{"id":4058,"date":"2018-07-05T06:17:00","date_gmt":"2018-07-05T06:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ultimakerstage.wpengine.com\/learn\/"},"modified":"2023-12-13T14:41:03","modified_gmt":"2023-12-13T14:41:03","slug":"3d-printing-outsource-or-print-in-house","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ultimaker.com\/ja\/learn\/3d-printing-outsource-or-print-in-house\/","title":{"rendered":"3D printing \u2013 Outsource, or print in-house?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"3D<\/div>\n

3D printing \u2013 Outsource, or print in-house?<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n

3D printing is becoming increasingly integral in the workplace. It helps companies validate designs, perform functional tests, and bring products to market more quickly. 3D printed prototypes are useful for communicating concepts with stakeholders, resulting in faster iterations and better quality products. Executives seldom need to be convinced of the benefits \u2013 yet many continue to outsource their 3D printing tasks; especially when it comes to final part production.<\/p><\/div>\n

Why companies outsource<\/h2>\n

Outsourcing means no investment in machinery or training. It also eliminates uncertainty about in-house manufacturing of functional prototypes or final parts. SMEs can\u2019t afford expensive industrial additive manufacturing equipment \u2013 outsourcing gives them access to this, and to the right level of expertise, which improves their pipeline efficiency. Even engineering teams in large enterprises haven\u2019t always got the budget to invest in expensive training and equipment.<\/p>\n

An alternative solution<\/h2>\n

Models and prototypes are crucial at the design stage, and companies want quicker, more effective ways to develop their product concepts. Outsourcing lets them use 3D printing technology without a large initial investment; but the throughput times can still be significant, undercutting the short iterations usually associated with 3D printing.<\/p>\n

Desktop 3D printers offer a great alternative, without requiring a significant financial investment. They deliver professional results and other benefits; lower costs, quicker lead times, more customer interactions and higher scalability. They\u2019re also easy to operate, resulting in more capacity, more teams, and more departments making use of them. In short, they make 3D printing accessible to more professional users, regardless of industry.<\/p>\n

What are your options?<\/h2>\n

This depends both on purpose and application. Businesses have three options when it comes to 3D printing: outsource the tasks, print in-house with industrial machines, or invest in cost-effective, accessible desktop 3D printers.<\/p>\n

The following sections examine the pros and cons of each.<\/p><\/section>\n

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A collection of tools 3D printed in-house and outsourced<\/div><\/div>\n

Outsourcing to third parties<\/h2>\n

Outsourcing is a good option if you\u2019re looking for exceptional quality, low quantities, and high complexity. It\u2019s the right choice if you need five parts or fewer per month, especially if the parts are large or require non-standard materials. It\u2019s also useful for final parts that require unusual materials or applications.<\/p>\n

However, be warned \u2013 this is the slowest, priciest option. Yes, you\u2019ll have an expert performing the task without the associated risks of long-term commitment. But the hourly or project rate is often substantially higher than hiring an employee, and you\u2019ll be waiting longer for them to complete the job.<\/p>\n

Pros:<\/b><\/p>\n