3D printing has less or no start-up costs, which makes producing a few pieces very interesting. Certainly in comparison with other production techniques such as injection moulding, which require tooling and molds.

3D printing is therefore the method for prototyping and very suitable for optimizing a design. Does the design seem suitable? Then it is easy to start a series production with 3D printing.

Prototyping and 3D printing

3D printing is particularly suitable for making a prototype (an example or test model). It gives the possibility to make unique products or small series without high start-up costs. Even after that it is easy to make any model adjustments, even with a few pieces. 3D printing is therefore the ideal method for further development and/or optimization in properties, model and shape of an existing product.

Create custom-made, one-off products

The speed of 3D printing also ensures that prototypes are available in no time. This makes it possible to provide the customer with a good object of a project in just a few days. Moreover, feedback can always be applied and continuously visualized with a new 3D printed model. This minimizes the risk of unsatisfactory results later in the project. Prototypes are also very suitable to present as a project to potential buyers. Additive manufacturing has no economic batch size. This makes it possible to create custom-made, one-off products.