5 Ways 3D Printing Applications have Revolutionized Industries
Modern 3D printing applications have had a massive impact on the technology used in multiple industries. See how it’s done with 3D printing here.
Try to imagine the ways that 3D printing has affected businesses around the world. Since its start, innovative 3D printing applications have disrupted medical and automotive industries. It has found a place in the fashion world, and even helped the aerospace industry meet some unique challenges.
Schools have begun to use the machines as a teaching aid so students can create globes and models.
Understanding 3D Printing
A 3D printer makes solid objects from a digital file. Using this additive process, the printer creates the object with layers of material. These materials can be plastic, metal, clay, and concrete. The most common method is called stereolithography.
Stereolithography uses a liquid polymer as the printing “ink”and an ultraviolet light to cure and solidify it. According to Anubis 3D Printing, this method produces strong parts that can be used as masters for various metal casting processes.
The printer interprets a special digital file into an object, which is then interpreted into layers. These thin slices are what the machine creates when applying the material. Printer resolution can vary, with some able to produce very high detail.
Medical Advances
The medical profession has manufactured a variety of 3D-printed devices. These items include implants, prostheses, and instrumentation. Bioprinting is a method of 3D printing using actual living tissue as the layers.
Bioprinting machines can produce bone, blood vessels, and even human organs. It’s an exciting advancement for the future of medicine.
Automotive Innovations
Think about what it’s like to have an older or rare car and unable to fix or find parts for it. The automotive industry now uses 3D printers to make rare parts using metal printing materials. And because these parts are made by the original manufacturer, they are guaranteed to fit.
Some companies have also begun to create parts with lower density to reduce their weight. These lighter parts increase the car’s fuel mileage.
Fashion Initiatives
Designers have used 3D printing to make prototypes of their accessories and jewelry. Some athletic shoe manufacturers have used the process to produce shoe soles. 3D printed phone cases offer sturdy protection and good looks.
3D printing has inspired a 3D robotic knitting machine, which produced a seamless jacket that conforms to each customer’s shape and size. The machine saves nearly 15-30% of the material used over traditional knitting methods.
Aerospace Applications
Airplane manufacturers have now chosen to 3D print fixtures and jigs that aid with positioning and assembly of parts. Parts that require flame retardancy or chemical resistance can now be 3D printed.
NASA uses 3D printing to create accurate prototypes of components used in final devices.
Educational Uses
Grade schools and colleges use 3D printing to help students learn. Teachers can print objects for use as teaching aids, and students can test theories and geometry.
For example, chemistry students can print molecules, and biology students can see accurate cells and viruses.
Future 3D Printing Applications
3D printing applications will expand in these fields, and others. Manufacturing and medicine processes will advance as materials become available and viable. Printers will become faster and more accurate, and conform to more industry standards.
3D printing applications have the power to move all of these industries forward. Depending on your industry, it could be an essential piece of equipment when starting a new business. 3D printing is a force that will revolutionize industries and add value to companies worldwide.
