## 4 Advantages and Limitations
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\begin{tabular}{p{14.2 pt} p{142.3 pt}} \hline \hline \multicolumn{2}{p{142.3 pt}}{**AM Advantages**} \\ \hline \(\checkmark\) & **Customization benefits:** A major strength of 3D printing lies in its capacity for customization, particularly valuable in healthcare for tailored prosthetics and implants for patients. \\ \(\checkmark\) & **Cost and time savings:** 3D printing, particularly in the creation of molds for injection molding, offers a quicker and more economical solution compared to traditional production techniques, making it ideal for small-scale outputs and prototyping. \\ \(\checkmark\) & **Quick production:** The technology behind 3D printing ensures a rapid production process, eliminating conventional steps like molding and casting, leading to faster completion times. \\ \(\checkmark\) & **Environmental advantages:** 3D printing contributes to sustainability by minimizing material waste, as it uses only the necessary amount of material for each item. Additionally, by enabling local, on-demand production and reducing the transportation of finished products, carbon emissions can be decreased. \\ \(\checkmark\) & **Innovation and progress:** Numerous industries, including the aerospace, automotive, fashion, and food sectors, might be a transformation thanks to 3D printing. This makes it possible to test and prototype new ideas quickly, which might result in the development of new products and improved manufacturing procedures. \\ \(\checkmark\) & **Accessibility:** The growing availability and affordability of 3D printing technology make it a valuable tool for individuals and small enterprises. \\ \(\checkmark\) & **Medical Applications:** 3D printing has brought significant advancements in medical fields, offering custom-made implants, prosthetics, and opportunities in tissue engineering. \\ \(\checkmark\) & **Supply Chain Efficiency:** The capability for on-demand manufacturing with 3D printing reduces the reliance on large inventories, cutting down on storage expenses and leading to more streamlined supply management. \\ \hline \multicolumn{2}{p{142.3 pt}}{**AM Disadvantages**} \\ \hline \(\checkmark\) & **Material variety:** When it comes to materials, the selection for 3D printing is more constrained than for traditional production. Although the selection is expanding, it has not yet reached the diversity found in conventional methods. \\ \(\checkmark\) & **Production time:** Printing complex or large items with 3D technology can be slow, making it less suitable for mass production. \\ \(\checkmark\) & **Strengths and longevity:** Items made through 3D printing might not be as robust or long-lasting as those produced traditionally, posing a challenge for parts that need to endure stress or impact. \\ \(\checkmark\) & **Surface finish:** The finish on 3D-printed items may not be as refined as that achieved through traditional methods and might need extra steps to improve. \\ \(\checkmark\) & **Build size constraints:** The dimensions of the 3D printer’s printing area can restrict the maximum size of the objects it can produce at once. \\ \(\checkmark\) & **Layer visibility:** The layer-by-layer construction of 3D-printed objects often results in visible lines, which can impact the item’s look and structural integrity. \\ \(\checkmark\) & **Equipment costs:** Although, more-accessible, top-tier industrial 3D printers come with a high price tag. \\ \(\checkmark\) & **Legal issue:** The ease of replicating objects with 3D printing brings up concerns regarding intellectual property and copyright laws. \\ \(\checkmark\) & **Health risks:** The printing process might release harmful particles, posing risks to those operating the machine, especially when using certain materials. \\ \(\checkmark\) & **Expertise and equipment needs:** Operating 3D printers and handling the outcomes require specialized skills and equipment, which can be costly to acquire and maintain. \\ \(\checkmark\) & **Post-processing requirements:** Printed items often need additional work like sanding, painting, or curing to meet specific standards, depending on their use. \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
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