How many file formats can some ONLINE 3D Printing services accept?

Answer 5

Up to 30 DIFFERENT formats.

Question 6

Once you have uploaded your 3D model, using optimization tools, what are some common ways you can IMPROVE your project?

Answer 6

1. THICKEN fragile parts to avoid breaking

2. HOLLOW the part to reduce the amount of material used, which saves on cost

Question 7

What 2 functions should a good service provider be ADAPTED to do?

Answer 7

Both PROTOTYPING and PRODUCTION

Question 8

Sculpteo found that 39% of their survey respondents were using 3D Printing for what convenience?

Answer 8

To ACCELERATE their product development.

Question 9

What are the 2 KEYS to creating HIGH QUALITY end-products?

Answer 9

1. Selecting the RIGHT MATERIALS

2. Selecting the RIGHT FINISHING

Question 10

What are the 2 MAJOR forms of manufacturing that AM is now a REAL ALTERNATIVE for?

Answer 10

1. CNC Machining

2. Injection Molding

Question 11

Generally speaking, who should continue using TRADITIONAL manufacturing processes?

Answer 11

SMALL ANCILLARY UNITs, manufacturing parts for specific requirements in HUGE VOLUMES.

Question 12

What is an ANCILLARY UNIT?

Answer 12

Small firms which make PARTS and COMPONENTS used by big industries to ASSEMBLE THEIR FINAL PRODUCT.

Question 13

How might in-house 3D printing not be a fit for smaller organizations? (Established ones)

Answer 13

It (might) still be TOO COSTLY to incorporate.

Question 14

What are the BIG BARRIERS for small organizations to switch to 3D printing?

Answer 14

1. CAPITAL Investment
2. Complete SET-UP costs
3. TRAINING costs
4. LEARNING costs

Question 15

It is not advisable for small organizations to switch to 3D printing WITHOUT WHAT?

Answer 15

Without a proper STRATEGY.

Question 16

What did the global pandemic open the eyes of the world to?

Answer 16

The GLARING LOOPHOLES in the SUPPLY CHAINS.

Question 17

CONVENTIONAL supply chains based on the traditional processes. What is it NOT?

Answer 17

NOT the most efficient way to operate.

Question 18

What are the 2 main CATEGORIES of 3D printing service providers?

Answer 18

1. Additive Manufacturing Platforms (3DP Only)

2. Hybrid Digital Manufacturing Platforms (3DP + CNC Milling/Laser Cutting)

Question 19

What TYPES of manufacturing methods are CNC Milling and Laser Cutting?

Answer 19

SUBTRACTIVE methods

Question 20

Does a technician need to be STATIONED at the printer in order for it to function?

Answer 20

No, many service providers can run their machines 24/7!

Question 21

As compared to conventional methods, 3D Printing has the power to design and print complex products with WHAT UNIQUE QUALITY/CHARACTERISTIC?

Answer 21

PREVIOUSLY NOT POSSIBLE.

Question 22

What is MARITIME?

Answer 22

On or near the SEA. Relating to SEA NAVIGATION, SHIPPING, etc.

Question 23

What TYPES of printers do service providers have?

Answer 23

Usually a VAST facility, with most major types of technologies: FDM, SLA, SLS, DMLS, MJF, etc.

Question 24

What do experts recommend is the wisest process for businesses looking to GET STARTED in 3D printing?

Answer 24

1. Build a relationship with a good service provider
2. STUDY THE IMPACT of 3D printing on the business.
3. Generate DATA, and if the project is successful, acquire printers and produce in-house.