3D printing has without a doubt transformed the way products are designed, prototyped, and produced. Because of this, more and more companies want to integrate this manufacturing technology into their manufacturing processes. However, this is where the struggles occur. Many companies face the challenge of whether to outsource 3D printing to a company where you could also request a CNC machining instant quote or to use 3D printing in-house. Unfortunately there is not an approach that fits all companies. After all, both options have their pros and cons. Ultimately the choice depends on your situation, in which the factors mentioned below play a big role.

Volume and frequency 

A key factor you need to focus on when deciding between outsourcing 3D printing or doing it in-house is the volume and frequency. In other words, you should know how frequently you will produce parts, while you need to know the production volume as well. Will additive manufacturing, which is a synonym of 3D printing, be used for one-off or low-run projects? It might then not be a good idea to invest in 3D printers. Instead you should outsource the production to 3D printing services . However, if you are planning on using additive manufacturing for multiple products and projects, while also producing a constant stream of prototypes and/or parts, it is recommended to invest in your own 3D printing system. In the long run this could prove to be more cost-efficient.

Application of the 3D printing technology

Another important factor to consider is how you are going to apply the technology. Consequently, the function of the complexity of the part you are planning on 3D printing will have an effect as well. Are you going to produce functional prototypes or scaled models that will require several design iterations? In this case, it could be more cost-effective to buy an in-house additive manufacturing system, which basically consists of a few great 3D printers. However, outsourcing 3D printing could be a better option if you are going to create complex end parts. With many engineers and experts, 3D printing services are well-versed in design when it comes to additive manufacturing requirements for example. Furthermore, they offer more machines with bigger and better printing capabilities.

Budget and costs of 3D printing services

Nowadays there are a lot of budget-friendly desktop 3D printers available on the market. However, if you want to do additive manufacturing in-house you will have to buy the top of the range machines. These are still very expensive, so 3D printing parts in-house will usually require a massive upfront investment. In fact, this does not just include the additive manufacturing system, but also training your employees, buying materials, et cetera. You should thus take your budget into account when deciding between outsourcing and in-house 3D printing. Careful evaluation is very important here. If the expenses are not justified by the volume and frequency of your production projects, it could be better to get in touch with a 3D printing service.