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3D Printing In-house or Outsource?
3D printing technology, with its innovativeness and flexibility, is gradually changing the way we design and manufacture products. However, for many hobbyists and professionals, a key question always remains: should you invest in a home 3D printer, or rely on a professional 3D printing service? In this blog, we will explore the many aspects of this question to help you make an informed decision.
- How much are you willing to pay for your product?
- Is the product for personal small-scale prototyping or large-scale or high-precision manufacturing?
- Do you need print quality that can be achieved by a home 3D printer, or do you need high-precision printing that requires professional services?
- Does the project require a specific type of material, and can these materials be printed by a home printer?
- How familiar is the user with 3D printing technology and operations?
- Does the print require post-processing?
- How long will the project take to complete?
7 factors to consider between in-house and outsourcing 3D printing
1. Budget
First, let's talk about the budget. The budget not only includes the initial equipment investment, but also involves long-term operating costs such as consumables, maintenance, electricity consumption, etc.
If the budget is limited, users may tend to use 3D printing services because this avoids the one-time large expenditure of purchasing printers and other related equipment. In addition, 3D printing services are charged on demand, and users only pay for the services they actually use without having to bear the equipment depreciation and maintenance costs.
However, if users need to print frequently or plan to carry out long-term 3D printing activities, investing in a home 3D printer may be more cost-effective in the long run. Despite the higher initial cost, as the printing tasks increase, the consumables and electricity costs may become more economical relative to the service fees.
Budget is one of the key factors affecting decision-making. Users need to weigh the cost-effectiveness of printing at home and using 3D printing services based on their financial situation, the frequency and scale of printing needs, and the requirements for print quality.
2. Purpose
If the purpose of printing is personal hobby, entertainment, education or small-scale prototyping, a home 3D printer may be more suitable. It allows users to experiment and learn without time constraints, providing flexibility and experimental space. At the same time, home printers provide privacy protection and are suitable for projects that are sensitive to intellectual property.
However, for commercial purposes or printing tasks that require high precision, complex designs and professional materials, 3D printing services may be a better choice. Professional services are usually equipped with advanced printing technology and a wide range of material choices, which can meet more stringent quality standards and production requirements. In addition, 3D printing services are able to provide mass production capabilities, which are suitable for large-scale production and rapid delivery of projects.
Users can choose the appropriate printing solution based on personalized or professional needs. If it is a small-scale prototype development and you care about the privacy of the design and prints, a home 3D printer is a good choice. For projects that require large-scale mass production and rapid delivery, 3D printing services are more advantageous.
3. Technology
Home 3D printers are usually low-priced and suitable for beginners or personal hobbyists, but their printing quality, accuracy and stability may not be comparable to the high-end equipment used by professional services. Home printers may be more suitable for small, simple printing tasks.
Professional 3D printing services usually use industrial-grade printers, which can provide higher accuracy and finer printing details. They usually have a variety of printing technologies, such as FDM, SLA, DLP, SLS, etc., and can handle more complex printing needs, including printing of different materials and more complex geometric structures.
If users have high requirements for print quality, or need to print models with fine details and complex structures, choosing a 3D printing service may be more appropriate. However, if users are only doing basic printing tasks or are learning 3D printing technology, home 3D printers may be an affordable option.
4. Material
The diversity of materials is also something to consider when choosing. Home 3D printers are usually limited to using limited materials, such as common plastics such as ABS and PLA, which limits the application range and functionality of the printed parts. 3D printing services may offer a wider range of material options, including metals, ceramics, flexible plastics, wood filler materials, etc., which can meet the specific needs of different industries and applications.
The choice of materials directly affects the strength, durability, appearance and functionality of the printed parts. For example, metal printing can be used to manufacture parts that need to withstand high loads, while flexible materials are suitable for making bendable products. At the same time, some professional materials may require specific printing technology and environmental control, which may be difficult to achieve in home printers.
Considering the diversity and specificity of materials, if the project requires a specific type of material or has strict requirements for material performance, it may be more appropriate to choose a 3D printing service. However, if the project does not require high materials, or the user just wants to perform some basic printing tasks, a home 3D printer may be sufficient.
5. Experience
3D printing at home requires users to have a certain level of technical knowledge, including printer setup, maintenance, troubleshooting, and preparation and optimization of print files. If users lack these skills, they may face the risk of failed prints, poor print quality, or material waste. In addition, home 3D printers may require more debugging and experimentation to achieve the desired printing results.
For experienced users, owning their own 3D printer can provide greater flexibility and control, allowing them to print according to their own schedule and needs. They are also able to explore and experiment with different printing technologies and materials more deeply, thereby improving their skills and creativity.
If users are not proficient enough in 3D printing technology or cannot invest time to learn the relevant skills, choosing a 3D printing service can avoid many potential problems and frustrations. However, for users with a certain amount of experience and a willingness to continue to learn and improve, 3D printing at home can provide more freedom and room for experimentation.
