Additive Economics 101, Part 1: Betwixt Rolex and Ryanair

Let’s look at what matters when we make things that matter. What considerations are there, what is important, what affects cost? Look at the levers in laser powder bed fusion, sintering, and MJF, to see what can make or break a 3D printing business. The point is to give you an idea of the major cost drivers, and the levers affecting process outcomes and constraints.

We’re going to begin with Cathy’s Brace Yourself. Cathy wants to start a brace manufacturing company. As a solopreneur, she has $350,000 to invest, plans to rent a relatively inexpensive location, and wants to do all the production herself in her own community. Now, there’s one basic assumption that is going to kill her business, but she can change it; it’s not too late. Cathy thinks that she won’t work weekends. But we’ll get