Aluminium 3D printing has become embedded in dozens of manufacturing and industrial processes. It is one of the most commercially successful applications of 3D printer types and can be frequently found in Aerospace, automotive and industrial manufacturing.
These are not hobby printers, but valuable, heavy, finely calibrated precision instruments. Also, unlike other 3D printers, some components of Aluminium 3D printers are hazardous and require specialist expertise to transport to the client.
For printer manufacturers, selling the equipment is only the first step in the customer experience. The delivery and installation process can have as much impact on customer satisfaction as the sales process does. Machinery that arrives damaged, requires significant calibration or is delivered to the wrong location will result in calls to internal support teams, potential visits or even costly returns and resends.
A precision equipment logistics specialist, with last-mile delivery included in the package, is essential for complex machinery such as aluminium 3D printers.
Benchmark Services works with precision equipment manufacturers across the UK. Speak to our team to find out more about last-mile delivery.
Why are Aluminium 3D Printers challenging to transport?
SLM Aluminium printers use alloys to complete a printing design. These alloys are reactive metal powders and are classified as hazardous materials. The compliance chain must be maintained by using a courier accredited and trained in moving hazardous materials, such as Benchmark Services.
Alongside moving reactive metal powders, Aluminium 3D printers are also extremely sensitive to knocks, vibrations and temperature fluctuations. Any delays due to recalibration or repairs can result in high costs for the customer. Working with a specialist who has significant experience in transporting precision machinery, such as laboratory equipment, can provide assurance and peace of mind that the equipment will arrive at the exact location in perfect condition.
Last-Mile Delivery and Installation
The right specialist logistics partner for your deliveries will include last-mile delivery and installation of your 3D printers in the exact location your customer requires. Benchmark Services, for example, won’t just leave your expensive, heavy, precision machine in a loading bay for the customer to deal with. We will also consider the additional equipment required to run the printers, such as gas supplies and depowdering stations.
If there is a restricted access issue or a challenge in loading weights in certain areas of the building, then we will work with the client to ensure we get the printer safely to its location. The Benchmark Services delivery teams are well trained and experienced with first-floor deliveries, difficult access routes and out-of-hours deliveries, avoiding costly shutdowns.
We conduct a pre-delivery site assessment as standard with every project, and our team has over two decades of experience delivering sensitive equipment to research facilities, laboratories, and manufacturing sites across the UK.
Talk to our team about your delivery requirements here.
Storing 3D Aluminium printers ready for delivery
If, like most SLM printer manufacturers, you are based outside the UK, then you can reduce lead times and increase customer satisfaction by partnering with Benchmark Services for your local storage and call-off delivery logistics.
Standard machine models can be placed into managed, controlled storage, and we can connect directly into your order management platform to ensure the delivery process is seamless and accurate. Any accessories, consumables or replacement parts can also be stored at one of our two warehouses, ready for rapid delivery to your clients, even if consumables are hazardous goods. We can also integrate with your inventory management system so your UK stock holding is always accurate.
Designed to the stringent requirements of the medical and pharmaceutical industries, our storage facilities are perfectly suited for large, bulky, precise or sensitive products. Learn more about our 3PL partnerships for specialist equipment here or contact us about UK delivery management here.
Supporting Aluminium 3D Printer Manufacturers
As the UK demand for Aluminium 3D printers increases, having a strong logistics partner will ensure that the customer experience is protected. Benchmark Services can support your requirements with expert, specialist deliveries, accurate call-off order management and storage for machinery and consumables.
Every project comes with dedicated account management and pre-site delivery assessments, and we are accredited to handle hazardous goods, too.
Contact us today and tell us about your delivery challenges.
Aluminium 3D Printing: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SLM and DMLS for Aluminium printing?
Both SLM and DMLS printers use powder alloys and lasers to build a design layer by layer. An SLM printer melts the powder fully, making it very suitable for Aluminium alloys and other single metal materials. A DMLS is very similar but is used for multi-material metal alloys. You can learn more about transporting DMLS 3D printers here.
Why is transporting Aluminium powder for 3d printers hazardous?
Aluminium alloy powders are classed as flammable solids for transport and storage regulations. Any fine metal powder (including printer toner, for instance) can catch fire quickly, especially when there is moisture to oxidise with. When this happens, the powders can sometimes present an explosion risk.
This is why your delivery partner must be accredited to transport hazardous materials.
Does Benchmark Services cover the whole of the UK for 3D printer deliveries?
Yes, Benchmark Services can manage and deliver your machinery, consumables and 3D printer replacement parts anywhere in the UK. Ask us about our service level agreements to find out more about delivery timeframes and urgent repairs.
Other Information you may be interested in
How to choose a logistics partner for DMLS 3D printer deliveries
3PL Warehousing and Dropshipping Services