Model Shops (precision machine shops) are disappearing due to the high cost of equipment, high over head and shrinking markets. The high cost of machining plastic/metal parts and long lead times are prohibitive in many cases. Many plastic parts could only be injection molded, because they are impractical to machine; requiring very expensive injection molds that can only be cost justified in high volume production, can now be fabricated with 3D printing. Metal parts too complicated to machine, can now be 3D printed. 3D printing is often the only viable solution for small quantities, prototypes and preproduction runs. |
