Outsourcing vs. In-House 3D Printing?
It is one of the most common questions in the 3D printing industry. After 12 years of experience in 3D printing services, we have noticed that our clients start considering 3D printing themselves once they reach ~300k Eur annual cost for their 3D printing. It has its own pros like direct oversight, immediate adjustments, and reduced transportation costs.
Looks good, but it has cons also, which sometimes is a double-edged sword ⚔️, so let’s look at the other edge:
Cons of owning a 3D printer for your own manufacturing needs:
➤ The initial cost of the equipment
➤ 3D printing line capacity (not always full)
➤ Maintenance and repairs
➤ Certification of production is needed for specific industries, like healthcare, airspace, railway, etc.
➤ Additional employees
➤ Technical Expertise/ training
➤ Workspace preparation (ventilation and additional safety ) for equipment/employees
.. and most importantly core business distraction!
In conclusion, while in-house 3D printing provides control and potential cost savings, it also poses a number of problems that must be carefully considered. Balancing these benefits and downsides is critical for making an informed decision about whether to outsource 3D printing or bring it in-house.
Outsourcing vs. In-House 3D Printing