When you have a new concept to share with the world, partnering with a consumer product prototyping and manufacturing expert can help get your idea off the ground quickly and efficiently. Together, you can explore which manufacturing techniques work best with your project, budget, and timeline. One commonly used solution is 3D printing (additive manufacturing).
With the advances of 3D printing technology, many companies are reimagining their prototyping and manufacturing processes. The industry is expected to grow in the coming years, advancing well into the traditional manufacturing landscape. At Advantage Engineering, our team is proud to offer 3D printing manufacturing as an option to clients looking for modern, cost-efficient ways to bring their biggest ideas to market.
Additive Manufacturing at Advantage Engineering
Two of the additive manufacturing methods used at Advantage Engineering include HP Multi-Jet Fusion (MJF) and Stereolithography (SLA) printing. These manufacturing processes are ideal for high-resolution, lightweight, and/or textured designs. They're also an alternative for parts that would otherwise be nearly impossible to cut from a solid block of material using a subtractive manufacturing technique, such as CNC machining.
We pride ourselves on our ability to be the one-stop shop for development teams that need our services. Throughout these processes, our in-house support professionals work with you to ensure your part or product is fully functional and the result is exactly what you expect.
Benefits of Additive Manufacturing
Consumer goods are manufactured in several ways. However, additive manufacturing has certain advantages over others that may prove useful in meeting quick demands and achieving specific outcomes. The benefits of this particular consumer goods manufacturing process include:
- Fast turnaround times:
When you can go from the product prototyping phase to the final manufacturing phase quickly, it's easier for your brand to remain on the cutting edge of your industry. - Flexibility:
Using a digital file, customization is a snap. This flexibility makes it easier for products to adapt to changing market needs and trends. - Lower production costs:
Lower manufacturing costs means lower price points for consumers, making your brand even more appealing on the shelf. - Reduced assembly:
While some products require multiple manufacturing steps, 3D printing streamlines the process. The number of parts required to create a product is reduced, leaving you with more warehouse space and lower labor costs. - Streamlined prototyping:
A 3D-printed prototype is comparatively cheaper than one made using a subtractive process. If your project has to go through multiple iterations before going to market, this could benefit your timeline and budget. - Sustainability:
Additive manufacturing is a more sustainable manufacturing process. Since 3D printing technology adds layers instead of removes them, this process inherently minimizes waste.
Innovative ideas require innovative solutions. The world needs your biggest and brightest ideas, but we know how difficult it can be to bring new products into the market. As a leading partner in manufacturing services, Advantage Engineering is ready to help you get there.
Rapid Prototyping for Various Industry Sectors
While it was initially used for prototyping and testing, additive manufacturing is now a widely used practice for small-batch manufacturing, customization, serial production, and much more. One key factor in the gravitation toward additive manufacturing is its ability to accelerate the prototyping process. Rapid prototyping helps ideas large and small seamlessly go from prototype to final production, ensuring each iteration is perfected along the way.
It's used in several industries throughout Canada and the world, such as the biomedical, automotive, and aerospace industries. However, it's also widely becoming popular as a consumer goods manufacturing process. Using this method, manufacturers can create:
- Electronics
- Fashion
- Lighting
- Prosthetics
- Surgical guides
- Dental appliances
- Toys
- Tools
- And more…
Today, we're on the cusp of innovation as advancements in additive manufacturing are emerging right around the corner. Sustainable Development Technology Canada recently invested $8 million into modern 3D printing materials, showing massive amounts of support for additive manufacturing in the Canadian clean-tech sector.
At Advantage Engineering, our experts understand the vast potential of this process and the impact it can have on the future of manufacturing. In response to the 2020 pandemic, we've partnered with HP Canada and PAMA Manufacturing and Sterilization to create 3D-printed COVID-19 testing swabs. Thanks to this joint effort, we're able to do our part to support national requirements for Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 testing. These nasopharyngeal swabs come directly from our HP 3D printer and are sterilized and packaged by PAMA to ensure stringent quality-control standards are met.
Discover Custom Manufacturing Solutions
Make product innovation easier, faster, and smarter with Advantage Engineering. We're ready to help you solve the toughest challenges of your project. Receive a rapid quote or reach out to our headquarters in Windsor, ON to learn more about our prototyping services and how 3D printing can revolutionize your consumer goods manufacturing process.
