3D printer consultation

We offer entrepreneurs comprehensive 3D printing consulting to ensure they can fully exploit the potential of this innovative technology. Our goal is to help you find the most profitable 3D printing solution and select the right 3D printer and materials independently of external service providers.

With our expertise, we evaluate your business requirements and assess whether 3D printing makes sense for your company. We help you weigh the pros and cons of the process and advise you on selecting the right 3D printer to meet your specific needs.

Our consulting services enable you to become independent of service providers and retain full control over your 3D printing . We support you in sourcing high-quality materials and offer an objective assessment of the various technologies to help you unlock their maximum potential.

Table of contents

How does the consultation process work?

How much does a professional 3D printer cost?

How much should you invest in a 3D printer?

What material do I use?

Is there anything to consider during the construction process?

Can anyone operate a 3D printer?

What are the disadvantages of a 3D printer?

How long does 3D printing take?

When does a 3D printer make sense?

Which filament is best for beginners?

How does the consultation process work?

Our goal is to help you make informed decisions that consider both your business needs and your financial resources. Thanks to our expertise in 3D printing, we can provide you with sound recommendations and inform you about the advantages and disadvantages of the various options.

1. Analysis of company workflow processes:

   As a first step in our consultation, we take the time to thoroughly analyze the processes within your company. We want to ensure that we understand your individual needs and can address your specific requirements. This in-depth analysis provides us with insights into your current workflows and allows us to identify potential areas where the use of a 3D printer can offer significant advantages.

2. Economic evaluation of 3D printers:

   A crucial question addressed during the consultation is the economic evaluation of a 3D printer for your company. We compare the potential benefits of owning your own printer with the costs and practicality of a service offering or maintaining conventional manufacturing methods. Through a comprehensive analysis, we can jointly determine the optimal solution for your business.

3. Comparison and evaluation:

   Based on the collected information, the various 3D printers are compared and evaluated according to different criteria. These include aspects such as print quality, print size, reliability, ease of use, supported materials, and price-performance ratio.

4. Budget-oriented proposals:

   Based on your budget, we will suggest various 3D printer models that fit your financial means and still meet your requirements. Different price-performance options and financing possibilities will be considered.

5. Presentation of efficiency improvements:

   Here you will find ideas and suggestions on how the use of a 3D printer can increase efficiency in your company. This can include the on-site production of spare parts, the manufacture of prototypes, or the optimization of production processes.

6. Advice on printing processes, size and materials:

   In this step, you will receive comprehensive advice on the various printing processes, print sizes, and material options suitable for your application. The advantages and disadvantages, as well as example applications, will be explained for each process and material.

7. Consultation and decision-making:

   Finally, you will receive comprehensive advice tailored to your chosen 3D printer. This consultation will provide you with all relevant information about the printer, its functions, applications, and potential limitations. After the consultation, you will be able to make an informed decision about purchasing the 3D printer.

How much does a professional 3D printer cost?

Cost plays a significant role when choosing a professional 3D printer . Prices vary considerably depending on the printing technology used. Here are some examples of the costs of professional 3D printers:

1. FDM printers:

   A professional FDM printer is typically offered starting at a price of around €5,000 net. This process is a cost-effective option, as only a few simple tools are required. Material costs for FDM printers are comparatively low, since they are based on the use of plastic filaments.

2. Professional SLA printer:

   A professional SLA printer costs around €5,000 net. Unlike FDM printing, however, SLA requires the additional purchase of a cleaning and curing station, which adds approximately €1,000 to the cost. SLA printers offer high precision and produce smooth surfaces. They are particularly suitable for highly detailed models and prototypes.

3. SLS 3D printer:

   An SLS 3D printer is the most expensive option, typically costing around €25,000 net. This process allows printing with powdered materials such as plastics. However, it requires specialized equipment like a powder station, a sandblasting cabinet, and explosion-proof devices. SLS printers offer a wide range of material options and can produce robust and complex objects.

   
   

It's important to note that the prices mentioned are only guidelines and depend on various factors, such as the desired print quality, the size of the build volume, and the printer's additional features. Before making a decision, I recommend comparing different models and offers to find the best 3D printer for your business that meets both your needs and your budget.

How much should you invest in a 3D printer?

