3D printing has many applications. It is now an essential part of manufacturing. Since the days of desktop figurines, 3D printing has advanced a lot. The future looks brighter as technology advances.
A few years back, additive manufacturing was still a speculative concept. It was being debated whether it was financially feasible or technologically feasible to switch from high-volume, traditional processes to additive manufacturing. The time savings and higher efficacy of additive manufacturing are leading to an increasing number of uses-cases.
3D printing and the use of 3d printer in different fields is now a mainstream manufacturing technology. Additive Manufacturing is a pillar of the manufacturing revival. 3D printing's future looks bright.
Numerous industries–including healthcare, aerospace, and defense–have been experiencing transformations within key areas of their business that can be attributed to the expanded digital infrastructure, materials development, supply chain maturation, and greater stability within additive manufacturing technologies.
Following are some of the main industries or field where the scope of using the 3D Printer are still growing:
Aerospace
Making interior parts for aircraft is a common task in aerospace. With additive manufacturing, designers can reduce weight, reduce assembly size, and conform to tight cabin interiors. 3D printing allows designers to explore more efficient and effective part shapes. This improves the management of sensitive thermal environments.
These capabilities allow manufacturers to have an unprecedented design, production, and supply chain flexibility as product development cycles decrease in every industry.
Digital's Future is All About Materials
Although growth is being driven by increased investments in additive manufacturing, I believe it's impossible to overstate the importance of materials. The next barrier to 3D printing's growth is not the high cost of equipment but the materials and closed additive manufacturing systems.
There are many 3D printing materials on the market, but none meet the standards of quality and regulatory compliance of the industries.Says that their company cannot use more additive manufacturing because of material issues
Due to current volume challenges in many industries, manufacturers and suppliers are not incentivized to create the new materials needed for new applications. However, the future of 3D printing is in materials–specifically engineered and application-specific materials. Different industries have different requirements and require unique solutions. New engineered materials can transform many industries, even those that are heavily regulated.
Companies that can reduce the time and effort required to introduce 3D printing material that is tailored to specific engineering and manufacturing requirements will be rewarded by the markets. The process of accelerating the development and release of materials to the additive markets will help to increase the number of 3D printer applications and to improve the digital manufacturing industry.
3D printing can help create a more sustainable future
Sustainability and conservation are two key principles of additive manufacturing. Scrap material can be reduced if it is not eliminated, one of its intrinsic benefits.
Instead of creating a huge item that needs to be cut and shaped, it creates objects layer by layer. Additive manufacturing is less wasteful than traditional subtractive production methods and has the potential to reduce the negative environmental effects of business activities and social and economic value.
3D printing can reduce waste and conserve energy. The Metal Powder Industries Federation conducted a study and found that subtractive manufacturing required 17 steps to make a truck gear, while additive manufacturing required six. The same product can be printed in 3D. It takes less energy.
By bringing products closer in proximity to customers, 3D printing also reduces the need to transport products and materials. This positively impacts the amount of carbon that is released into the atmosphere. We can see that additive and digital strategies are already paving the way for a more sustainable future.
This is a crucial time in the history of the manufacturing industry. This is a moment when our designs, ideas, and products are almost fully represented digitally. We can now convert these representations into tangible products with sound production methods and appropriate amounts of additives.
Additive manufacturing, the first digital production technology, is already transforming industries and businesses with incredible efficiency.
