4 Common Concerns About Owning a Plastic 3D Printer in Singapore for Tooling Fixtures
For over two decades, Creatz3D has been at the forefront of advancing industrial 3D printing in Singapore. As a trusted partner of Stratasys, we have continuously met the diverse demands of various industries, showcasing the transformative potential of additive manufacturing technologies.
Can Plastic Do the Job? That’s the question when newcomers explore polymer 3D printing in Singapore, especially for applications traditionally reliant on metal manufacturing tools, skepticism often arises about its efficacy. However, a closer look at the facts consistently reveals that 3D printing is not only capable but also increasingly preferred for a wide range of specialized applications.
Let’s address the common concerns:
Concern: Plastic tooling isn’t strong enough to replace metal
While plastic differs from metal, it can still possess suitable properties for specific tasks. Stratasys FDM technology is ideal for various tooling applications due to its versatile thermoplastics. Many metal fixtures in manufacturing are often over-designed. 3D printing them with durable engineering-grade thermoplastics offers a viable alternative to machining. Carbon-filled materials such as ABS-CF10, FDM® Nylon-CF10, and FDM® Nylon 12CF provide added strength and stiffness when necessary. Thermoplastics like ASA are advantageous over metal for CMM fixtures due to their temperature stability.
Concern: I can’t justify the capital expenditure for a 3D printer right now
Substantiating the purchase of new equipment is challenging, but numerous case studies support how a 3D printer’s cost can be recouped through savings. But before you even start down that path, an alternative option lets you “test drive” 3D printing to determine its value—utilizing 3D printing services offered by Creatz3D.
Apart from being a 3D printer provider, Creatz3D offers comprehensive printing services and expert consultation. This enables rapid prototyping of essential components like tooling fixtures, facilitating thorough evaluation. Customers can confidently rely on Creatz3D’s extensive experience in delivering tailored 3D printing solutions, effectively demonstrating the benefits to decision-makers and streamlining the justification process for investing in a 3D printer.
Concern: We don’t have the labor resources to operate a 3D printer.
Unlike CNC machining, which demands skilled operators, 3D printing requires less expertise and oversight. Stratasys FDM technology is particularly user-friendly among 3D printing methods. Combined with GrabCAD Print™ software, it simplifies the design-to-part workflow, making FDM printers nearly push-button operations.
A key advantage is the ease of training existing personnel—engineers, designers, and machine operators—to use FDM printers. Once printing begins, minimal oversight is required, allowing them to focus on other tasks while parts are produced.
Concern: I can’t afford the risk of bringing in new technology.
Introducing new equipment, especially advanced technology, carries risks for tight production schedules where any disruption can lead to missed deliveries and customer dissatisfaction. However, 3D printing with FDM technology reduces these risks. You can start small and adopt a phased approach to achieve initial successes, scaling up gradually. Alternatively, you can partner with us, a 3D printing service provider, to leverage our expertise and gain confidence with the technology.
Many businesses have found success by beginning with compact yet powerful printers such as the Stratasys F123 Series™ and F123CR composite-ready printers. These models provide a low-risk, high-reward option for integrating 3D printing into operations. They enable companies to keep pace with technology without falling behind competitors who have already embraced additive manufacturing.
In summary, adopting 3D printing is not just advantageous but increasingly necessary. As conventional manufacturing methods face limitations in addressing future production challenges or seizing new business opportunities, 3D printing emerges as a valuable alternative that businesses can’t afford to overlook.
Contact us today to start your journey with this transformative technology and discover how it can positively impact your operations and future growth.
