The Hidden Costs of 3D Printing: What Engineers Should Know

The ability of having complete control over the prototyping process, the freedom to iterate on designs at will, and the fun of seeing your CAD models materialize right before your eyes is an exciting concept.

But as with all good things, it’s important to realize the challenges that come with it and what to do next…
 

The Hidden Costs of a true In-House 3d Printing Setup

Before diving headfirst into the world of in-house 3D printing, it’s crucial to take a step back and consider the full scope of what you’re committing to.

Beyond the upfront costs of purchasing a quality 3D printer, there are a few often-overlooked expenses that can catch even the most seasoned engineers off guard.
 

Technology and Material Limitations

While it’s tempting to think that any 3D printer will suit your needs, the reality is that not all machines are created equal.

Different technologies come with their own set of material constraints, print resolution limits, and design restrictions. For instance, if you’re working on complex geometries or parts requiring high strength and precision, you might find that your in-house setup falls short.

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology, for example, offers excellent resolution and mechanical properties but isn’t typically found in more affordable, entry-level printers. So, unless you’re ready to invest heavily in advanced equipment, you might be limiting your design potential right from the start.

Post-Processing: The Unseen Time Sink

The process doesn’t end once the print bed cools down.
Post-processing is necessary and finishing enhances the quality of your parts– Removing supports, sanding, dyeing, polishing, painting—can be an exhaustive and time-consuming endeavor. It’s a step that’s easy to underestimate, especially when you’re under the gun to meet deadlines.

Each material has its quirks, requiring different post-processing techniques and equipment. This not only adds to your workload but can also lead to inconsistent results if not done correctly.

Continuous Maintenance and Upgrades

Anyone who’s ever owned a 3D printer will tell you that these machines require a fair bit of TLC. Regular maintenance is essential to keep them running smoothly, and even then, things will inevitably go wrong.

Parts wear out, calibration drifts, and suddenly, your reliable workhorse of a printer is down for the count—right when you need it most. And let’s not forget about the constant march of technology.

Today’s cutting-edge printer is tomorrow’s outdated model, leaving you with the choice of either sticking with obsolete tech or constantly shelling out for the latest upgrades.

Why a Reliable Partner Makes All the Difference

Now that we’ve peeled back the layers of in-house 3D printing, you might be feeling a little deflated. But here’s where the story takes a positive turn.

What if I told you there’s a way to have your cake and eat it too?

Leveraging Expertise Without the Overhead

Partnering with a company like SICAM allows you to bypass the steep learning curve and hefty expenses associated with in-house 3D printing.

With access to state-of-the-art equipment like Multi Jet Fusion, you can achieve high-quality prototypes and small-lot production runs without breaking a sweat—or the bank.

You get the added benefit of tapping into a wealth of expertise that ensures your designs are optimized for additive manufacturing from the get-go.

Improving Efficiency, Cost, and Productivity

When you work with a dedicated partner, you’re not just offloading the technical challenges—you’re also streamlining your entire workflow.

At SICAM, we handle everything from material selection and design consultation to post-processing and quality control.

This means fewer headaches for you and more time to focus on what you do best: innovating. And because we operate at scale, we can often do it more cost-effectively than an in-house setup, especially when you factor in the hidden costs we discussed earlier.

The Flexibility to Innovate

The pace of innovation in industries like aerospace, EV automotive, and consumer goods is relentless. To keep up, you need the ability to iterate quickly, test thoroughly, and move seamlessly from prototype to production.

With a reliable partner like SICAM, you’re not just keeping up—you’re staying ahead of the curve.

The Smart Choice for Smart Engineers

In-house 3D printing has its place, but it’s not the silver bullet it’s often made out to be.

The hidden costs can add up quickly, turning what seemed like a straightforward investment into a complex and costly endeavor.

By partnering with an experienced company like SICAM, you can avoid these pitfalls, leverage cutting-edge technology like Multi Jet Fusion, and ultimately bring your projects to life more efficiently and effectively.

So, before you struggle with the complexities of in-house 3D printing, consider the smarter option—working with a partner who can help you achieve your goals without the headaches. After all, engineering is about solving problems, not creating new ones.