In recent years, 3D printing services have been popular because of their simple technology with plenty of applications. It is applied in different fields such as education, medicine, prototyping and manufacturing, construction, art, and jewellery.
In the past, printer models and 3D materials were pricey, but with technological advancements, the cost of these machines and materials has gone down. As an outcome, 3D printing and Digital Printer applications have become cost-effective as well as more accessible across various sectors.
Benefits of 3D printing services
3D printing services offer a wide range of benefits as compared to traditional manufacturing processes. These benefits include:
1. Low costs
3D printing is a cost-effective manufacturing process that makes it ideal for small production. Traditional techniques of prototyping such as CNC machining require high labour costs and costly machines because they need professional operators and technicians to operate them. 3D printing processes only need one or two machines and some technicians to produce a part. Moreover, no extra tooling is required.
2. Flexible design
3D printing allows engineers and manufacturers to create more detailed and complicated designs than traditional manufacturing techniques. This is because several subtractive methods have design restrictions that are not the case with 3D printing. 3D printing allows users to edit their designs in the way they like, enabling them to make customized and unique new parts. It means that various techniques can be produced by using different materials.
3. Print on demand
Unlike traditional production techniques, it does not need more space to stock up inventories because there is no need for printing in bulk until the need rises: therefore saving space and costs.
The virtual library is used for storing the 3D design files printed using CAD or STL files as the 3D model that means one anyone can find and print them when needed.
4. Offers lightweight and sturdy parts
In 3D printing services, most materials used are plastic, although metals are still used. Plastic is more chosen in few industries like automotive and aerospace as light-weight is perfect in delivering excellent fuel efficiency. Apart from this, the technology even allows parts creation from tailored materials for particular properties like higher strength, water repellence, and heat resistance.
5. Fast speed
Quick prototypes are the major benefits of 3D printing. 3D printing enables parts to be manufactured within the brief time possible as it fastens the process of any prototyping. 3D printing is also much cheaper and faster as compared to prototype machining in the creation of parts, allowing each part to be completed thoroughly.
5 industrial applications of 3D printing services
3D printers change the whole manufacturing process, and most companies have adopted the manufacturing technology.
Here are a few industrial applications of 3D printing services.
1. Drone
3D printing enables drone manufacturers to create customized drones. Here, each assembly part except electronic elements can be 3D printed. The 3D technology allows the easy production of accessories such as coverings, cases, boosters, and mounts that facilitate drone storage properly. The additive process of manufacturing helps in creating lightweight and faster drones of various sizes at a lower cost.
2. Aerospace and defense
The aerospace and defense industry has been helped by 3D printing as they manufacture functional parts that are used in aircraft, including air ducts, wall panels, and structural components of metal, etc. Weight reduction is the main benefit of using 3D printing in aerospace which necessarily decreases payload, carbon dioxide emissions, and fuel consumption. Moreover, it enables part consolidation, material efficiency, and low-volume production.
3. Robots
3D printing capabilities enable robotic parts to be manufactured straightforwardly and quickly. Factors such as customizability and reduced weight play an important role in the production of robot parts like grippers and sensor mounts that need customization for different uses as they are expensive to fabricate.
4. Automotive
Most automotive industries use 3D printers in areas such as motorsports and performance racing. These include fixtures, cradles, and prototypes that are stiff, sturdy, and long-lasting. The key benefits are customization, greater design flexibility, and faster product development. Moreover, 3D printing helps create complex geometrics such as fine mesh, internal channels, and thin walls.
5. Medical and dental
3D printing is highly used in the medical and dental industry, from prosthetics to bioprinting and medical devices. In the medical sector, 3D printing applications are very versatile: for example, CT scanning provides various patient-specific solutions like dental implants and appliances, other benefits personalized healthcare, and enhanced medical devices.
Conclusion
3D printing has developed and has extensive applications. It facilitates the manufacturing of high-end products at a lower cost in an efficient and faster way. 3D printing services help reduce material wastage, risk, and it is highly sustainable. It is greatly used in the education, medicine and dental, aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing industries.
