Development and sales of 3D printers

Important points to consider when buying a 3D Printer

The utilization of 3D printers can greatly expand the scope of manufacturing. It can speed up the design, prototyping, and modification cycle, shorten delivery times, and reduce manufacturing costs by bringing outsourced processes to in-house. There are some important points to keep in mind when introducing a 3D printer.

• Print method
• Strength
  and accuracy
• Build volume
• Materials

The advantages and disadvantages of each method and ease of maintenance are also important!

Various print methods and materials

It is important to understand the strengths of each method and what applications they are suited for in order to make the most of 3D printers.

• Material Extrusion Layering Method

  MEX・FDM

  In this method, resin is melted and layered to create objects. It is suitable for creating prototypes and conceptual models. However, it leaves layer lines, making it less suitable for applications that prioritize aesthetics.

  Strength	〇
  Detail & Aesthetics	×
  Printing Speed	△
  Materials	◎
  Compatible Materials	PLA, ABS, PC, PC/ABS, PPSU, PEEK, PPS, and others
  Required Equipment	None

• Stereolithography

  SLA・LCD・DLP

  This is one of the oldest methods, known for producing very clean and smooth surfaces.

  Strength	△
  Detail & Aesthetics	〇
  Printing Speed	SLA △　LCD・DLP ◎
  Materials:	△
  Compatible Materials	Photocurable resins (can include thermoplastic-like resins and those with ceramic-like fillers)
  Required Equipment	Air Conditioning, Cleaning Apparatus”

• Liquid Additive Manufacturing

  LAM

  Liquid materials are extruded similarly to the MEX process and then layered while being cured through heat or UV exposure.

  Strength	◎
  Detail & Aesthetics	Thermoset Type △　UV-Cured Type 〇
  Printing Speed	Thermoset Type △　UV-Cured Type 〇
  Materials	〇
  Compatible Materials	Liquid silicone
  Required Equipment	A mixier may be required.

• Binder Jetting Method

  Binder Jetting /CJP / CJP

  This method offers fast printing speed and easy coloration.
  It is suitable for design verification and creating action figures.

  Strength	×
  Detail & Aesthetics	×
  Printing Speed	〇
  Materials	△
  Compatible Materials	Gypsum Powder, Resin Powder
  Required Equipment	Dust Protection

• Powder Bed Fusion Method

  SLS・DMLS・EBM・SLM

  This method allows for the creation of highly strong structures and can use metal materials, making it suitable for manufacturing final products and molds.

  Strength	◎
  Detail & Aesthetics	×
  Printing Speed	Metal ×　Resin △
  Materials	△
  Compatible Materials	Metal (SLM)、Nylon (SLS)
  Required Equipment	Inert gas facilities

• Material Jetting Method

  Material Jetting (MJP)

  Ideal for applications requiring high precision and a very clean surface finish.

  Strength	△
  Detail & Aesthetics	〇
  Printing Speed	×
  Materials	△
  Compatible Materials	Photocurable resins, Wax
  Required Equipment	Air Conditioning, Cleaning Apparatus

What you need for 3D printing

To create objects using a 3D printer, having just the 3D printer itself isn’t enough. In addition to the 3D printer, you need the material for the object (filament or resin), the 3D model data of the object, and slicing software to prepare the data for printing.

• 3D Printer
  
• Printing Materials
  
• 3D Model Data
  
• Slicing Software
  

A 3D printer is a device that constructs three-dimensional objects by layering cross-sections based on 3D data. Therefore, the 3D data of the object needs to be sliced into individual layers. The software capable of converting the object into sliced layers is referred to as ‘slicing software’.

3D Printer Operating Lease

3D printers are also available for rental (operating lease). Hotty Polymer provides after-sales service, so you can use our 3D printers with peace of mind while they are in use.

• 1
  
  

  Corresponding to obsolescence

  Due to the flexibility in setting durations, it’s possible to reduce the risk of ownership obsolescence.

• 2
  
  

  Off-balancing

  Off-balance sheet monthly accounting is available. ※１

• 3
  
  

  Cost leveling

  Equal monthly payments can be made as a rental fee.

• 4
  
  

  Mid-term cancellation is possible

  Unlike finance leases, mid-term cancellation is possible. Business risks can be handled.※2

• 5
  
  

  Business Outsourcing

  Property tax payment and movable insurance with earthquake and windstorm damage clauses will be provided by the leasing company we recommend.

*1 According to Japanese accounting standards. (Footnote may be required.) For specific accounting procedures, please consult your company’s auditing firm.
*2 Upon termination, settlement will be made based on the prorated termination fee according to the period of usage.

Comparison of purchase, finance lease, and operating lease

※1 Finance leases are generally non-cancellable; upon termination, the remaining lease payments are settled in a lump sum.
※2 Operating leases are settled upon termination with a prorated adjustment fee based on the usage period.
※3 Since April 1, 2008, except for certain exceptions, treatment similar to regular sales transactions is required.
※4 Depending on the contract terms, there may be cases where annotations are deemed necessary. For specific accounting procedures, please consult your company’s auditing firm.
※5 Operating lease property insurance includes coverage for earthquakes and wind and water damage.

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