Since it became an accessible tool, the potential applications of 3D printing have revolutionized how industries use traditional production methods. A variety of sectors have seen operational improvements that have made tasks like manufacturing faster and more cost-effective.
This printing technology has already been used to create products, machine parts, and even biological and synthetic materials. Its versatility has made it an invaluable tool that could play a much larger role in science and technology-related fields in the future.
Here are some of the industries benefitting the most from 3D printing technology.
Since most of the industries on this list use 3D printing for manufacturing, the industry itself can be described as having seen major beneficial shifts in how traditional processes are done. It has leveled the playing field for major global manufacturers and smaller localized outlets.
Thus, factories of any capacity can now generate goods and complex industrialized materials, such as 3D printing titanium, for other sectors faster. They can now also reduce labor costs and maintain production standards even during times of high demand. Furthermore, manufacturing plants can utilize 3D printing technology to create customized tools by working with Computer Numerical Control machining.
The aerospace industry upholds some of the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and precision. This is because the individual parts that make up aircraft must withstand extreme temperatures and conditions while remaining lightweight and protecting the people and cargo onboard.
It’s also due to a failure system where if one section malfunctions, it could lead to a breakdown of the entire aircraft. Thus, technologies such as Velo3D to produce metal components for space travel presents a solution for engineers to generate high-performance parts while saving time and costs. These parts include jet engines, satellites, and replacement components that can be printed by astronauts on space stations.
Just like the aerospace industry, car manufacturers utilize 3D printing to produce high-quality and lightweight vehicle parts at a fraction of the labor and production costs with fewer emissions and waste.
The automotive industry, which includes motorsports, started using printing technology to assist the tools, machines, and fixtures used during vehicle assembly. It has since shifted to printing individual parts. These include engines, vehicle bodies, grills, showroom prototypes, dashboards, and valves. The quicker production times allow automakers to assemble a larger quality of in-demand cars to increase vehicle sales.
The fashion industry continues to benefit from 3D printing because it’s partly an extension of material science and chemistry. This technology can bring innovative clothing line designs to life by generating materials and textiles otherwise impossible for manual creation to realize.
Designers have also used it to create prototypes and tools for showcasing new ideas for clothing, shoes, and accessories. Doing this cuts down on production times and the costs of outsourcing during the garment-making process.
Additionally, 3D printing has provided the industry with solutions that make it easier for designers and brands to meet their sustainability goals. This is achieved through waste reduction and the printer’s ability to reuse and recycle materials.
3D printing technology is helping to drive medical breakthroughs in the healthcare sector, particularly in the areas of biomedical prosthetics. This makes it possible for medical practitioners to print human tissue and skin cells as well as organs and body parts that are more tailored to a patient’s unique physiology.
A major benefit of this is reducing organ donation shortage and improving organ transplant outcomes, a solution that may save a lot of lives. In terms of supplies, 3D printing has also been used to cut the costs of acquiring medical equipment and surgical instruments. Manufacturers can now create them faster and in larger quantities.
With the growing interest of students pursuing STEM careers, 3D printing is developing alongside it. This assists learners in their educational journey. It has allowed learning to become more practical and tangible to move beyond just being studied and read.
For instance, engineering and robotics students can print prototypes for machine-building projects. Meanwhile, medical or chemistry students can design 3D models and structures of the human body. These are then useable for research and knowledge application. Additionally, teachers can print educational materials to use as visual aids. Thus, enhancing teaching methods and stimulating learner participation.
As of now, the industries that benefit the most from 3D printing technology are science and engineering-related fields. These companies manufacture the components of machines, products, prototypes, and materials. In this vein, it also offers plenty of advantages and solutions to industries involved in mass production.
But this may just be the early stages of the use of 3D printing in our age. As needs continue to evolve, we can only imagine what forms this technology will soon take. What do you think?