Investing in a 3D printer is a significant decision, and careful budgeting is advisable. It's not recommended to underspend on a 3D printer, as inexpensive models are often maintenance-intensive and require numerous adjustments to print properly. This can lead to frustration and reduce the efficiency of the printing process.

On the other hand, you shouldn't spend too much on a 3D printer. For example, spending a million euros on a high-tech printer, but finding the technology so complex and difficult to use that you still don't achieve satisfactory results after several months, can lead to frustration. It's important to have realistic expectations and ensure that the 3D printer meets your needs and can be used effectively.

A good approach is to set a reasonable budget and carefully select the printer, accessories, and materials. For example, you could buy a printer for €20,000 and use the rest of the budget for accessories and materials. This way, you can determine whether 3D printing is profitable and makes sense for the company. It's also important to gather feedback from employees and ensure that the 3D printer meets the company's needs and goals.

What material should I use for 3D printing?

To select the right material for 3D printing , it is important to first clearly define the requirements the component should meet. For example, should it serve as a prototype, be used as a functional component, or have a particularly high surface quality?

Various materials are available for 3D printing, each with different properties and applications. If you are unsure which material is suitable for your specific requirements, please contact us. We will be happy to help you select the right material for your individual project.

Is there anything to consider when designing for 3D printing?

When designing for 3D printing, there are several important aspects to consider to achieve optimal printing results. Here are some points to keep in mind when designing 3D-printed models:

1. Design for manufacturing: The model should be specifically designed for 3D printing. This requires taking into account printing directions, overhangs, undercuts, and other design features that affect the chosen 3D printing process.

2. Wall thickness: The wall thickness of the model should be appropriate to ensure stability and durability. Walls that are too thin can lead to weak points, while walls that are too thick waste material and cause longer printing times.

3. Orientation and Support Structures: Correctly orienting the model on the print bed can significantly influence print quality. In some cases, support structures are also necessary to support overhanging parts. Determining the optimal orientation and placement of the model is important to achieve good print quality and minimize material usage.

4. Weight reduction: By selectively removing unnecessary material, 3D-printed parts can be lighter yet still stable.

5. Complex geometries: 3D printing enables the production of complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible to implement using conventional manufacturing methods.

Besides these aspects, there are many other points to consider when designing high-quality 3D-printed models. To ensure that all relevant aspects are taken into account during the design process, we offer training courses . In our courses, we impart the necessary knowledge and techniques for designing effectively for 3D printing.

Can anyone operate a 3D printer?

Yes, in principle , anyone can operate a 3D printer . Modern 3D printers are becoming increasingly user-friendly and equipped with intuitive software interfaces to make the printing process as simple as possible. Nevertheless, operating a 3D printer requires basic knowledge and skills to achieve high-quality print results.

1. Training:

   It is recommended to carefully read the user manual and familiarize yourself with the printer's specific functions before using it for the first time. Controls and settings may vary depending on the model.

2. Design and modeling:

   To produce something with a 3D printer, you need a 3D model. Creating or downloading a suitable model requires either knowledge of 3D modeling or access to existing files.

3. Slicing software:

   Most 3D printers use slicing software, which divides the 3D model into layers and defines the printing path. Using this type of software requires a basic understanding of parameters such as layer height, speed, material flow, etc.

4. Material selection and preparation:

   Depending on the printing method and desired material, the correct type of filament, resin, or powder must be selected and prepared. This often involves leveling the print bed, calibrating the printer, and loading the material.

5. Maintenance and troubleshooting:

   3D printers require regular maintenance, such as cleaning nozzles or replacing worn parts. Additionally, problems can occur during the printing process, such as smearing, warping, or blockages, which must be resolved.

   
   

Please feel free to contact us with any questions or for support . As your reliable partner, we are available to explain your individual requirements and help you with any problems or questions.

What are the disadvantages of a 3D printer?

As a dedicated 3D printing expert, I would like to address the disadvantages of 3D printers. While I am convinced of the numerous advantages of this innovative technology, it is important to also acknowledge the potential challenges and limitations. Therefore, I will discuss some specific negative examples that can arise when using a 3D printer. It is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the technology and to consider both its advantages and disadvantages.

FDM process:

One aspect is the Z-axis adhesion, which is not as strong as the adhesion in the XY direction. This can lead to components not exhibiting the desired stability and potentially breaking apart in certain areas.

