{"id":72432,"date":"2022-06-24T15:56:21","date_gmt":"2022-06-24T14:56:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.solopress.com\/blog\/?p=72432"},"modified":"2022-07-22T11:06:58","modified_gmt":"2022-07-22T10:06:58","slug":"3d-printing-the-solution-to-our-problems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solopress.com\/blog\/print-inspiration\/3d-printing-the-solution-to-our-problems\/","title":{"rendered":"3D printing – The solution to our problems?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Leading organisations believe that 3D printing could become one of the largest technological advances in history.<\/p>\n

What other manufacturing process can be seen influencing so many other industries as heavily as 3D printing?<\/p>\n

The devil\u2019s in the detail<\/strong><\/h2>\n

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, produces items layer by layer.<\/p>\n

Physical objects are produced by successive thin layers of material being added on top of each other until the final product is complete.<\/p>\n

Supported by computer-aided design (CAD), 3D printing brings digital objects into physical form through this additive process.<\/p>\n

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This method differentiates from traditional techniques which are subtractive, such as moulding or casting.<\/p>\n

A footnote in history<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Charles Hull started the ball rolling along the 3D printing timeline, 36 years ago in 1986.<\/p>\n

He patented stereolithography, \u00a0a process that uses a computer-controlled moveable laser beam to shape objects.<\/p>\n

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It wasn\u2019t until the mid-2000\u2019s that this technology started to diversify and flourish.<\/p>\n

At this time, 3D printing began to specialise in the manufacture of one-off and short-run components, thanks to low tooling and set-up costs.<\/p>\n

This diversification is still gathering speed to this day, with the flexibility of the process seeing it find applications in almost every industry.<\/p>\n

Planes, Trains and Automobiles – and 3D printing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Light bulbs, steam engines, cars and aeroplanes have all been revolutionary landmarks in human history.<\/p>\n

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Many from within the manufacturing industries claim that the powers of 3D printing could join that exclusive club.<\/p>\n

With new applications emerging day by day, the full power and potential of additive manufacturing is yet to be fully unleashed.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s regarded so highly because of its:<\/p>\n

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  1. Customisation<\/strong> – A pandora\u2019s box of opportunities is available with this process. Numerous products can be manufactured at the same time, at no extra cost.<\/li>\n
  2. Complexity<\/strong> – 3D printing provides an intricate production process simply not repeatable by humans. Specific parts in certain industries such as the aerospace sector are repeatedly showing the complexity this technique offers.<\/li>\n
  3. Efficiency<\/strong> \u2013 It can reduce or even eliminate tool production costs and labour. As a result, it is becoming a more attractive technique for manufacturers to use as it saves on cost, time and labour while eliminating human errors.<\/li>\n
  4. Sustainability<\/strong> – In a time of climate emergency, 3D printing is seen as an extremely energy-efficient technology. It provides much less waste, it can save in transporting finished products which combined with its efficiency gives it a reduced carbon footprint.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    A varied approach<\/strong><\/h2>\n

    Additive manufacturing has a flexibility and diversity even the 21st<\/sup> century hasn\u2019t seen before.<\/p>\n

    What other manufacturing processes can:<\/p>\n