Updated: 24.07.2020
3D Print Technology and Business Industries overview
Manufacturing as we know it is experiencing immense flux thanks to the miraculous 3D printing technology that helps you create digital three-dimensional models using an additive computer controlled approach. 3D printing particularly helps industries or processes that are heavy on customisation and involve complex geometries. Let us look at industries where this wonder is being leveraged to gain competitive advantage.
How much is the 3d printing industry worth?
3D Printing is getting significant demand over a decade. 3D Printing and 3D Print Technology are growing. Statics shows that the 3D printing industry / market will be worth $31B in 2029.
Above Google Trend chart clearly shows that the interest over the time for 3D Printing.
3D Printing for Automotive
One of the earliest adaptors or 3D printing, auto manufacturers use the technology to record time multiple iterations and prototyping products. Industry leaders such as BMW and Delphi automotive are seen leveraging 3D print prototypes for parts development and end product blueprinting.
3D Print Technology for Consumer Goods
From electronic appliances to shoes, toys, everyday metal objects and jewellery, 3D printing is delivering vast benefits in the consumer goods space. It has provided the benefit of customisation like never before with products such as customisable luxury earphones and personalised tailored jewellery finding their way into our carts.
3D Print Technology used for Medical / Medicine
Image copyrights: EOS Medical.
The titanium implant has a large number of cavities. These weight-reducing recesses in otherwise solid parts can only be achieved through Additive Manufacturing (courtesy of EOS GmbH).
With the likes of 3D printed organs, prosthetics, dental aligners and bio printing including 3D printed livers and kidneys, the medical industry is making full use of this technology to provide innovative medical assistance to patients. Superior hearing aids are also being developed using this technological wonder.
3D Print Technology used for Architecture/ 3D Print Houses
Image copyrights: nda.ac.uk
3D printing has enabled the conversion of CAD or computer-aided designs to be produced into 3D printable files, with high levels of colour and detail giving architects and civil engineers a deeper insight into requirements, structuring and much more. In fact, governments in UAE and Singapore aim to incorporate 3D technologies into government strategies to boost construction activities in these geographies.
3D Print Technology for Aerospace
Image copyrights: GE.COM – 3D printing jet engines for airplanes
Manufacturing giant GE is probably the most proactive global entity in the 3D printing space, with its wing GE Aviation creating the LEAP jet engine nozzle using 3D printing that provides immense benefits in carbon dioxide production and fuel consumption. Space agencies are increasingly extending the benefits of 3D printing to creating specialised components for rockets with specific weight and density requirements. 3D printers are also being installed on space stations with two such printers present on the International Space Station (ISS).
3D Print Technology for Government & Military
Domestic 3D printed UAV has been declared the best cargo drone of the future. Image copyrights: 3d-expo.ru
Investments are being made to further develop the metal 3D printing capabilities and 3D UAV or unmanned aerial vehicles and micro-drones as this can provide significant benefit to military production and surveillance. The US army even hopes to print 3D skin using the stem cells of a wounded soldier.
3D Printing Tech for Electronics
Image copyrights: cieonline
Super designing, customised casings, 3D circuit boards and many other activities and products in the electronics space are increasingly reaping the benefits of 3D printing. 3D printing also supports production in bulk for customised designs and prototypes in electronics.
3D Printing for Textiles
Image copyrights: sculpteo.com
Designers and manufacturers are increasingly leveraging the customisation benefits of 3D printing in designing to create prints and fabrics with various mixes and embellishments in a cost effective manner. With slight variations, the benefits of economies of scale are extended to slight customisations and colour sequences. Designers are also using 3D printing to create embellishments made of recycled plastic for their clothing creations.
3D Printing Technology for Education
Image credit: Cubify
Many educational institutions and universities are setting up 3D printing research teams, workshops and projects to nurture ideas from young minds in this area. Presently, interactive technology and robotics use 3D printing in the engineering and design space. Medical institutions also use 3D printing in developing prosthetics and artificial organs.
Logistics & Inventory Planning
This niche technology enables cost savings for heavy productions companies through the concept of virtual inventory that eliminates expensive and wasteful physical inventories by shifting to virtual inventory using 3D prototyping. This allows you to manufacture parts on demand as and when you need them.
3D Print Technology for 3D Food Printing
Image copyrights: allianzpartners-bi.com
As I mentioned on the top 3D Food printing is the fast-growing business sector within the 3D Print Business. In the future, you can print your breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also, 3D Food print will allow food customisation and environment-friendly. 3D Food print will change the way we eat!
