Emerging Technologies - 3D Printing

Introduction:

3 Dimensional printing is different from conventional manufacturing techniques of casting and moulding. This is called additive manufacturing since, materials are added layer by layer to create a product or prototype.

In conventional manufacturing, a casting or moulding is done by substracting materials from a larger base whereas in 3D, the materials are added to manufacture a product.

3D modelling software such as SculptGL uses more abstract techniques for developing a design as against the CAD or CAM techniques. Based on the sculpting, a 3D printer adds (Additive technique) layers of material over and over to create a product or prototype with the help of a computer. Also read the following related articles:

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What are the applications?

3 Dimentional printers are useful in the following industries and the potential is growing day by day. Beyond the listed items below, there are very many other applications which are being developed as the times goes by.

The potential is huge, and it is for the next generation manufacturing or services process. Most of the companies which has a long gestation period for product development - From conceptualization to the final product need to get into this area for a better design and to eliminate defects in the entire eco system which impacts the profitability.

3D printing is an emerging or disruptive technology as against CAD, CAM techniques. Let us look at the some of the industries which is using 3D printing nowadays,

  • Aerospace industry

  • Medical and dental

  • Fashion products

  • Industrial spareparts

  • Consumer Products

  • Food & Beverages

  • Industrial Machinery

  • Jewellery

  • Defence equipments

  • E commerce

  • Architectural design

  • Housing prototypes

  • Doll/Toy Making

  • Computer spareparts

  • New product design

  • Arts & Sculpture

disruptive, emerging technologies

3D Printed Covid Face shield

Why 3D printing technique - Case Capsules?

This is the logical question everybody will ask and what is the value add?

  • In a complex manufacturing process such as Aerospace industry, even making a prototype is a time consuming process and involves huge investment. However, 3 Dimensional printing reduces the design to execution timing of a product being developed and make it as an immediate reality.

  • 3D printing enables the manufacturer or a designer to feel and realize the product as against a product under concept. The producer is able to make necessary changes before the final product comes to being. This eliminates costly mistakes and eliminates the time and cost over run for a product.

  • In terms of simplicity and adaptability, it is easy to understand and implement. No big investment required. 3D printers are available from as low as $ 1000 or lesser.

Some Numbers:

  • 3D printing industry is currently valued at US $ 52 Billion, and expected to grow by 25% CAGR YOY

  • Some companies involved are - 3D Systems Inc., Arcam EBM, Autodesk Inc., Envisiontec Inc., ExOne, Hoganas AB, Made in Space Inc., Materialise, Optomec Inc., Ponoko Inc., Stratasys Ltd., Voxeljet AG. (As per Global Newswire)

  • Defense industry has the highest potential to explore in this area. This can be from armoury to aircraft design, ship building etc.,

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