Since its inception in the 1980s, 3D printing, commonly referred to as additive manufacturing, has made great strides. While AM began as a means of rapid prototyping, it has since expanded to encompass a variety of technologies.
The no. of businesses using this technology has increased dramatically over time. Tooling aids, functional & visual prototypes, plus even end-use parts are examples of applications and case studies that differ by industry.
Companies are beginning to identify new business models and opportunities with 3D printing as the technology’s potential applications expand. In this detailed overview, we’ll explore the current state of 3D technology and demonstrate how the technology is being used across industries to generate innovation and corporate growth.
Types of 3D Printing
3D printing is quickly becoming the manufacturing industry’s future. It is because different 3D printing materials require different methods. 3D printers today use ten main kinds of 3D printing technologies:
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
- Digital Light Processing (DLP)
- Stereolithography (SLA)
- Material Jetting (MJ)
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
- Sand Binder Jetting (SBJ)
- Drop on Demand (DOD)
- Metal Binder Jetting (MBJ)
- Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
- Electron Beam Melting (EBM)
Evolution 3D Printing Technology
3D printing has evolved beyond testing and one-off prototyping. Fortune 500 companies aren’t dragging their feet when it comes to 3D printing. AM used to be sluggish, expensive, and limited in its applications, but it now exceeds traditional production in every way. 3D printing services are now used to create manufacturing tools, jigs and fixtures, fit tests, and, of course, end-use components.
The shift to industrial operations isn’t just about improving 3D printer hardware to the point where it can replace legacy manufacturing equipment. Manufacturing calls for extensive collaboration across broad ecosystems. As a result, 3D printing companies are now learning how to traverse those paths to speed up implementation. Let’s see how 3D printing has progressed from a prototype to a production tool across different sectors: –
-Aerospace and Defense
The aerospace & defense industries were among the early adopters of 3D printing technology. After 3 decades, today, the A&D sector controls 16.8% of the total $10.4 billion AM markets and is an imminent contributor to ongoing research. Major industrial players have assisted the progress of AM in aerospace and defense and recognize the value proposition it brings to the business. The advantages include functional prototypes, lightweight components, parts consolidation, and materials efficiency.
-Healthcare
Another early adopter, when it comes to the 3D printing solutions for manufacturing needs, is the healthcare sector, partially due to their large capital base and because many of their offerings involve customization. More than a hundred thousand titanium hip replacements have been printed using 3D technology, and many of them are still in use even after a decade. For nearly two decades, hearing aids have been entirely 3D printed. Tens of thousands of personalized hearing aids are made each year. Dentists also rely on 3D printing these days. One of the significant changes in dentistry is the utilization of 3D print molds for clear aligners. Most of these dental items are made using a combination of 3D printing and classic thermoforming techniques, and they are probably the world’s most common application for 3D printing technologies in recent times.
-Electronics
The use of 3D printing technology to create printed circuit boards is becoming increasingly popular in the electronics industry. PCBs constitute the heart of any electronic device. They oversee your smartphones and Blu-ray players’ functions. It’s not just the prototyping process that protects the IP; designing PCBs in-house also speeds up the process. PCB printing technology has reached the stage where it can now be easily implemented for small-to-medium-run mass production.
-Automobile Manufacturing
In the automotive sector, 3D printer-driven design allows engineers to test various possibilities for the same detail and revisions during the development stages of a new model. It provides additional flexibility, resulting in more efficient designs and the ability to make design modifications during the model review process. As a result, automakers can keep on top of consumer demands and stay ahead of the competition.
-Sports Equipment
There is something for practically every sports fan, ranging from surfboards and golf clubs to bicycle parts and ski gear, thanks to 3D printing in sports. Sports equipment manufacturers frequently use additive manufacturing to build a variety of lightweight, protective gear since it provides significantly better protection and customization options. Some of the examples include bike helmets, 3D printed football masks, race cars with 3D printed parts, 3D printed prostheses, to name a few.
The above-mentioned industries aren’t the only ones who use 3D printing. It’s used in a variety of fields, including architecture, education, robotics, engineering, marketing, space, and jewelry. In certain circumstances, additive manufacturing outperforms traditional production methods in terms of speed, flexibility, and cost. If a business can afford in-house manufacturing, it can eliminate the costs and dangers associated with outsourcing and logistics.
Manufacturing businesses can obtain the following benefits by maintaining control over their operations:
- Better quality assurance
- More effective iterations
- Increased protection against industrial piracy
- Shorter turnaround time
Can 3D Printing Usher in a New Paradigm of Manufacturing?
The truth is that manufacturing is a dynamic industry that is always evolving. 3D printers, on the other hand, could be the next big thing. On several fronts, the evolution of AM has sped up recently. Simultaneously, commercial standards for certain sectors and materials are developing, and 3D printing software transforms a product concept into a print-ready model. As a result, 3D printing is being incorporated into a wide range of industries.
3D printing has sparked a large wave of innovation in many nations across industries. Even the United States military has developed advanced 3D printed materials like composite ceramic body armour. In this race, India is not far behind! 3D printing in India has reached a new level of ingenuity. Using 3D printing technology, Indian doctors have created marvels in facial reconstruction. And the work continues. The Indian government has opted to implement a national plan incorporating AM to make India a global powerhouse for 3D printing design, development, and deployment.
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