Product Designer: Manufacturing Tools That Can Fit Inside Your Home

There have never been more options available to those who want to make products from their own home. Technology has reached an exciting point, enabling normal people to make things for themselves without having to craft them entirely by hand. Not only does this save a lot of time, but it also makes it possible for you to create things far more impressive than you would be able to do on your own. But what exactly should you be looking at when you’re choosing the machines you’ll be using to help you?

3D Printers

3D printers have come a very long way over the last decade or so, with loads of models hitting the market at very low prices. Options like the Monoprice Select Mini V2 is shockingly affordable for the quality of prints it can produce, and this is making this hobby more and more accessible. You will probably need to spend a little more to get something that will be able to print at a high enough quality to sell, but this still doesn’t cost anywhere near as much as it used to. 3D printers are most commonly used with thermoplastics like PLA and ABS, though the high-end market is starting to bring materials like aluminum into the picture.

Waterjet/Laser Cutters

While waterjet and laser cutters are quite different machines, they are capable of the same type of production process. They cut flat materials along 2 axes, limiting them a little compared to a 3D printer’s capabilities. Both laser and waterjet cutters are able to cut through a range of materials, from wood and acrylic to tough metals like stainless steel. These machines are great when you are trying to make products that have flat sides, as you can easily make a 2D net that can be assembled from the pieces you print. These machines are harder to look after than a 3D printer, and you will need to make sure that you have the right ventilation and safety measures in place to use them properly.

CNC Machines

CNC machines come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes, though the concept is quite similar to a 3D printer. Ahead is moved forwards and backward, left and right, and up and down using a series of extremely precise motors. Rather than having a plastic extruder on the end of it, though, they will have a spinning head similar to what you’d find on a Dremel. This enables you to machine materials like plastic, wood, and even soft metals, opening the doors to loads of different product design options. Product design services can often turn things that you’ve made on your CNC machine into a much more refined product.

With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to take on the challenge of building a mini-factory within your own home. This can be a great way to start a business, while also offering a fun hobby that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your desk.

How You Can Get More From Your Business At Home

There is no denying that starting your own business will feel like a great achievement. We have all been there when we want to be our own boss, do something that we feel passionate about, and that we enjoy, and earn a decent living from it. Making it a reality can seem a little more of a hard to reach goal, but with determination, you can make it happen. The problem is, that you are just one person. You need to be able to make this happen. With that in mind, here are some of the best ways to make the most out of business, regardless of it just being you at the helm. 

Outsourcing can help

When you start your own business, it can be so tempting to want to organize and control every aspect of it. However, you can’t do that consistently. You run the risk of spreading yourself too thinly, or not being able to complete jobs and projects appropriately. This is when outsourcing could help. Whether you look at outsourcing HR administration, IT management, social media, or website development, free up your time and place a value on it and focus on the areas where you can make the most difference to move the business forward.  

Decent time management skills

The next thing you may want to think about would be your time management skills. Being your own boss means there are a lot of plates to spin, even if you do outsource areas, so it is always going to be a good idea to work on time management and prioritizing your workload. There can be different avenues that you can try, but there are plenty of techniques explained online, so you are bound to find something right for you. 

A dedicated area to work

Working for yourself often means that you start your business from home, and this can be difficult to strike a balance between when you are working and when you are supposed to be relaxing and enjoying home life. This is when having a dedicated area to work can help you to be more consistent when it comes to your mindset. You know that when you are at your desk you are working, but once you walk away you can attempt to somewhat switch off. If you have space, a home office would be ideal. 

Tackling the local community

It is always going to be a good idea to look at other marketing angles to give your business the edge, this is when looking into the local community could present some answers. Advertising locally, getting involved in local events, and becoming an expert in your vicinity can help to give your home business the boost it deserves. 

Humanizing your brand 

Finally, take some time to humanize your brand. You are a small operation, and this is an attractive quality. Engage on social media, respond to comments and messages, be creative with content that you share and how you advertise your business. You will start to see the effects. 

Let’s hope these tips help you to get the most out of your business.