3D printing has come a long way since its invention in 1983. From prototyping to low-volume production, 3D printing is now being used for mass product customization, biomedical devices, and even art. With advances in technology, 3D printing is becoming a viable higher-volume production option. In this article, we'll explore the various applications and uses of 3D printing, from medical devices to art. Low-volume production is a great way to test the ground for entrepreneurs who are ready to launch a new product but aren't sure about demand. 3D printers are experts at meeting these needs, and they can also be used for medical devices.
For example, some companies are developing custom 3D printed prostheses for amputees that are designed to be much more comfortable for the user. The design phase of products can also benefit from 3D printing. Engineers can consider the limitations of the production process when designing a product, which can lead to better and more efficient products and components. This opens up a whole new world of possibilities for businesses, as they can now print personalized biomedical devices and mass product customization. Technology could also bring production levels more in line with demand, saving on production, shipping and storage costs.
However, 3D printers still excel at printing plastic-like materials; printing anything that covers or feels good to the touch is still prohibitively expensive. Over the next five years, we will see parts design more function- and volume-oriented, and 3D printing will begin to adapt to production systems across industries. The company has experience in 3D printing on both plastics and metals, and has even helped develop new custom metals for its NASA Tipping Point project. Other notable uses of 3D printing in healthcare are ongoing efforts to develop printable organs for patients needing transplants, and printing chemicals and proteins to develop new drugs. Universities offer courses on things adjacent to 3D printing, such as CAD and 3D design, that can be applied to 3D printing at a certain stage. Recently, they began integrating 3D printing by selective laser sintering (SLS) into the frame production line in their Swiss workshop to print end-use parts and rapid tools for forming titanium.3D printing is also being used in the arts.
From the Netherlands, Danny van Ryswyk creates spooky 3D printed sculptures reminiscent of the characters of filmmaker Tim Burton. Banksy's works have been rendered from 2D to 3D using 3D printing with powder binding. On this page, you'll learn how Sculpteo's online 3D printing service can help you develop faster, produce better and improve your business. With so many applications and uses for 3D printing technology, it's no wonder that it's becoming increasingly popular across industries.
