There will be many who have previously heard of 3D printing but have no idea of what it actually is or how it works. This is typically the case with new technologies that find themselves thrust into the public sphere and one must only look to cryptocurrencies and NFTs to see how this is the case. Because people do not know what 3D printing is, it is easy to forgive them for not knowing how exciting the technology is. This is because there are many applications that the technology promises and much of its potential is still untapped.
For those who are not in the know, 3D printing is the process where three-dimensional objects are created from a digital file. Essentially, the computer tells the printer precisely where the material needs to go, and then the object is built additively, meaning layers are built on layers. The main advantage of this method is that it allows people to create some interesting complex shapes using less material than traditional methods of manufacture. Of course, this takes less time as well, but it is easy to see why 3D printers might be desired by many considering that they can make products that are complex to build.
To start, it should be first understood that 3D printers are attractive for those involved in industries where they need to produce products. It doesn’t follow that an office worker would want to buy a 3D printer, although there are many available that are offered at consumer prices for those who want to design their own stuff at home. They would help digital nomads even less, who are a growing collection of people popularising a new way of working and travelling at the same time. A digital nomad is a person that can travel around the world while doing remote work to support the lifestyle. On the other hand, if people are business owners that own a business that produces products though, it only makes sense to consider buying a 3D printer.
The reasoning for this is clear. Any business that wants to grow can do so in a multitude of ways. Those with common sense will know that they can achieve this by making the process more efficient, as this means that more items are produced for less work done. Efficiency should make up the core philosophy for any business, and for many, this can be seen visualised through 3D printers.
3D printers also help small businesses that want to get off their feet as it allows them to create prototypes of products at their convenience. This means they don’t have to source and order a lot to make the work worthwhile, which is always helpful when it comes to saving costs. When orders do start coming through though, the use of 3D printers also offers the additional ability of customisation to customers. These can be done through simple changes in the digital file and it is something that customers will always appreciate.
These are just some of the ways in which 3D printers can help businesses, but the reality is that there are so many more that people have yet to discover.
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