3D printers are marvellous machines that use an additive manufacturing process to create 3d objects from a computer file. As time has gone on, as it does, 3D printers are becoming more affordable and more user-friendly. You can now buy a MakerBot model for under $3,000 USD or a DIY RepRap kit for under $1,000 USD. Yet, home 3D printers are still mainly seen as toys for geeks young and old.
This is a mistake. A 3D printer can be fun, yes. But it can also save you money or help you launch a home-based business. Anyone that thinks they are just for geeks and tech people, you could not be more wrong.
Below, we have listed six reasons as to why you should think about buying a 3D printer if you don’t already have one.
1. Print it, Don’t Purchase it
A recent study estimated that the average household could save $300 to $2,000 every year just by using an inexpensive 3D printer to create common products instead of buying them. The products listed in the study, which are all available as open-source designs that people shared, include a paper towel holder, a garlic press, a showerhead, and even an iPhone case
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“The results show that the RepRap is already an economically attractive investment for the average U.S. household,” the Michigan Technological University study concluded.
Even in the odd situation where making something on your printer costs just as much as buying it, how much more convenient is it and more rewarding to get that thing you need without leaving the house or waiting for online delivery?
Trust us, you will feel much better for it.
2. Replacing Broken Parts
Replacement parts can be difficult or way too expensive to obtain that many appliances and other items get trashed because it is too expensive to purchase a tiny, little part. Not only do companies often charge a ridiculous amount of money to send you a replacement part, sometimes the part you need is no longer available which we all know how infuriating it can be.
There are websites such as Thingiverse that have a vast array of printable models and many of them are replacement parts for many common things that you may need a particular part for. Did we mention its all free?
3. Personalize to Your Standards
Have you ever wanted to be able to personalize any item you have to make it more you? How about a pair of shoes made for your feet only? A prosthetic limb that fits you perfectly? Yeah, sure, you could order these things and ditch all your savings there… or you could buy a 3D printer and start fooling around with personalizing stuff at home.
4. Invent Something
3D printing has also been beneficial to inventors. If you have ever tried to submit an idea to manufacturers or bring it to market yourself, you know that getting a prototype made using traditional techniques can cost thousands of dollars which is not ideal.
All you may need is a simple 3d printer setup at home so you can get inventing and showing your prototypes to potential investors and customers.
5. Educate the Kids
Whether you’re a teacher, a homeschooling parent or just want to eanteratin the kidss, a 3D printer can be a great learning tool for them.
We are in the age of technology and it is important that children, especially ones that show some interest in design and building, take the time to learn about 3D printers because sooner or later, they will become the new standard for building and manufacturing.
6. The Sky is the Limit
Perhaps the most exciting thing about 3D printing is that it can free you from the limitations of what has already been manufactured and allow you a little leeway for creativity. If you own a 3d printer, you can create literally anything you want, within the capabilities of your 3d printer, that is.
In Conclusion
Yes, we know that 3D printing is still new and lower-cost 3D printers have their limits. Using them requires some kind of tech knowledge. You’re not going to able to reproduce your own high-tech home theatre system at home just yet, but when you start looking online and see the crazy things that people have created at home with low-end printers, you, too, will get excited about 3D printing.
Are you thinking about buying a 3D printer? What’s holding you back?