The larger the 3D printed object and the finer the desired layer thickness, the longer the printing process takes. This is because the printer needs more time to precisely apply each layer and build the entire object layer by layer. Additionally, complex designs or overhangs may require support structures to ensure stability during the printing process.

Another disadvantage concerns the support material required for complex designs or overhangs. This has to be painstakingly removed after printing, which requires additional time and effort.

Finally, the visible layer structure is another drawback. If a high surface quality is desired, the individual layers applied by the printer are visible. This can detract from the aesthetic appearance of the printed object.

-Slicer programs are often too difficult to understand. They are not always user-friendly and require a certain level of technical understanding. This can lead to frustration and difficulties, especially for beginners or less tech-savvy users.

SLA procedure:

-After printing with the SLA process, intensive post-processing is usually required. The printed parts must be washed, cleaned of excess resin, and cured.

SLA-printed parts have a tendency to yellow or even disintegrate over time under the influence of UV light.

-The special resins used for printing are often more expensive than other materials.

When handling resins in the SLA process, it is advisable to wear personal protective equipment such as gloves and a face mask. Some resins can release potentially toxic fumes, especially during the printing process or when post-processing the printed parts.

SLS process:

-The plastic powder used for SLS printing can be expensive, especially if special or high-quality materials are required.

-After SLS printing, the parts often require post-processing. This includes removing excess powder and cleaning the parts.

Handling the plastic powder requires special care and protective measures. The powder can be harmful to health and requires appropriate safety precautions such as wearing protective clothing and masks, and using suitable ventilation systems.

Fortunately, manufacturers are constantly working to resolve these issues. Through process optimization and technological advancements, many of the negative aspects of 3D printing can be minimized. Hopefully, future developments will make 3D printing even more efficient and user-friendly.

How long does 3D printing take?

The duration of 3D printing can vary depending on several factors.

1. Size and complexity of the object:

   Larger objects and those with complex structures require more time for the printing process.

2. Printing technology:

   The different 3D printing technologies have different speeds. For example, FDM printing can be faster than SLA or SLS printing.

3. Print settings:

   The printing speed may vary depending on the selected print settings. Higher printing speeds may result in lower accuracy or surface quality.

4. Printing material:

   The printing material used can also affect the printing time. Some materials may require longer printing times to achieve the desired properties.

5. Layer thickness:

   The chosen layer thickness also affects the printing time. A thinner layer thickness can lead to a longer printing time, as more layers need to be printed.

   
   

It's difficult to give an exact duration for 3D printing, as this depends on the variables mentioned above. In some cases, the 3D printing process might only take a few hours, while in others it can take several days or even weeks. It's best to check the specific printing time based on the settings and materials for your particular project.

When does a 3D printer make sense?

Using a 3D printer makes sense if you have a clear idea of what you want to produce . It's not very cost-effective to buy a 3D printer and then wonder what to produce with it. Another important aspect is choosing a motivated employee who enjoys working with this innovative technology. A dedicated employee can increase printing efficiency and potentially discover new creative possibilities. On the other hand, it's not advisable to train an employee to operate the 3D printer if they have no interest in doing so. This can lead to dissatisfaction and inefficient use. Therefore, it's advantageous to employ people who enjoy and are enthusiastic about using the 3D printer. Careful planning and thoughtful implementation of the 3D printer can help you effectively realize your projects and fully exploit the benefits of this exciting technology.

Which filament is best for beginners?

For beginners in 3D printing, PLA (polylactic acid) is a recommended filament, but it shouldn't be too cheap, as overly inexpensive PLA often leads to frustration due to quality issues like clogging and printing defects. PLA is one of the most widely used 3D printing materials and ideal for beginners for several reasons:

1. Ease of use : PLA is easy to print and does not require a heated print bed. It adheres well to the print bed and rarely warps.

2. Environmental friendliness : PLA is biodegradable and is made from renewable raw materials such as cornstarch or sugar cane.

3. Odor neutrality : Printing with PLA produces hardly any odors or fumes, making it more pleasant to use indoors.

Here are examples of premium PLA filaments with corresponding links to the manufacturers:

Formfutura (Netherlands)

Extrudr (Austria)

Spectrumfilaments (Germany)

FiberForce (Switzerland)

Fillamentum (Czech Republic)