A Report on 3D Printers: Technology, Implementation, and Market Impact

This report explores the world of 3D printing, delving into its history, key features, and market responses. It examines the implementation framework for integrating 3D printers into various industries, analyzing the factors that influence successful adoption. The report also provides a comprehensive overview of the pricing landscape for different types of 3D printers, highlighting the cost considerations for both hobbyists and professionals. Finally, it compares 3D printing technology to other manufacturing methods, emphasizing its unique advantages and potential impact on rapid prototyping and product development.

A REPORT ON 3D PRINTERS

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................1
Invention of 3D Printers..............................................................................................................................1
Features of Industrial 3D Printer.................................................................................................................2
Market responses to 3D Printers..................................................................................................................3
Implementation of 3D printers.....................................................................................................................3
Pricing of 3D Printers..................................................................................................................................5
Different technology in comparison with others.........................................................................................6
Conclusion...................................................................................................................................................6
References....................................................................................................................................................8

Introduction
3D printing means the procedures in which inputs are attached under the control of computer to develop
a three dimensional object with input being integrated together (i.e. molecules of liquid or powder gains
being mixed together). In rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing (AM), 3D printing is used.
There are various types of technology such as stereo lithography (STL) or fused deposit modelling
(FDM). Hence, contrasting in the conventional process of machine, material or input isolated from the
stock, 3D printing develops the three dimension objects through CAD model (Computer aided design)
by sequentially having additional material level by level (Mikołajewska et.al. 2014).
The term 3D printing actually means the procedure that sticks the binder material on above of the
powder bed using inkjet printer top layer after layer. In recent times, the term became popular language
to include a huge variety of additive production techniques. In more official term, additive production is
used in broader sense by US and Global Technical Standards as the main purpose is to meet the aim of
mass production that majorly differs for rapid prototyping from 3D printing.
Invention of 3D Printers
In actual terms, the 3D printing origins can be recorded back to 1986, when the foremost right was
issued for stereo lithography apparatus (SLA). This right is in context with Charles Hull, who first
introduced his SLA equipment in 1983.
Stereo lithography is greatly the most expensive technique used in commercialisation with machines
generally costing $1 lack or more. Then in 1988, the technology applied by hobbyist and consumer
orientation model by most 3D printers (Kietzmann et.al. 2015). In this, a special application of plastic
extrusion called fused deposition modelling (FDM) is created and then commercialised its machine in
1992. As maturity stage in technology is coming, various authors introduce to speculate that 3D printing
could support in sustainable development in the world of development. In 2009, the rights of printing
procedure FDM are expired.
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Features of Industrial 3D Printer
There are several features due to which 3D printers are largely used in the big commercial organisations.
The features are listed below:-
Accuracy: For accuracy, numerous printers have given effective performances and if the organisations
are investing in this printer it is guaranteed that it will offer the needed results. It is also suggested that
until accuracy performances are backed up with correct data, it is important to have standard sample
printed on several instruments, the organisation might considers by enabling to evaluate the accuracy
opportunity (Birtchnell and Urry, 2016).
Reliability: 3D printers are not only the machines that are used for prototypes but it also include some
unique applications that relates to industries and it should be assessed in the similar way the organisation
assesses any production machine. In this, number of questions must be addressed and answered the same
such as how device is reliable, for how many hours it can run prior to maintenance needed, how much
time it take to adjust and how regular?
Materials: As 3D printing is regarded as the procedure of production thus it ensures its effectiveness in
the procedures and the presence of several types of materials shall also be taken into account before
investing in the same. Numerous manufacturers of 3D printers also offer approval of FDA along with
flight certification, materials of eco-compatible together with the big range of greater performance
inputs (Chia and Wu, 2015). Further, since not every materials are well matched with every 3D printer
these point of consideration should be created before only.
Removable support: Many professional’s manufacturers create the part of 3D printers with the automatic
assistance layout which ensures that part is manufactured correctly. It is crucial that this assistant
structure is easily detached via from semi-automatic procedure to aware that no harm to the part and also
manages the accuracy of the production procedure as well.
Backup: The backup and support is must in all of the expensive devices. There are various
manufacturers or producers that deals in 3d Printers and sells the superior devices but along with that if
the assistance or support is not given by Australia the industries or organisation can face naturally risk in
damage (Prince, 2014). Moreover, the organisation must evaluate that they have acquired the 3D
printers from the qualified technician suppliers and also include extra or spare parts and support
nationwide.
