As 3D printing continues to surprise the world, its practical application and uses are now endless. This tech can range from toys and artwork to fully functioning transplantable organs and even complete building structures. For this technology, the sky’s the limit.
That said, businesses looking to simplify their prototyping tech are now finding 3D printing most exciting. However, that doesn’t mean that this technology is any less useful for non-tech consumers worldwide. Since this technology is evolving rapidly, it has to offer a lot to every individual or a company willing to make a change.
7 Innovative Ways 3D Printing Will Be Used in the Future
So, it doesn’t matter if you are a tech enthusiast or someone looking to make a fundamental change in the world. 3D printing has a lot to offer you. In this article, you will learn about the potential of this technology and all the other things that you should be excited about using this terrific tech in the future.
Let’s get you started:
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Additive Manufacturing
It would be safe to say that additive manufacturing (AM) is the technical term used to describe 3D printing technology. Simply put, it is a transformative technology used in the industrial production of lighter and stronger parts that you can further use in an industrial process.
This feat is a result of technological advancement that has taken place due to the most anticipated transition of our times, i.e., analog to digital processes. As a result, additive manufacturing is now providing manufacturing processes with more flexibility and efficiency. For instance, AM is a crucial supply chain administration tool that assists the U.S. Army in enhancing and finding ways to support soldiers on the battlefield.
It only shows that the 3D printing technology has an untapped potential that many countries can employ to better result from their manufacturing capabilities.
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DIY Prototyping of Products
To convert your ideas or dreams into successful products, prototyping of products plays a crucial role. It has long been an obstruction in the way of innovation and ideas that innovators thrive on.
However, to be an innovator, there is no age limit. A kid who is willing to turn his illustrations into a tangible product can call a 3D printer his/her best new friend. Many real-life examples have become an internet sensation overnight because of their employed artistic skill on a 3D printer.
A famous one is where a 12-year-old kid ordered a 3D printer from the internet, installed it without anyone’s help, and started printing fidget spinners. For a few weeks, the kids were one of the most fantastic kids in the block until every child in his neighborhood brought their 3D printer.
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Unique Parts Replacement
Do you have a car or motorbike which the manufacturing company has already abandoned? It might not be functioning correctly or entirely due to some broken part that you can’t get your hands on. However, you still have a sentimental value attached to that vehicle, and you are not ready to throw in the junkyard.
In that case, metal-based 3D printing can give you a solution to this problem. This technology will allow you to print unique and rare suspended replacement parts. Once you have done all the heavy lifting, a repair shop can fix and run that part for you.
However, you don’t always have to have a metal-based 3D printer in your home. You can find several private manufacturers that can help you design and print your desired part. With their assistance, you get the benefit of their expertise. As a result, the margin of error becomes a lot less, and you get a perfectly working rare part according to your requirements.
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Automobile Prototyping
3D printing has now made its place in the world of innovation. As a result, non-tech businesses are also adopting this tech to refine their upcoming ideas. One of the most prominent examples is the automobile industry, which has been using this technology for quite some time now to refine the existing models or create new ones.
Other than that, 3D modeling is producing additional and spare parts in industries like aerospace. Also, healthcare is using this technology more than ever before, and their requirements range from prosthetics to mold used in dentistry.
All these industries are just getting started in acquiring the benefits of this technology, and the possibilities are endless that will help these industries to reach their full potential.
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Reduces Production Costs
This fantastic technology helps reduce companies’ costs, which allows them to provide their customers with products at very affordable prices. For instance, in 2018, ICON 3D printed a complete house at the South during the Southwest festival. It not only proves that this technology is eligible for creating habitable homes anywhere around the world. But it can also provide people with a speedy option of housing for people affected by natural disasters.
As a result, you not only work in achieving technological feats. With the use of this technology, you are also making an effort to make this world a better place.
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Application in the Healthcare Industry
Anyone who is informed of the technological developments happening worldwide knows 3D printing can have an enormous impact on the healthcare industry. That said, thousands of people worldwide can change their lives and become an active part of society – if only they could get access to affordable prosthetic devices. And 3D printing is what can help them in achieving this goal.
With this technology, medical experts can develop and design each prosthetic according to specific needs. As a result, it changes the life of the patient and the lives of those connected with them.
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Apparel Designing
We think it would be safe to say that the fashion industry is ready for the interference of 3D printing. With the availability of this technology, customers can design and print their belts, gloves, and sunglasses. They can also share their ideas with a retailer, who can help them provide personalized designs for them.
In Conclusion
Additive manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D printing, has great potential and can even bring significant change in the world of technology. Several industries have accepted this technology with open arms, and others are keen to make this change. So if you are an innovator or a business owner looking to provide your business with an X-factor, maybe this is the technology you are looking for.