Top 5 misconceptions about 3D printing

Before you start using 3D printing, you probably have some questions or hesitations about this technology. In this article, we’ll look at some of the biggest misconceptions about 3D printing and dispel myths about the technology, allowing you to make an informed decision.

3D printers are difficult to use

While additive manufacturing technology may seem challenging at first if you’re used to outsourcing manufacturing, «difficult» isn’t the best description. 3D printers, in most cases, are ready to use right out of the box. Simply plug it in, follow the calibration instructions and start printing in minutes. Preparing your design file for printing also takes a few minutes, but using the right software can help you along the way.

The manufacturer Ultimaker, for example, also offers rigorously tested printing profiles for a range of 11 materials. Pre-configured print profiles for these materials mean you don’t have to manually enter parameters before printing, saving you time.

3D printing is expensive

A 3D printer is an investment. Compared to other production solutions, it often requires minimal outlay, but you still need to be careful not to invest in unreliable hardware or a closed ecosystem that locks you into expensive supplies and service contracts. By choosing the right hardware, software and materials for your use case, you will be able to maximize your return on investment, with a potential payback period of just a few months.

Do you need proof? Check out the ROI Calculator, a handy online tool you can use to determine how long it will take to start making your investment.

3D printing suffers from a lack of material variety

3D printing means much more than using plastic filament. The manufacturer Ultimaker, for example, offers the widest range of materials on the market, thanks to the Ultimaker Material Alliance. Alliance gives you the freedom and variety to print exactly what you need: from carbon fiber reinforced concrete to metal.

3D printing is for prototyping only

While FFF technology lends itself extremely well to rapid prototyping, companies around the world are using 3D printers to create tools, jigs and fixtures for specific or general use, such as on Volkswagen Autoeuropa’s assembly lines or a Heineken bottling plant. Some companies even create end-use parts in both specialty prints, single batches, and mass batches, allowing them to avoid long production costs and lead times.

3D printing is only for specialized industries

3D printing is not tailored to a specific, specialized industry. Companies in architecture, aerospace, manufacturing, automotive, education and more use FFF technology to achieve results that push the limits of traditional manufacturing methods, forever changing the way they work with a military aircraft, a Formula 3 race car or an industrial microscope.

When you choose to configure a 3D printer, it’s nice to have the support of a team that knows the niche in detail. Therefore, they can help you discover much more easily the applicability of additive manufacturing in your production chain, which generally means cost efficiency, which you can read more about in our case studies – on the blog [Ford, Zeiss, Forțele Aeriene Olandeze].

Conclusion

The perception that adopting additive manufacturing (AM) is inherently «difficult» is largely a misconception, particularly when transitioning from outsourced production. Modern 3D printers are designed for high user accessibility, exemplified by their ready-to-use state right out of the box. The initial setup is remarkably straightforward, typically involving simple plug-in, calibration, and immediate printing, often taking mere minutes. While preparing the digital design file is a necessary step, this process is significantly streamlined by using the right slicing software, which guides the user and simplifies the transition from digital blueprint to physical object. Ultimately, the technology’s primary challenge is not technical complexity, but overcoming the organizational inertia of moving from an established, external process to an agile, internal production method.