Why Buy a 3D Printer

Basics

• This page aims to:
  • Show various advantages of having a 3D Printer
  • Determine potential savings via use of printed objects
  • Provide a template for a sort of personalized "sales pitch"

Why

It's a "Problem Solver"

• Often there is a late night broken device, or a need for a small, rare, plastic part, or a custom gasket
• Without a 3d printer, this requires either a store run (if the store is open and in stock...), an online order where shipping often costs mre than the part and may take a long time to arrive, or simply allowing the device to die/replace it
• With a 3D Printer with a sketched up model in cad (found online, or made by you), and an hour to a few hours (all depends on part dimentions, a small thin gear may take minutes, a large cover may take hours) and you have your part

DIY Use

• Things like, Organization, Shop Work, Cooking, and all sorts of things can benefit from small tools/devices/jigs/custom solutions (handles for drawers, saftey devices like outlet covers etc)
• Many of these can be 3D Printed, without needing to drive to a store, and buy it (thus no driving expenses, or premiums for labor/transportation of the product)
• ALso given that it is custom made, quality is assured (no company shortcuts/ripp offs etc), and it can be modified to fit YOUR specific use (ie not general, made for the masses)

Using it to Produce other Machines

• You may not have a:
  • Drill Press
  • CNC Router
  • Bench Vise
  • (Many) Clamps
• And all sorts of other shot tools/devices
• With a 3d printer, and some stor bough items such as metal rods, screws, and motors etc you can make these devices
• Thus it can allow you to expand further, and perhaps save money in doing so

Misc

• Hobby Use (Models, RC, Art, Cosplay)
• Educational Use (Help your local school)
• Potential Sales of products, or run a Print Farm

See Also

• Useful Prints