3D Printing: The Next Big Thing in Manufacturing
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is the process of constructing a three-dimensional object from a digital model through the use of 3D printers. During its inception in the late 20th century, it was used only for aesthetic and research purposes, given the absence of advancements developments that would eventually lead to its scaling and implementation in diverse sectors of the economy. Presently 3d printing is used in medicine, manufacturing, and defense. The commercial viability and scalability of 3D printing have posed the technology to be a potential disruptor in many industries, particularly manufacturing.
The ability of 3D printing-driven manufacturing processes to eliminate or reduce wastage is one of the most important reasons behind its popularity. Whilst conventional manufacturing processes are susceptible to errors that lead to wastage of material, the accuracy of software linked with 3D printers contributes to a higher rate of efficiency. Not only is this more sustainable, but it also saves costs on materials and waste disposal, hence generating a surplus for all stakeholders in the market.
Whilst recent technological advancements have increased the utility of 3D printing, its aesthetic appeal continues to be a major driving force behind its acceptance. 3D printers can develop models and products with a level of precision that can be compared to very few machines. Virtual reality and simulation technologies allow consumers to more effectively communicate their needs and desires to manufacturers, leading to the manufacturing of commodities of higher quality, through a process that eliminates most of the wasteful guesswork typically associated with manufacturing. 3D printing is highly contextual, which is to say that the printer is not designed to produce a particular commodity or design. This allows for the production of diverse and complex models- that can better serve the differing needs of different markets and consumers.
3D printing could be a major step towards promoting sustainability in the manufacturing industry- which has long been responsible for releasing high levels of pollutants into the atmosphere. Whilst 3D printing alone cannot reduce pollution to desired levels, a pivot towards manufacturing driven by such process (especially in geographic regions that are economically suited to afford this shift) can be the first step in making important elements of manufacturing not just more environmentally friendly, but also more suitable for consumers, and profitable for producers.