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Size: In many cases, the limitation of size is the main drawback in 3D printer that is available in the
market. The limitation is not in case of Airwolf 3D but the same restriction is on AXIOM series that
needs big models in the absence of printing in numerous pieces.
Market responses to 3D Printers
HP Incorporation has given two kinds of 3D printers and both them provides speed and price points as
well. The rising 3D printing market is given free alternative embedded in HP Incorporation. The
responses of the market to HP organisation is introducing foremost two 3D printers, orders for these
available has been underwhelming. But as the printer can only print same object and it will does not give
clear image if the machines are cleaned properly. It is the actual limitation but the organisation with this
also guarantees that the models operate 10 times from the competitor’s speed and are also enable to print
the high parts of resolution (Rogers et.al. 2016). The analyst also confirms that HP printers can generate
parts of high resolutions at the cost and speed that removes the competition from the market. Its
technology is quite advanced and the big step towards the future and regarded as game changer.
The market responses were positive as HP is offering the capability of colour printing and also hybrid
material printing for the upcoming future. Its technology includes 100 HP patents rights and it is the
extension of technology called inkjet that means that HP carries out its personal approach with respect to
3D technology that is distinct from the enterprise level printers been so far. Moreover, it is interested to
see that which principle approach has potential to forward towards the 3D printing from the niche
technology of proto-typing into production (Yeh and Chen, 2018). Thus, if consideration is given for
industries, the existing offerings by HP are effective in terms of pricing and printing speed. These are
main issues on account of getting actual world production rolling even with the existence of limitation of
material and colouring applied means applications will be little for now.
Implementation of 3D printers
It is critical to integrate all the components needed for success that includes operations and strategy,
technology, human, capital and financial consultant (Kantaria and Pankhaniya, 2014). The below
diagram will show the implementation of 3D printers:-
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Figure 1: Implementation framework for 3D printers
(Source: Talsom, 2018)
In strategic factors, there is the need of strategic integration among business, production and R&D
strategy. The technology advantage from 3D printers must be straight connected to the manufacturing
unit and potentials resulted from business strategies. The products will also enhance functionality from
design efficiency and low volume of product resulted. In implementing, technological factors must also
been considered such as understanding the trade offs in applying new production technology. In this,
organisation concern about that material level remains low may be that machines cost remain high and
processing speed is slow. Further, absence of technical standards also can represent the main barrier in
implementing (Conner et.al. 2015).
Organisational factors also impacts the implementation in case where organisations did not have
standardised structure and procedures shows high complexities as 3D printing carries out the changes in
jobs conducted and hence there would be change in structure and organisations practices as well. Lastly,
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operational factors will also influence the 3D printer’s implementation as big information gap related to
correct cost of 3d printer systems; execution and operation ultimately influence machine costs, operation
times, material and labour costs.
Pricing of 3D Printers
The average consumer 3D printer amounts to $700. The least expensive 3D printers start’s from $200.
High end consumer 3D printers can incur up to several thousand dollars. But in recent times, the cost has
been reduced in last 3 years. Before 2014, it is difficult to determine the quality of 3D printers that
amounts under $2000. But now it is easy to find the suitable printer even under $1000. Moreover, the
price for more professionals is more than in comparison with hobbyist. In 2017, the average budget for
use of professionals stands for $9504 for 3D printers. This budget is up by 55% from 2016 that indicates
that organisations are more investing and giving more value to 3D printers (Rayna and Striukova, 2016).
There are basically five types of 3D printers that involve Entry level 3D printers, Hobbyist 3D printers,
Professional 3D printers, Enthusiast 3D printers and Industrial 3D printers.
Table 1: Price of different 3D printers
Types of 3D printers Price range
Entry level 3D printers $200 - $400
Hobbyist 3D printers $300 - $1,500
Professional 3D printers $3,500- $6,000
Enthusiast 3D printers $1,500 - $3,500
Industrial 3D printers $20,000 - $100,000
Moreover, it is crucial to assure that the cost of 3D printer but with that other costs must also be
considered such as electricity, software (in few cases), maintenance and materials. On filaments, around
$20 per kg has to be paid by the user (Chan et.al. 2016). Thus, 3D printers are turning into more powerful
device. There is lot of thing the user can do with the powerhouses that gives the value for the worth
spend.
