‘‘ The technology makes it possible for
manufacturers to engage in low volume
production in a relatively short time and in
a cost-effective way. The technology further
makes it much faster and cheaper to produce
prototypes which in traditional manufacturing
may require molds to be produced, time and
other related costs which make the whole
process very expensive.’’
where 3D printing comes in handy.
The technology makes it possible
for manufacturers to engage in low
volume production in a relatively
short time and in a cost-effective
way. The technology further
makes it much faster and cheaper
to produce prototypes which in
traditional manufacturing may
require molds to be produced,
time and other related costs which
make the whole process very
expensive.
When much higher volumes are
needed, manufacturers can then
switch to injection molding which
has proven to be inexpensive in
typical mass manufacturing.
However, this debate is still on
since so many factors must be
put into consideration before
engaging in manufacturing. Cost
per unit remains an important
figure in production, however
other factors such as production
time, inventory cost, flexibility
in terms of ability to change
product design and human capital,
among other factors may influence
a manufacturer’s use of these
technologies.
This is where the marketing
aspect of 3D technology in Kenya
needs to come in. Thus, far, other
than the fact that this technology
can be used to print out 3D
models that have proven to be
useful in the field of medicine,
education, art, manufacturing etc.,
pioneers in the market are yet
to demonstrate the value-add or
key selling point of adopting 3D
printing technology in Kenya’s
manufacturing sector.
For me personally, a 3D printer
seems like a cool toy to add to my
collection but business-wise, it is up
to me to engage in my own research
as an entrepreneur to establish
whether investing in one is likely to
bring me significant net returns.
3D printer
The same I believe will apply to
large scale manufactures
who would be interested in
knowing whether investing in
the technology would ultimately
cut or increase their cost of
production.
The goal of technology is
to solve a problem without
increasing costs to the end user.
So, it is up to these pioneers of
3D printing technology in Kenya
to demonstrate the challenge
this technology is addressing and
whether it makes economic sense
to potential users.
All in all, I can’t wait to get my
hands on a 3D printer.
A small-scale 3D printing work station showing the
digital files and the finished printed objects.
Eugene Wanekeya is currently
the Communications Off icer,
Welthungerhilfe Kenya Country
Programme, and a Marketing/
Communications Consultant. To
get to interact and know more
about this trend spotter you can
reach him via mail at: Gwanex@
gmail.com.
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