The modern way of manufacturing has become the most viable mode of production. 3D printing has reduced production costs and manufacturing time by providing useful features like small batches, functional prototyping, and one-offs. Many companies are reluctant to buy printers for their work.
Manufacturing services provide various 3D printing technologies and materials. Selecting the right process of production is a tough task. However, there are different large format 3D printing technologies that various companies like Massivit 3D, FARO Technologies Inc, and 3D System Corp use.
Stereolithography (SLA)
This type of 3D printing is the first innovative technology invented in 1986. It works by the technique of Vat Polymerization, in which photopolymer gum is restored by a light source. This method of 3D printing is the modern way. The result of using SLA printers is very satisfying as they provide smooth surface completions with high resistance. Tools like galvanometers and mirrors are used in SLA printers to incorporate microfluidics and anatomical models for printing.
With the SLA solution, it takes only a few hours to complete the printing and create an object by taking care of its accuracy and exactness. Synthetic showers are used in the SLA process by FARO Technologies Inc to eliminate an overabundance.
3D measurement technology
With this technology, companies manufacture products such as laser trackers, projectors, scanners, mappers, and other measuring machines. FARO Technologies Inc is highly specialized in 3D measurement. It is a reputed company with over 40 years of history. FARO has collaborated with different industries and is still serving big companies in aerospace, automotive, and power generation. It has a market capitalization of 1 billion dollars, and the revenue of this company is approx 335 million dollars. In one year of trailing, it earns nearly 20% of the total return.
Large format 3D printing
Large-format 3D printing is used to manufacture tools and functional prototypes for large companies. It helps companies reduce the number of multipart in the assembly. Massivit 3D Printing Technologies Ltd is one of the largest companies that provide large format 3D printing solutions. It has the powerful solution of Proprietary Gel Dispensing Printing (GDP), which enables the company to improve its productivity in a cost-effective way.
This company was founded in 2013, and its headquarter is in Israel. It has a large community base with extensive networks all over the world, helping different areas such as entertainment, interior design, Academia, visual communication, engineering, etc. Massivit 3D provides values that include innovation, simplicity, passion, and partnership.
Proto Labs Inc is another big name in large-format 3D printing. It was founded to develop the solution for plastic and metal parts manufacturing processes. It is one of the best companies within the large format 3D printing niche. It has the largest market capitalization of approx 4 billion dollars. Its total return annually is 58%, and its revenue is 451 million dollars.
With the increase in turnover and customers, Proto Labs started to expand its function and adopted industrial-grade 3D printing service, which helped the developers and engineers to move the prototype technology into the manufacturing process. The major functions of the company included sheet metal fabrication, 3D printing, injection molding, etc.
Medical equipment manufacturing
In medical equipment manufacturing, a lot of companies have specialized, and one that remains on the top is Materialize NV. It is a Belgian company that has a history of 30 years of service. The company provides the solution of 3D printing using the software system. Moreover, it has now become the platform for launching new 3D tools in the industry. These developments facilitate healthcare, automotive, art and design, and aerospace. This company has been registered under NASDAQ with a market capitalization of 2 billion dollars.
The revenue of the company is over 205 million dollars, and the total rate of annual return per year is 95%. The company has launched a few 3D printing products, such as anatomical models used in hearing aid kits and in dental care. Materialize NV has diversified its functionality and has produced some products like eyewear and other medical essentials.
Conclusion
These were some of the types of printing and the companies that have excelled in this niche. However, if you are looking for a company that excels in desktop 3D printing and want to print small objects at home accurately, you can go with Markforged.