Danny Sullivan
3D printing or additive manufacturing is a generic term for the group of processes that synthesize three-dimensional objects. The use of this technology has made on-demand production possible by way of relatively simple machinery that does not require expensive tooling, dies, or molds, thus facilitating and reducing the cost of producing customized or complex products.
Why 3D printing technologies are important
One of the merits of 3D Printing is its fast turnaround time when creating parts or prototypes on demand. Traditional manufacturing requires companies to consider long lead times for raw material procurement, tool and die fabrication, assembly line scheduling.
It is now possible to economically produce highly customized or uniquely designed objects for individuals in small batch sizes through 3D printing, unlike economies of scale that traditional modes rely upon for such production. These designs are generally costly or sometimes impossible to construct using conventional fabrication techniques.
3d printing technology brings about distributed manufacturing in that goods can be produced closer to the end buyer. Instead of having mega factories at a central location, firms can have smaller local production sites in geographically dispersed markets. It yields faster delivery to customers, more regional customization, lower inventories, and circumvention of import duties and tariffs. However, customers may access 3D print files of a product and produce it in their homes depending on their tastes and preferences.
3D printing is better than traditional subtractive methods that often waste a lot of material during production processes since it uses fewer raw materials and reduces supply chain complexities. Additive manufacturing saves up to 90% of materials because the printer only feeds the required feedstock for each object built instead of disposing of unutilized materials. With some technologies come powder recycling systems, thus making it possible to reuse some or all unreferenced powders.
Customized prosthetic limbs, patient-specific implants, Surgical planning models, medical devices, and safety equipment are vital developments realized through 3D in the healthcare sector. The usage of 3D printed platforms for faster drug development by pharmaceutical researchers is another example here. As technology advances, 3D bioprinting will manufacture human tissues or entire organs with living matter for transplantation purposes. For instance, addressing the global shortage of organ donations and ending long-term use of anti-rejection drugs in patients’ worldwide lives, respectively.
Summary
3D printing brings forth new design options which are flexible, quick prototyping, personalized producing, decentralized production methods and eco-friendly practices as well as innovations in healthcare. Despite current limitations on material selections, size of parts, speed, and quality, more progressive improvements aim to make 3D printing in broader use and become more central to operations.
