Aalto University - ARTS 3D Printing

As a prototyping technology, 3D printing is able to speed up innovation processes. Here are some benefits and limitations:

Benefits 

• Geometry complexity: It is possible to create geometries that otherwise would be impossible to manufacture with traditional prototyping methods.
• Low cost: Production of 3D printed small series is sometimes less expensive compared to traditional fabrication methods. 3D printing technology is continuously becoming more affordable and widespread. Materials with high technical characteristic can be purchased at low costs. In the same fashion, it is possible to produce single pieces without having to print a complete series of them.
• Multiple iterations: 3D printing speeds up the iteration process in the design of parts and pieces. It also reduces the time of prototyping, avoiding the need of multiple tools and molds in order to achieve a precise model.
• Dimension: Depending on the type of technology used, it is possible to print very small scaled parts, up to a cubic meter of volume. There are even examples of houses and buildings being printed.

Limitations

• Low strength and durability: Printed parts, especially plastic ones, are not as strong and durable and their CNC'd and mold injected counterparts. Material extrusion (FDM of FFF) parts tend to break when put under high stress horizontally, and sun and humidity can alter their physical properties.
• Small scale series: 3D printing is suitable for printing small scale series - perhaps in the scale of tenths. 3D printing is not suitable for fabricating larger series (in the hundreds or thousands). The price would exceed the one of fabricating the pieces with other methods, since it would take more time and material to fabricate.
• Limited accuracy and tolerances: Although permanently improving, 3D printers are still not able to produce a 100% accurate piece in its dimensions. Even with the most advanced technologies, there will always be a small dimension tolerance.