Small-batch production: when does 3D printing make sense?

Where 3D printing is strong Small volumes, fast changes, geometry that is hard to machine, and parts customised per customer. There is no tooling cost, so the first part costs roughly what the hundredth does.

Where it is not Precisely because there is no tooling cost, unit price does not drop much with volume either. If you need thousands of identical parts, injection moulding usually wins, even counting the tool.

Cost structure Material, machine time, setup, design work, finishing, a risk allowance for failed prints, packaging and margin. Setup and design are spread across the run — which is why unit price still falls somewhat at higher volumes.

Schedule Production time depends on print time per unit and on available capacity. We plan batches from actual capacity, not from wishful thinking.

Getting started Send a drawing or description, quantity and deadline. We reply with assumptions, price and a realistic schedule — and we will say so if another process suits you better.