We live in a competitive era. Most of the businesses out there are coming up with different ideas in order to stand out in the market. It is essential to give the customers something new that can attract them in a different way.
In the past, we have seen many companies that have utilized the technology in different ways to carry out different operations. 3D printing has now entered the market. If you have a window blinds business, it can help you in numerous ways to generate more revenue.
To remain competitive, we had to start sourcing our components and fabrics directly instead of buying them from local suppliers. We started first with fabrics and components made overseas but then started to run into roadblocks. The components had limitations, such as only being able to be fitted onto 43mm tubes, meaning we couldn’t make blind over 2800mm in width without encountering wavering or puckering of the fabric. To get around this we started to design our own components completely in house. As you can imagine this was a hard process to do as we were completely in the dark and were not necessarily product designers. After employing a product designer, he made us realize that we needed to start using a 3D Printer in this process. We needed to rapidly test our component designs so that we could find out fast whether it would be suitable of not. We couldn’t just go ahead and make plastic molds and do a production run of 20,000 units and then find out later they were defective. That would be quite an expensive mistake. With the 3D printer, we simply print the component right here in the office and get to testing. It’s allowed us to complete our designs for a very low cost and at an accelerated pace. This is called rapid prototyping.
Nevertheless, here are mostly all of the compelling ways in which 3D printing technology can be utilised:
Rapid Prototyping
3D printers can be used to create effective prototypes as mentioned above. Rapid prototyping is perhaps the most important usage of this technology for the businesses in this day and age that are designing their own product lines.
Low volume manufacturing
Low volume production needs can be completed when it comes to 3D printing technology. If an entrepreneur wants to launch something and is not sure about the demand, then low volume production can be done through these printers in order to meet the short term need and test the market without significant outlay involved in moulds.
Biomedical
3D printers now have the ability to print biomedical devices which can be tailored to the needs of specific individuals. Printable organs can also be developed now which can then be used for transplant. This is one of the groundbreaking discoveries which can then be used by many medical institutions. It has completely revolutionized the medical industry.
The Bottom Line
Above are some of the ways in which businesses can utilize this technology. However, this is not an exhaustive list. Depending on the business operations, this technology has multiple uses.
Aaron is the director of My Direct Blinds a window blinds company based in Australia that sells all kinds of window coverings. When not helping to design components he enjoys playing League of Legends the video game, you can also check out his elo boosting website here 🙂
