3D Printer buying. After learning all of the capabilities
a 3D printer has to offer, you may have decided to buy one too.
Whether you are seeking to use it in you office or for personal use,
owning a 3D printer can definitely help you to cost effectively create a
great number of ideas and projects.
However, there is the need to carefully study your options before
actually making the purchase. To ensure that the machine will be a
productive investment of your time and capital, here are some useful
tips and guidelines to follow:
Identify your needs. Ask yourself why you
need to own a 3Dprinter in the first place, before making the actual
purchase. After which, you will be able to decide which 3D printer model
can best suit your needs.
Assess your needs. If your
company does not create more than two scale models every month, it may
be wiser to outsource your scale model project to a service provider.
than spend on a 3D printer that will not be as useful, as it is and will
only gather dust in your stockroom most of the time.
Assess available models.
If the company will really need and benefit from owning a 3D printer,
consider more than a few models and examine closely and compare their
features. Not all 3D printers are created equal, that is, with the same
features and quality materials. Since your company is making a long-term
investment, stick to the one that will surely meet your needs.
Assess project sensitivity.
If your company is bound to a confidentiality clause with your
projects' contracts, then, it is wise and advantageous to get your own
3D printer. Even if your service provider signs a non-disclosure clause
upon contract, outsourcing your project can jeopardize the
confidentiality clause you have with your client.
Assess the machine.
Before making the actual purchase, ask for a demonstration of how the
3D printer works, from start to finish. Doing so will give you a better
look at the machine, its features and processes, and based on your
observations, you will be able to see more clearly how the machine can
best suit your needs. If possible, as the dealer to let you operate the
machine on your own.
Assess the after-sales support. This
is imperative. Being a high-end machine, 3D printers are very
sensitive, so you definitely should know what after-sales customer
support (and care) the dealer/manufacturer will provide.
Do not ever hesitate to ask about (and get in writing) an after-sales support agreement, before you decide to buy your 3D printer.
It
is also wise to ask about prospective maintenance costs: the cost of
materials used with the printer, along with routine, future-intended
replacement parts.
These steps to buying 3D printer buying will save you much time, energy, and frustration in the long run, but can save you the heartache of an inferior and/or unserviceable machine, hence, money lost.
Considering these factors carefully, make your investment decision wisely, as you contemplate 3D printer buying.