Digital Printing Companies Go 3D With Automated CNC Foam Carving
Digital Printing Companies Go 3D With Automated CNC Foam Carving
Competitors of all sizes are not only finding it easier to get into the game as old barriers come down, but they are also able to immediately compete against the established players. This is in large part due to advances in printing technologies and the related processes. These technologies, both on the equipment and software fronts, are not only becoming more capable, but they're also becoming more affordable. Established companies that used to rely on a technological advantage to maintain their market position with higher quality products are finding that this advantage has all but disappeared as technology makes its way to the masses. With new entrants jumping into the market bringing similar abilities and capacities as the big boys, many industry players are facing a fork in the road.
Increased competition may be music to the ears of customers looking for price breaks, but it's not necessarily the kind of music the industry wants to hear. With more competitors offering very similar lines of products, heated price competition hasn't been far behind. More and more printing companies are fighting over their slice of the pie, and they're increasingly forced to win or keep customers by dropping their prices. If digital printing hasn't already hit commodity status, it's getting very close. With more competition, less differentiation and less profitability, many digital printing companies can see the writing on the wall. They are looking for ways to differentiate their business and get ahead of the pack without having to sacrifice margin.
To combat the challenges they're facing, many digital printing companies are breaking out of the saturated 2D world and taking their products into another dimension - literally. Adding 3D production capabilities to their in-house repertoire is allowing these companies to offer their clients a product line that goes beyond the standard 2D fare. They can integrate 3D elements into their existing product lines like signage and displays to give their clients creative options that competitors can't touch. They can also offer brand new product lines like themed environments, props and sculptures to complement their existing portfolio, create new revenue streams and give them new ways of approaching their market. With a differentiated product line, printing companies are finding that they can take price out of the equation, bringing higher margins back into play and creating higher profitability across their entire product line. Simply put, 3D is turning out to be a critical weapon for printing companies looking to move beyond a 'me-too' product line, and it's paying serious dividends.
Where is this push for 3D originating and why now? In the past, many companies may have been hesitant to get into 3D production because it has been the domain of the skilled - and expensive - artisan. With automated 3D foam carving technologies, however, those days are over. Automated 3D foam carving systems can bring comprehensive 3D production capabilities to any business looking to gain that elusive competitive edge. Combining technologies like 3D laser scanners, 3D CNC foam routers, CNC hot wire cutting machines and various finishing methods, automated foam carving allows for the creation of lightweight 3D objects in absolutely any size and to any level of detail. These systems give companies start-to-finish production processes to let them enlarge or replicate any 3D object and create products that go far beyond the industry norm. What's more, these systems are built around automation and ease-of-use, so many printing companies are finding they have the skill sets in-house to get up to speed without putting their entire business on hold. The roadblocks that used to limit the expansion into 3D CNC production are being removed.
Where should a printing company start if they want to bring 3D production in-house? There's no doubt that the lack of integrated suppliers has been a stumbling point in the past. 3D foam carving systems are made up of a number of components, and tracking them down from different suppliers has typically been a recipe for disaster. Not only has component compatibility been a concern, but having to deal with multiple suppliers has been very cumbersome, especially when technical problems develop. More importantly perhaps, many component suppliers sell into a vast array of industries for a range of applications and foam carving is typically an afterthought. Their understanding of CNC foam carving applications has rarely been up to snuff, which meant that clients could rarely find the single source of expertise they needed to feel completely comfortable making the leap into 3D. Suppliers of integrated foam carving systems are making these problems a thing of the past.
For companies looking for the equipment to get into 3D production along with the required training, knowledge and support, it's critical they find a supplier that not only offers a fully integrated system, but that also has specialized expertise in the kind of foam carving applications that are relevant to their business. A fully integrated system will ensure that all components work together seamlessly, and that technical support is only one phone call away - no matter what the problem. A supplier who completely understands 3D CNC foam carving applications and how they can help a printing business will also be able to provide the knowledge and expertise to get 3D production capabilities up and running as quickly as possible. Where other suppliers may only be able to speak to their individual component, integrated suppliers will be able to provide the comprehensive support that's required to find success right out of the gate. Integrated suppliers can become a critical business partner.
By finding the right supplier and getting the right CNC equipment, training and support for the job, 3D production has not only become a feasible option for printing companies, but it promises to be a game changer for those looking to break free from the pack. The world of printing may never be the same.
For more information about integrated foam carving systems and about Streamline Automation's FROG3D foam cutting and carving system, visit http://www.3dcutting.com.