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Additive manufacturing, most known as 3D printing, has been transformative in a range of industries, from automotive and aerospace to medical and architecture.
Over the years, the utilization of 3D printing technology has skyrocketed with its new class of better-performing printers and scanners and more material options available. This technology has proven to be significant for product design and manufacturing.
In this article, you will learn more about the various applications and advantages of additive manufacturing in many industries globally.
Applications of 3D Printing and How it Works?
3D Printing is an additive manufacturing process that utilizes a digital file to create three-dimensional objects one layer at a time using industry-grade materials until the final product is complete. The time it takes for a 3D printer to print an object will depend on the complexity of the design.
The process starts with the designed digital 3D model. When the digital model is ready to print, the next phase is slicing. With the help of slicing software, the model is sliced into several layers with definite values to indicate how it should be printed. Finally, the multiple layers will be sent to the 3D printer to print the final object systematically.
Additive manufacturing has been embraced by educators, students, entrepreneurs, hobbyists, and factories because of its wide array of applications, from rapid prototyping to manufacturing.
This technology also allows business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to fabricate objects, from cabinet knobs, spare parts, custom-fitted prosthetics, and other plastic or metal items, at lower cost and with greater efficiency than traditional manufacturing.
Advantages of 3D Printing Technology
3D printing has the power to transform the manufacturing industry and help small to large businesses create products that are both unique and functional. Here are some of the advantages of adopting this technology.
Provide More Affordable Options
3D printers are becoming more affordable and accessible even to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs by making the manufacturing process of complex parts more streamlined and time-and-cost efficient. Also, the affordability of various 3D printing materials provides a more affordable option in some industries because it utilizes low-cost plastics and concrete that are easily available.
Ideal for Quick Prototyping and Small Production Jobs
The additive manufacturing process is suitable for the quick prototyping of products because they can be manufactured in-house in small runs, allowing manufacturers to work out bugs and customized products faster than using a standard process. Modifications of products can easily be made through CAD files while the cost of manufacturing remains unchanged.
The technology also allows spare parts to be “stored in the cloud,” so physical inventory isn’t necessary until there is a demand for an object. The cost and time of shipping are reduced, if not eliminated, because products are delivered everywhere in digital form and printed locally.
Allowing the Use of Specialty Materials
The most common materials used in the 3D printing industry are plastics and metals. But aside from these materials, there are other options to choose from.
The latest developments in 3D printing allow the use of specific materials like water-absorbing plastic, nitinol, gold, and carbon fiber for specialty parts and products. These specialty materials allow the integration of properties such as water repellency, strength, and high heat resistance.
Fabricate World-Class Products with 3D Printing Australia
The low-volume and on-demand capability of additive manufacturing can also be transformative to other industries, not just manufacturing.
Innovating and producing high-quality and world-class products are possible with additive manufacturing as it allows quick and inexpensive manufacturing and testing of new objects.
Lastly, 3D printing technology promotes the idea of “think global, make local” because designs of objects can be shared across continents where new products can be printed out when needed.