3D printing has been making headlines for quite some time. There are lots of expectations from this technology. Although many projects are only in the development stage, it is already possible to say that it is going to change the world. In this guide, you’ll find the major ways 3D printing is used.
Car Design and Production
The automotive industry hugely benefits from 3D printing. There are new opportunities in terms of additive manufacturing and high-precision details. Also, there are more customization options available.
The technology also allows cost reduction and the creation of high-performance cars. Some of the things the automotive industry uses it for:
- Rapid prototyping;
- Custom and complex parts;
- Production of manufacturing aids and specific tools;
- Creation of replacement details on demand;
- Cutting production costs.
Also, it is used to create stronger and safer vehicles.
Better Education
3D printing is already used in education and will probably cover more needs in the future. Surely, it cannot solve all the issues educators and students might have. For instance, if you struggle with a college essay, a printer won’t create it. However, it is not a problem as there are professionals that cover those needs manually.
Students that lack confidence or time to keep up with written assignments can opt for expert help. “Can I do my paper with WritePaper writers this time?” – the answer to such a question is always yes. As a long-standing academic platform, it offers writing, editing, and proofreading help with all types of college papers. So you can polish it to the maximum under expert guidance. Or delegate it to professionals and enjoy some free time.
3D printing can solve other educational issues, though. For instance:
- Opportunity to print out artworks and prototypes (graphic design);
- Re-creation of historical artifacts for better learning (for History and Archaeology);
- Geography majors can create topographic, demographics, or population map models;
- It is used for solving Mathematics problems;
- Production of low-cost and high-quality equipment for STEM.
Overall, almost any idea or image can now be brought to a 3-dimensional world. Students can construct models, create prototypes, and plan experiments. This technology offers new curriculum opportunities, access to previously unavailable knowledge, new ways of learning, and preparation for a future career.
Consumer Products
It is the first time that mass customization has become possible because of 3D printing. Today, there is a multitude of consumer products that are created with it, namely:
- Custom headphones that fit an ear perfectly;
- High-performance footwear with innovative materials (Nike, New Balance, and Adidas already recognize it);
- Custom eyeglasses;
- Jewelry;
- Even bath bombs (Lush).
Gillette uses it to offer customers an option to customize the handle of a razor to their unique needs. They can choose designs and colors or add some text.
Better Healthcare
Healthcare is another industry revolutionize by this technology. One of the main ways it is use now is through prosthetics and implants. For example, GE Additive produces hip replacements, and for the last 10 years, over 100,000 items have been used.
High-quality prosthetics are crucial for many people around the world. And now, they’ve become more affordable, precise, and stable.
Also, it is now possible to create the next generation of surgical instruments. They are procedure-specific, affordable, and small. New features and tools can be introduce very quickly based on the professionals’ preferences. All of this reduces the supply chain and costs for hospitals. It is helpful not only for surgical procedures. For example, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry came together to solve the issue of nasal swabs. USF, Formlabs, and Northwell were able to deploy a worldwide solution to cover emergency supplies.
Tissue engineering hugely benefits from 3D capabilities. Although the projects are mostly in the early stages, the ability to create new organs on demand is closer than ever.
And dental is already using it too. We can print crowns, dentures, and molds that fit seamlessly.
Housing and Construction
In these areas, 3D printers can be use in every stage of production. Architects can create models for better planning and understanding of the effects of design features. Professionals are able to create a physical model of a city to ensure a better living or explore ancient towns.
And it is possible to print a whole building today. Concrete layers can be lay down quickly and in a repeatable manner. It adds precision and quality to the production. Also, it opens doors for sustainable living and construction all over the world.
It is waste-free, relatively fast, and upholding modern sustainability standards. One of the exciting examples of this is the MX3D Bridge in Amsterdam. It is made of stainless steel by a 3D printer in a factory. And today, anyone can walk on it.
Entertainment, Art, and Music
From Hollywood movies to ancient art restorations: new devices can handle lots of tasks. They are used for visual effects and costuming. For example, Aaron Sims Creative offers a hybrid approach combining traditional and new techniques. One of the first prints they did was the Demogorgon, a monster from Stranger Things.
For music, these discoveries mean new instruments and media to produce unique sounds and melodies. Formlabs has already created a fully-functional acoustic violin, for instance.
3D scanning, CAD, and printing bring a lot of value to the art of restoration. Experts can take objects, scan them, and turn them into 3-dimensional shapes to make alterations or re-create specific parts and details. For example, the Opificio Institute in Florence uses it to replace lost pieces of sculptures and fine artworks.
Solving Crimes
Forensic science uses 3D scanning and production to access and evaluate incomplete evidence. This is a tremendous advantage for solving crimes that have been cold for ages. Professionals can recreate parts, bone structures, skulls, and the appearance of a victim or person of interest.
In Summary
One of the most exciting things about this technology is that it can be use in any sphere of life – from consumer products to forensic science. So the opportunities are almost limitless.
