Accessible 3D printing technology continues to advance quickly. The technology is disruptive in many ways to many industries. How the disruption plays out exactly is not even possible to predict at this time.
What is the effect of inexpensive 3D CAD printing on commercial office space in New York City? Office space providers, including office for monthly rent businesses, may find themselves host to what are essentially incredibly flexible small-scale manufacturing concerns. Thus, the line between “commercial office” and “industrial” real estate begins to blur.
3D parts and rapid prototyping businesses may find office business centers ideally suited to this minimally invasive form of robot production. Serviced offices are:
- Prebuilt
- Equipped
- Furnished
- Staffed
Additionally, they permit the short-term rental of scalable chunks of office (or, production) space and have extensive mailing operations and reception desk service experience. It is easy to imagine a 3D prototype printing company showcasing its products in one flexible office, meeting with buyers in shared meeting rooms, and producing the product itself for shipping or front desk pickup.
Benefits of Renting Office Space in NYC
What are the benefits for those who rent NYC office space? Firstly, mass personalization opens up a whole new type of office rental customer, and may allow the operator to charge a premium rent for the hosting of these specialist machines. Secondly, 3D printers don’t use the facilities, drink (or spill) coffee, speak loudly, or distract client service representatives.
Possible Challenges for NYC Office Spaces Hosting Rapid Prototyping Firms
What are the challenges for businesses that offer NYC office spaces for rent as they host mass customization firms?
- Firstly, since each 3D printer puts out as much heat as a desk lamp, and also may emit vapors depending on the filament used, offices that are used for 3D prototype production where there are up to 12 printers in a 120 square foot office may but a burden on HVAC systems.
- Secondly, since extension cords are not permitted in New York City, the commercial office space has to be equipped with many electrical circuits and outlets.
- Thirdly, a full “retail store” type operation will increase traffic to a level that will be disturbing to other clients.
- Fourthly, while machines are good workers, they are not very personable, and community is an increasing selling factor in the flexible office business. Fifthly, whether such a personal fabrication business is even permitted may hinge on legal matters like the exact definition of “manufacturing” in underlying documents.
The effects of professional 3D printing technology on commercial office space for lease in NYC cannot be known fully. Providers of flexible office space for rent will have to be nimble as they assess how to monetize the trend. For any questions regarding flexible office space for your business in NYC, contact us online or by calling 1-800-346-3968.