Traditional manufacturing models assume that parts or products can only be manufactured in a cost-effective way if they are produced in large quantities, which often leaves businesses with surplus inventory. Recent technological innovations in 3D printing, CNC machining, and other modern production methods have changed all that.
With on-demand manufacturing, businesses can order small runs without paying exorbitant prices. Read on to find out about a few of the key benefits of this novel production strategy.
Fast Turnaround Times
Manufacturers that provide on-demand services usually offer faster turnaround times than their more traditional alternatives. With traditional manufacturers, it can take days or weeks just to receive a quote. On-demand manufacturers provide instant quotes to clients who can supply CAD models and begin the initial production run the same day.
Improved Cost-Effectiveness
It used to be the case that the savings associated with placing larger orders outweighed the increased cost of transporting and storing the extra inventory. These days, that’s no longer the case. Small-batch orders and fast turnaround times allow businesses to maintain only the level of inventory required to meet immediate needs on hand, eliminating the costs associated with transporting, storing, and disposing of excess stock.
Reduced Waste
When manufacturers follow traditional production methodologies, it tends to create a lot of waste. Businesses place huge orders based on their estimates of future customer demand, but those estimates aren’t always accurate. As a result, a business’s stock will often exceed its customers’ demand, leaving parts and products to wind up in landfills instead of consumers’ hands.
Manufacturing products on-demand all but eliminates problems with excess stock due to drops in demand and other unforeseeable situations. This strategy also helps to conserve resources that would otherwise have gone into producing goods that weren’t needed.
Rapid Prototyping Capabilities
Prototype manufacturing used to pose even greater challenges than the actual production of goods. Now, product designers can take advantage of 3D printing to create prototypes incredibly fast. Plus, since 3D printers and CNC machines don’t need to be retooled each time a minor change is made to a part, it’s much more cost effective to utilize these newer technologies for product prototyping.
Increased Innovation
A combination of low cost, reduced lead times, and increased flexibility have led to an ever-increasing rate of technological change. Product designers, engineers, and inventors can all have prototypes produced in a matter of days at minimal expense and make changes as required until everything comes together perfectly. As a result, these creative minds are pushing the envelope when it comes to innovation in a wide range of fields.
Request a Quote
All it takes to get started ordering 3D printed or CNC machined products is a CAD model and a company that can help. Designers can simply upload the model to a reputable manufacturing company that offers on-demand prototyping and small production runs, then receive a quote instantly with none of the hassles associated with traditional manufacturing. Just make sure to choose a manufacturing company with adequate production capabilities and a reputation for excellence.
