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What function of 3D printing is more valuable to you: prototyping or rapid manufacturing?

dymaxexpert

As 3D printing in the manufacturing space continues to evolve, where do you see the most value? Is it in creating and examining prototypes and custom parts, or manufacturing in bulk? Whether you use 3D printing for work or as a hobby, I'm interested to hear your opinions!

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    For me, it's generally more about rapid prototyping, or--more accurately--cost-effectively producing a one-off design or part. Yes, I can iterate much more quickly with my designs for builds, but since I do a lot of restoration work as well, the 3D printer has become a godsend in terms of reproducing a broken part that hasn't been manufactured in 20-30 years if it was ever available as a replacement part at all!

     

    One of the companies that I work for got into the early hype and decided to explore 3D printing for rapid manufacturing, but they wanted to use a low-end, early-generation printer to manufacture mission-critical parts for customers at scale. Needless to say, it was a less-than-stellar experience that involved a lot of careful explanation to the owner that he did not, in fact, start a revolution in the industry.

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    For me, it's generally more about rapid prototyping, or--more accurately--cost-effectively producing a one-off design or part. Yes, I can iterate much more quickly with my designs for builds, but since I do a lot of restoration work as well, the 3D printer has become a godsend in terms of reproducing a broken part that hasn't been manufactured in 20-30 years if it was ever available as a replacement part at all!

     

    One of the companies that I work for got into the early hype and decided to explore 3D printing for rapid manufacturing, but they wanted to use a low-end, early-generation printer to manufacture mission-critical parts for customers at scale. Needless to say, it was a less-than-stellar experience that involved a lot of careful explanation to the owner that he did not, in fact, start a revolution in the industry.

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