Widespread use of 3D printers and its techniques have been adopted by almost every profitable sector.
A 3D printing business can act as a rapid revenue generation tool because its applications are exclusive and new in the industry.
3D printing has been highly efficient because of its functionality and approach to various day to day consumer products.
Large corporate houses, manufacturers and service providers use 3D printing for assisting them in their operations which may require clarity and precision.
An initial start to a 3D printing business idea can involve hefty costs and expenditure but in the long run, it can stand on a stable profit platform. For going within a budget you can check these printers at ekocycle which costs less than $500.
Basic setup of a 3D printing business can be executed with deep insights into the technology, learning programmes and practical knowledge of the tools required.
Every business goes with a hierarchical process of execution and conduct. A 3D printing business requires the same amount of planning and strategic actions with additional knowledge of printing at whole and the technology it uses.
Industrial Applications and Benefits of Setting Up a 3D Printing Business
Starting up a 3D printing business needs proper planning and information of what industry to target.
3D printing is used in many products and services because of which it is important to know its applications and benefits over such diverse sectors.
1. Consumer & Lifestyle
Products related to consumer lifestyle and healthcare can never go obsolete because their use and involvement in people’s lives is an important part of wellbeing.
With upcoming 3D printing technologies, many consumer products manufacturers and healthcare service providers have welcomed them.
3D printing can be used in making footwear, eyewear and jewellery. Some of the reputed footwear brands like Adidas and Reebok have developed 3D printed shoes with multiple prototypes and have given a phenomenal innovation to the footwear industry.
3D glasses are made with ophthalmic lenses that saves both time and wastage in production and provides a cutting-edge experience to the user. For jewellery items, 3D printing techniques are rather used for persistence, than applied in production.
2. Healthcare Industry
3D printing has given the healthcare industry some of the benchmark examples in its assistance and application. Certain body implants are configured with the help of 3D printing models that include hearing aid, dental implants, bone replacement etc.
It is also used in bioprinting which determines the clear state of diagnosis and evaluation of a patient.
Providing 3D printing services or getting them outsourced can be a durable start for a new business.
3. Educational Institutions
Use of 3D printing in schools and colleges makes learning more fruitful and effective because of the presence of three dimensional view objects.
Making 3D models by additive manufacturing and supplying them to schools can be a stable revenue generating business.
4. Automotive Applications
Automotive spare parts, engine models and body structures are some of the main uses of 3D printing for suppliers and manufacturers. 3D printed car bodies help in understanding the real concerns of comfort and space, engine and spare parts assist with the proper functioning of a vehicle in tests and evaluations.
3D printing has helped in maintaining a proper automotive value chain and prototyping and can prove to be an efficient business model by reducing costs and time. British carmaker Mini has also adopted a 3D printing approach to its production cycles.
Implementation and Execution of a 3D Printing Business
Get to Know The Technology
Before any planning, it is very essential to learn about the 3D printing industry.
It is a complex technical subject because it involves printer machinery and technique which needs to be applied in a proper manner for good results.
There are various online courses and programmes available in the market which can provide a strong hold of all techniques and applications of 3D printers.
Being an evolving technology it is also very crucial to maintain dynamic culture in learning and executing the operations.
Think and Plan for The Business Idea
The primary stage of 3D business planning can only be initiated after gathering deep insights into its techniques, pros and cons.
It is imperative for the execution of a plan because no business can survive without the proprietor having background knowledge. At this stage targeting the industry, procurement of resources and supply channels should be listed accordingly. The business can involve the addition of 3D printers or a complete setup from scratch.
Budget Planning
A 3D printing business cannot be started with a mere investment, rather it may require good amounts of inputs to function properly because of which, planning a budget according to it is very crucial.
The owner will have to decide the budget on requirement and target levels. Every 3D printing application requires a different type of printer and approach, which is implemented on the grounds of capital and resource availability.
Labour type and resource management is also required to be noted while planning a designated budget for the business.
Deciding on The Type Of 3D Technology
There are various 3D printing technologies, namely
- Fused Deposition Modeling,
- Stereolithography,
- DLP 3D Printing,
- Multi-jet Modeling
- Laser Sintering.
While targeting the industry and end consumer, deciding on what type of technology to be used is extremely important.
One type of technology may not be as effective as the other for a specific industry.
For eg: Footwear business won’t require any part of stereolithography but will show vibrant results on using Multi-jet and digital light processing techniques.
Deciding on 3D printer type will be a highly researched option for a suitable business. To make it easier you can have a look at the list of FDM or resin 3D printers.
Determining the Channel and Platform to Sell
After deciding on all the primary concerns of a business plan the final step will include a decision on a channel to sell 3D printing services or a self-sufficient business of 3D printers.
The 3D printing technology gathers attraction from diverse areas and dtereming the source of services to the consumers is highly important and complex too.
- Selling through digital channels(e-commerce, website, social media)
- Setting up a service centre
- Online customers
- Selling directly to companies
- Outsourcing designs(agency level)
- Freelancing services(Remote setup)
Conclusion
Starting a 3D printing business is absolutely a bright idea. Advancement in all the sectors requires an innovative approach and 3D printing fulfills all such pointers.
Use of 3D printing is still not known to small industries but with its evolution, the coming years will bring a highly attractive and functional 3D printing market.
Unlike any other business, a 3D printing business also requires strategic planning and implementation, though it may require many additional resources and information to have a result driven idea.
3D printing has given fast and cheap solutions to manufacturers’ problems and now they are able to develop on demand products with easy application of 3D printing technologies.
Rapid prototyping and manufacturing has led to an increase in value chain management system because test models are now easier to produce and sell.
Altogether, a 3D printing business can be highly profitable and contributory to the society, if set up with a stable and secure business plan and its execution.