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Different technology in comparison with others
This technology is different from the others in terms of price and speed. There are other printers also
given by different manufacturers but HP 3D printers are the most guaranteed product. It selects the
segments majorly big industries, corporate sectors and government as well for connecting to production
system. There are various 3D printing approaches are created to have 3D objects and structures. Few of
them are famous currently. The most common 3D printing technology is SLA, FDM and many more
(Foy and Shahbodaghlou, 2015). Moreover, the major benefits from 3D printing at every workplace is
that it saves money, time to market, feedback, clear communication, determines the risk, generates
feedback, gives personalises feeling, creates imagination and lastly fail fast, fail cheap.
One of the latest transformations in development of product is the influence of 3D printing on rapid
prototyping. 3D printing enables the thoughts to create quicker than ever. With the designing efforts of
the users has been reduced and supporting the organisations to stay ahead from the competitors. With
the use of prototype the organisation can even get the feedbacks so that they can make the buying and
investing decisions for the 3D printers. In addition, with the modern technological environment the
design and arts are creatively possible. In short time, the concept, idea or invention can move from the
easy part to manufacture part (Schniederjans, 2017). With this use, the organisation can test the thoughts
fast and can determine that what cannot be accelerated that does not lead to ideal solution. 3D printing
enables the product developer to create the breakthrough at beginning stages only that are majorly
inexpensive results to effective products and cheaper dead ends.
Conclusion
It is the known fact that ‘Never judge a book by its front cover” as it might be possible the reader did not
know what is given in the book and cover just give explanation of the internal core. But currently the
drastic change in the world is happening. The organisations or any other users can use the 3D printers in
their hobbyist and professional life’s that depends on their needs. There are several technologies in use
of 3D printers such as SLA, DLP, FDM, SLS, SLM, EBM and LOM. Each type of printer technology
has its own advantages and limitations.
But the report had majorly discussed about the SLA and FDM as they were the foremost invention in 3D
printing. Features of the 3D printers had been highlighted that includes accuracy, speed, reliability,
materials, removable support, backup and size. The market responses of HP 3D printers had been
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described as it is most acceptable with highlighting speed and price benefits. Implementation framework
is given by reviewing the various factors that impacts its performances. Lastly, pricing of different types
of technology is given according to their use and the most expensive were industrial 3D printers.
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References
Books and Journals
 Birtchnell, T. and Urry, J., 2016. A new industrial future?: 3D printing and the reconfiguring of
production, distribution, and consumption. Routledge.
 Chan, K., Coen, M., Hardick, J., Gaydos, C.A., Wong, K.Y., Smith, C., Wilson, S.A., Vayugundla, S.P.
and Wong, S., 2016. Low-cost 3D printers enable high-quality and automated sample preparation and
molecular detection. PloS one, 11(6), p.e0158502.
 Chia, H.N. and Wu, B.M., 2015. Recent advances in 3D printing of biomaterials. Journal of biological
engineering, 9(1), p.4.
 Conner, B.P., Manogharan, G.P. and Meyers, K.L., 2015. An assessment of implementation of entry-level
3D printers from the perspective of small businesses. Rapid Prototyping Journal, 21(5), pp.582-597.
 Foy, D. and Shahbodaghlou, F., 2015. 3D Printing for General Contractors: an Analysis of
Potential Benefits. In ASC Proceedings of the 51st Annual Conference.
 Kantaria, P.R. and Pankhaniya, S.A., 2014. Implementation of 3D printer. Int J Technol Res
Eng, 1, pp.819-822.
 Kietzmann, J., Pitt, L. and Berthon, P., 2015. Disruptions, decisions, and destinations: Enter the
age of 3-D printing and additive manufacturing. Business Horizons, 58(2), pp.209-215.
 Mikołajewska, E., Macko, M., Ziarnecki, Ł., Stańczak, S., Kawalec, P. and Mikołajewski, D.,
2014. 3D printing technologies in rehabilitation engineering.
 Prince, J.D., 2014. 3D printing: an industrial revolution. Journal of electronic resources in
medical libraries, 11(1), pp.39-45.
 Rayna, T. and Striukova, L., 2016. From rapid prototyping to home fabrication: How 3D printing
is changing business model innovation. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 102,
pp.214-224.
 Rogers, H., Baricz, N. and Pawar, K.S., 2016. 3D printing services: classification, supply chain
implications and research agenda. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics
Management, 46(10), pp.886-907.
 Schniederjans, D.G., 2017. Adoption of 3D-printing technologies in manufacturing: A survey
analysis. International Journal of Production Economics, 183, pp.287-298.
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 Yeh, C.C. and Chen, Y.F., 2018. Critical success factors for adoption of 3D
printing. Technological Forecasting and Social Change.
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