6. Post-processing
After 3D printing is completed, the prints usually need some post-processing, such as removing support structures, sanding, painting or coloring, to achieve the desired appearance and performance standards.
One advantage of using a 3D printing service is that many service providers are able to provide professional post-processing services. This means that users can get more finished and more detailed prints without having to do complex post-processing work themselves. Professional services may have more advanced post-processing equipment and technology, which can achieve higher quality surface treatment and detail modification.
However, if users choose to 3D print at home, they may need to do post-processing themselves. This not only requires additional time and labor, but may also require the purchase of corresponding tools and materials. If users lack the experience and skills of post-processing, the final prints may not achieve the expected quality.
Given the complexity and professionalism of post-processing, if users want to obtain high-quality prints that can be used without additional work, or have high requirements for the appearance and performance of the prints, choosing a 3D printing service may be more appropriate. On the contrary, if users are willing to invest time and energy in post-processing, or have specific personalized needs for the final effect of the prints, 3D printing at home may be a more economical and flexible option.
7. Lead Time
3D printing at home means that users need to wait for the printer to complete the entire printing process, which may take hours or even days, depending on the size and complexity of the print. If there are problems during the printing process, such as print failure or the need for reprinting, the printing time will be further extended. However, for projects that are not in a hurry for delivery, or users want to monitor and adjust the printing process in real time, printing at home may be more suitable. This way, users can flexibly arrange printing tasks according to their schedules while having more control over the printing process.
For projects that need to be completed quickly, 3D printing services may be a better choice. Professional services are usually able to provide faster delivery times because they have multiple printers and professional operation teams that can handle multiple printing tasks at the same time, thus shortening the waiting time.
Considering the delivery time, if users have a tight deadline for the project, or need to get multiple prints in a short period of time, choosing a 3D printing service can ensure on-time delivery. However, if users are more relaxed about the delivery time requirements, or value the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of the printing process more, 3D printing at home may be a more suitable choice.
Which solution better fits your needs?
1. Cost
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Professional Desktop 3D Printers
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Initial Investment: Desktop 3D printers are more affordable, typically ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. This makes them accessible to small businesses, startups, and professionals who need an in-house solution for prototyping or low-volume production.
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Operational Costs: Running costs are relatively low, including materials, occasional maintenance, and electricity. The cost per print is usually lower than outsourcing, especially when printing frequently.
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Industrial 3D Printers
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Initial Investment: Industrial-grade 3D printers are a significant investment, with prices starting at $50,000 and reaching several hundred thousand dollars. They are best suited for large enterprises or businesses with high production needs.
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Operational Costs: These printers have higher running costs, including specialized materials, maintenance, and operator expertise. However, the cost per part can be lower for large-scale production due to economies of scale.
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Outsourcing
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Upfront Costs: Outsourcing eliminates the need for upfront investment in equipment. You pay only for the parts you need, which can be cost-effective for occasional or small-batch production.
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Cost Per Part: While there's no capital expenditure, the cost per part can be higher compared to in-house production, especially for frequent or complex jobs. This includes the service fee, materials, and shipping.
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2. Lead Time
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Professional Desktop 3D Printers
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Quick Turnaround: Having a desktop 3D printer in-house allows for rapid prototyping and immediate production. You can quickly iterate designs and produce parts on demand, minimizing downtime and accelerating the development cycle.
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Limited by Printer Speed: While the lead time is under your control, it’s limited by the printer’s speed and capacity. Complex or large parts may still take hours or days to produce, depending on the printer’s capabilities.
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Industrial 3D Printers
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High-Speed Production: Industrial printers are designed for speed and efficiency, capable of producing large volumes in shorter timeframes. They’re ideal for high-demand production where lead time is critical.
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Setup Time: However, setup time for industrial machines can be longer, especially for complex jobs requiring precise calibration. But once set up, they can produce parts much faster than desktop printers.
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Outsourcing
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Variable Lead Time: Lead time depends on the service provider’s capacity, the complexity of the job, and shipping times. For standard parts, lead times can be quick, but custom or large orders might take longer.
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Waiting for Production Slots: Depending on the provider’s workload, there might be a wait before your job is even started. This could extend lead times, especially if the provider is managing multiple clients.
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Conclusion
When deciding between buying an in-house 3D printer and outsourcing to a 3D printing service, the choice largely depends on your specific needs, frequency of use, and the complexity of your projects.
Buy In-House: If you frequently need to produce prototypes, or custom parts, or enjoy hands-on control, an in-house 3D printer offers immediate access, cost efficiency over time, and the opportunity to develop valuable skills. It’s an excellent choice for those who regularly engage in 3D printing and value the convenience of printing on demand.
Outsourcing to a 3D Printing Service: If your needs are occasional, require high precision, or involve complex materials and large build volumes, outsourcing is more practical. This option allows you to access advanced technology and professional expertise without the upfront investment and maintenance costs of owning a printer. It’s ideal for businesses or individuals who prioritize quality and precision without the commitment of purchasing and maintaining equipment.
