3D printing has been around for just a few decades now and it has steadily grown in popularity. So much so that it is not uncommon for people to have one in their home. As technology evolves, so do the capabilities of the printer. There are many applications for 3D printing and their possibilities are limitless.
1. Less time
3D printing has been a huge time saver in the field of manufacturing. Before the introduction of 3D printing, manufacturers had to build a mold to create a prototype. This process was expensive and time consuming. However, with 3D printing, you insert the plan into the printer’s memory and within minutes or hours you have a physical prototype. In addition, it has become easier to make modifications to a prototype. A few years ago, modifications would have been costly and very difficult to do.
2. Variety
Upon its release, people were hoping to find as many flaws in 3D printing as possible because it was seen as a strong competitor for many. This is why, for a long time, there was a wide misperception that 3D printers were only capable of printing using plastic material. Though it may have been true at the start, 3D printers have made great strides and are now capable of printing with metal.
The 3D printing industry, having seen the advantages of printing with metal, is now focusing on creating machines that can work with materials such as polymer, glass, ceramics, and composites. There are also ongoing efforts to use sustainable materials such as biodegradable plastics and recycled materials.
3. Complexity is No Issue
If you were using other modes for manufacturing products, it would be difficult to create complex objects. With 3D printing, complexity is not an issue. It can be as precise as you need it to be allowing you to print other objects that other modes of production could not. The capabilities of what they can produce is almost limitless.
4. Advancements in Medicine
Although 3D printing is not widely used in the medical industry yet, it has the potential to revolutionize the industry. It can allow for the customization and production of medical devices that can be tailored to the specific needs of a patient. Thereby, improving their fit and function. Another benefit of 3D printing is that it can reduce the cost of producing medical devices which could make them more accessible to patients.
Examples of medical applications include:
Prosthetics
Surgical instruments
