The fastest and most cost-effective options for production: comparing 3D printing services
3D printing is revolutionizing the way companies remain competitive. This approach accelerates research and development, enables quick adaptation to market changes, and strengthens local manufacturing.
Traditionally, mold production through CNC machining is a long and costly process, especially for complex components or small production runs. 3D printing provides a revolutionary alternative, allowing wax models to be created in a fraction of the time and at significantly lower cost. This results in faster time-to-market and greater agility.
3D printing of wax models enables companies to iterate quickly without the need to retool machines. This flexibility is crucial in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods, where even small delays can lead to financial losses and loss of market share.
3D printing for production shortens delivery times, thereby supporting reshoring initiatives and speeding up manufacturing. In a context of geopolitical uncertainty and supply chain disruptions, flexible production—made possible by 3D-printed molds—enhances resilience and control.
Navigating 3D printing services
Despite its promise, navigating the landscape of 3D printing services can be challenging. Ordering a model with this technology is not always straightforward. Often, additive manufacturing services do not clearly indicate the available options or fail to provide intuitive pathways for specific applications such as casting.
This article will guide you in choosing the most suitable 3D printing service for your needs. Whether you are a manufacturer exploring new solutions or a designer prototyping a new component, understanding the intersection between 3D printing and casting is essential to achieving flexibility, speed, and cost efficiency in today’s industrial landscape.
3D Printing: direct mold or model?
Both methods expand the possibilities of modern manufacturing. The right choice depends on the material, production scale, timelines, and performance requirements of the final product.
- Direct 3D printing
With this approach, the mold is not made from a solid block of aluminum machined with CNC; instead, the component is produced with a 3D printer directly in the required material. This option is generally faster and more economical than metal machining, and it is ideal for prototyping and small-series production. It allows the creation of complex geometries and internal cavities that would be difficult to achieve with traditional methods.
- Model-based 3D printing
In this case, 3D printing is used to create a model that is then employed in a secondary casting process, such as investment casting or sand casting. The model can be reused (in sand casting) or sacrificed (in lost-wax casting).
This method is very common for metal casting and for the production of components that require molds resistant to high temperatures. It enables the creation of traditional molds or metal castings while leveraging the speed and flexibility of 3D prototyping. It is the ideal solution for quick iterations or for replicating parts with complex shapes that are difficult to machine.
