In the past, companies that wanted to produce a plastic product firstly had to create tooling or molds before producing a single end-use product. When considering a target quantity of less than 500 – 1000 units, the cost associated with an injection mold tool can become an obstacle.
3D printing additive manufacturing—was originally designed for rapid prototyping. But now, it is used for actual manufacturing. Engineers not only use this process for prototypes, but they are also using 3D printing for actual manufacturing. 

Small batch 3D Print PC-ISO cover

One of the leading medical equipment companies, looking for a bio-compatible plastic for their product, and qualified with any medical class would be better. The company found 3DPlink, according to the requirements, 3DPlink came up with the solution of PC-ISO thermoplastic, which is the best option for this product.
PC-ISO(polycarbonate ISO), an industrial thermoplastic, is bio-compatible with ISO 10993 and UPS class VI and can be gamma or EtO sterilized.
 
The company took some prototypes for the properties test in their application, after a period of test time, PC-ISO is fully qualified with the product requirements, and it is easy to make EtO sterilization process to help reduce the level of the infectious agents.
In consideration of the time and cost of injection, as well as stock management, they take advantage of 3D printing for their product manufacturing in small batch production. 3D printing helped to eliminate costs, as it avoids the need for tool production, which also cuts lead times.



Small batch mudguard with nice finishing

Another example for small batch production, one of the popular scooter manufacture reach 3DPlink for 300 pieces small batch production for their scooter rear wheel mudguard. Comparing with the cost of injection and small quantity, and the surface requirements ask for alcohol resistance in case the paint peeled off while cleaning the surface. Eventually, the product 3D printed used in final scooter assembly, yield reasonably good results and the customer enjoys the benefits of the 3D print products.



3D printing manufacturing is a good option for small-batch or low-volume production in many aspects of the industry. With the advantages of 3DPlink print service and multiple advanced thermoplastics can test directly and be an end-use part.