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Advantages of 3D printing: what additive manufacturing does better
3D printing – technically additive manufacturing – builds parts layer by layer directly from the 3D data. This results in its most important advantages: almost unrestricted geometries, no tools or molds, cost-effective production from a quantity of one, short development times, and lightweight parts with integrated functions.
3D printing does not replace every process: for large series, injection molding or die casting is usually cheaper, and very tight tolerances often require post-processing. That is why you will find both on the PROTIQ Marketplace – more than 160 materials and more than 12 processes from more than 40 suppliers, from 3D printing to CNC machining and injection molding.
Advantages
What are the advantages of 3D printing?
Because 3D printing produces directly from the 3D data without tooling, complexity and quantity play a much smaller role than in conventional processes. This opens up new possibilities in design, development and procurement.
Design freedom
Undercuts, cavities, internal channels and lattice structures can be produced directly – geometries that are difficult or impossible to machine or cast.
No tooling
Without tools or molds, tooling costs and lead time are eliminated. This makes even a single part cost-effective.
Faster development
Functional prototypes are produced directly from the 3D data, usually within a few days. This shortens development phases and time-to-market. More about prototyping
Function integration
Several parts can be combined into one component – with living hinges, snap-fit hooks or integrated cooling channels. This saves assembly and joints.
Lightweight design
Honeycombs, struts and stress-optimized, organic shapes place material only where it carries loads – for lighter parts with good mechanical properties.
Customization
Variants, one-offs and customer-specific adaptations are created by changing the 3D model – without a new tool for each variant.
Spare parts on demand
Parts that are no longer available can be reproduced from 3D data, even in small quantities and when needed. More about spare parts
Less waste
Material is only built up where it is needed. This produces significantly less waste than machining from solid stock.
In 3D printing, complexity hardly costs more
In conventional processes, every additional contour, undercut and assembly increases the effort: more clamping setups, more tools, more joining steps. In 3D printing, the effort depends mainly on the part volume and the build space – a complex lattice structure is hardly more costly than a solid block.
This can be seen, for example, in heat sinks and heat exchangers with gyroid structures, copper inductors with optimized coil shapes or parts with conformal cooling channels.
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Comparison
3D printing compared to milling and casting
Machining, primary forming and joining processes quickly reach their limits with complex parts: undercuts, cavities or internal structures can only be produced to a limited extent or not at all. Parts then have to be assembled from several components and post-processed. 3D printing produces them in one piece.
Conventional processes include machining (turning, milling, drilling), primary forming and forming (casting, forging, bending) and joining (welding, soldering, bonding).
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| 3D printing | CNC machining | Injection molding / die casting | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tooling | Not required | Not required, but clamping devices and programming | Mold or tool required |
| Cost-effective for | Single parts, prototypes, small and medium series | Single parts to medium series | Large series |
| Geometry | Almost unrestricted, including cavities and internal channels | Limited by tool accessibility | Limited by demoldability, parting lines |
| Changes | Directly in the 3D model | New program | Tool modification required |
| Surface and tolerances | Rougher; functional surfaces often post-processed | Very precise, smooth surfaces | Smooth, very good reproducibility |
When not?
When is 3D printing not worthwhile – and what then?
3D printing is a complement, not a replacement for everything. For large quantities of simple parts, very tight tolerances or high surface requirements, other processes or a combination are the better choice.
Large quantities
In large series, tooling costs are spread over many parts – then injection molding or die casting is usually cheaper. 3D printing bridges the time until the tool is ready.
Tight tolerances
Fits and functional surfaces are often post-processed by CNC machining – combining 3D printing and CNC brings together the advantages of both processes.
Smooth surfaces
Printed surfaces are rougher than milled or cast ones. Blasting, vibratory finishing, dyeing or coating improve look and feel. More about finishing
Simple, large parts
For simple geometries without undercuts or very large parts, a conventional process can be faster and cheaper. The build space of the machines limits the part size.
Not sure which process fits? The process guide helps you decide.
↑ Back to overviewApplications
Where does 3D printing play to its strengths?
Wherever complexity, small quantities or time matter – from prototypes to tools and spare parts to series production.
Prototyping
Concept models and functional prototypes directly from the 3D data.
More about prototyping
Copper inductors
Optimized coil shapes with integrated cooling for induction heating.
More about copper inductors
Data centers
Cold plates, heat sinks and busbars for more efficient cooling.
More about data centers
Zamak 5
The zinc die-casting material in 3D printing – without a die-casting tool.
More about Zamak 5Marketplace
Use the advantages of 3D printing – via the PROTIQ Marketplace
On the PROTIQ Marketplace, you upload your 3D file, choose material and quantity and compare the offers of more than 40 suppliers with price and delivery time. You decide for yourself where to order. PROTIQ is itself one of the suppliers.
- One access point, many processes: more than 160 materials and more than 12 processes – 3D printing as well as CNC machining and injection molding.
- For teams and purchasing: save and share carts, create binding PDF quotes.
- PROTIQ Purchase: source parts from different suppliers – the invoice comes from PROTIQ.
- No 3D data? Using reverse engineering with computed tomography (CT), we create 3D data of your existing part.
- Quality inspection: Computed tomography can detect dimensional deviations and defects even in complex parts.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the advantages of 3D printing
What are the main advantages of 3D printing?
Almost unrestricted geometries, production without tooling, cost-effectiveness from a quantity of one, faster product development, function integration and lightweight design, and easy customization. In addition, there is less waste and spare parts can be produced from 3D data when needed.
Is 3D printing cheaper than milling or casting?
For single parts, prototypes, small series and complex geometries, often yes, because no tooling is required and complexity hardly adds costs. For large quantities of simple parts, injection molding or die casting is usually cheaper.
When is 3D printing not worthwhile?
For large series of simple parts, for very large parts beyond the build space, and when very tight tolerances or smooth surfaces are required without post-processing. A combination often makes sense in these cases, for example 3D printing with CNC post-processing.
Is 3D printing more sustainable than conventional processes?
3D printing only builds up material where it is needed and therefore produces significantly less waste than machining from solid stock. Lightweight structures and spare parts on demand can save additional resources. How big the advantage is depends on the part and the process.
What materials are available in 3D printing?
Plastics such as polyamides, metals such as aluminum, steel and copper, and other materials. More than 160 materials are available on the PROTIQ Marketplace; the Material Finder helps you search.
How strong are 3D-printed parts?
That depends on the material and process. Laser sintering produces mechanically resilient plastic parts, laser melting produces metal parts with very good mechanical properties. Material values can be found in the material datasheets.
What quantities is 3D printing suitable for?
From single parts and prototypes to small and medium series. Because no tooling is required, even a single part is cost-effective.
How do I get 3D data for printing?
Either through CAD design or – if a physical part exists – through reverse engineering with computed tomography (CT).
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