The world of prototyping, producing, and creating items has been changed dramatically due to the advent of 3D Printing Technology. Whether you are an individual designing and producing a product for yourself or a designer creating a product for clients or a larger company, having your prototypes, components and products done through a professional 3D printing service in Australia can not only save you time but also provide you with higher quality. If there is poor planning or execution when utilizing the 3D Printing process, you may have higher expenses, longer lead times, and ultimately receive a lower quality (or non-functional) end product.
Pitfalls of 3D Printing Services
Many users have experienced some of the pitfalls of 3D Printing services; and in this article we will address some of the more significant pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Misunderstanding of Material Properties
One of the biggest errors many users make is selecting the wrong material for their project. The various materials utilized in 3D Printing (e.g., PLA, ABS, Resin, and SLS Powders) each have their own distinct physical characteristics such as strength, flexibility, and heat resistance. Selecting the wrong material can lead to reduced strength and function of the finished object.
If you’re getting your parts printed through a service, be sure to ask about the different material options and which ones are suitable for your application.
Ignoring Design for Manufacturability
Don’t ignore Design for Manufacturability (DFM). There are certain unique constraints when designing parts for printing, including overhangs, unsupported structures, and walls that are too thin, that if ignored can lead to failed prints and wasted time. The majority of people new to the industry fail to take these limitations into account.
Skipping Prototyping or Testing
If you skip prototyping or testing your design and go directly to producing your parts, you run the risk of discovering manufacturing issues after you’ve produced parts. These issues could include part misalignment, inadequate strength of parts, or an unusable aesthetic.
Overlooking Post-Processing Requirements
A large percentage of 3D-Printed parts require post-processing (sanding, painting, polishing, etc.). If you neglect this step, you may end up with an unpolished and rough product.
Failing to Communicate Clearly
Not clearly communicating your requirements leads to poor-quality products. All aspects of the design process need to be clearly communicated. Things like dimensions, materials, tolerances, and timing need to be communicated effectively to minimize the risk of confusion or miscommunication.
To prepare for the printing of your parts, you should prepare thorough specifications, CAD files, and clear directions. If something seems ambiguous or you have any questions, be sure to ask. Before printing begins, confirm that everyone is on the same page regarding what is expected to be produced.
Unfulfilled Expectations of Fast Printing Times
3D printing is a process that takes time, especially for high-quality, large-sized, and/or complex parts. Having an expectation of obtaining parts overnight can lead to parts being printed quickly and without quality control.
Tip: Contact your 3D printing service and discuss a realistic expectation about the printing time to schedule your project accordingly.
Overlooking Cost Implications
While 3D printing provides great flexibility, it may also not be the most economical solution. By not taking into consideration the cost of materials, print time, or post-processes, there could be unplanned expenses that will arise.
Tip: Always budget accordingly and request a detailed quote before proceeding with any 3D Printing project.
Takeaways
By utilizing a professional 3D printing service, you can greatly speed up the process and improve the quality of your projects. Avoiding these mistakes – understanding materials, optimizing designs and prototypes, post-processing considerations, clearly communicating your needs, managing timelines, and budgeting correctly – will help you have a successful experience and positive results.
At MV 3D Creations, we are committed to working with our clients throughout the entire 3D printing process. We provide high-quality prints in a timely fashion with guarantees for dependable results.