3D printing has been around for a long time, but in the last few years technology has seen a significant increase in popularity and in its use. In spite of the fact that new 3D printing applications are continually being created, the ones listed below have recently gained in popularity.
Uses of 3D printing
There are a number of sectors that has started using 3d printing – the followings are some example of that
1. Education
A growing number of educational institutions are adopting 3D printing into their curricula. 3D printing can help students prepare for the future by allowing them to construct prototypes without the need for expensive equipment. Students learn about the applications of 3D printing by making models that they can grasp in their hands.
As a result of 3D printing, concepts may be brought to life in the real world, rather than only on paper or a computer screen.
2. Manufacturing
Faster prototyping was one of the original motivations behind the invention of 3D printing. To make a single mould for a standard injection-molded prototype, the cost may run into the tens of thousands of dollars and take weeks. If you’re always tweaking the design, this is a waste of time. A prototype can be made in hours rather than weeks thanks to 3D printing technology, and it costs a fraction of what it used to. Among the many sectors benefiting from developments in 3D printing technology are the automobile and aerospace industries.
Customers no longer need to own a 3D printer because of the widespread adoption of cloud computing technology. Now, organisations offer cloud-based additive manufacturing services.
3. Medicine
There have been numerous medical 3D printing applications in the previous few years. For example, they can be used to generate tissue-like structures using biomaterials, such cells and growth factors, which are combined to create tissue-like structures mimicking their natural counterparts.
The adaptability of 3D printing is demonstrated through 3D printed prosthetics. Prosthetics that are custom-made for a patient are time-consuming and expensive to make. It is now possible to develop and print precise prosthetics for a fraction of the cost with 3D printing. In the past, children who needed prosthetics had to wait until they were confident they wouldn’t grow out of them before getting one. They can now get a new prosthetic every few months thanks to 3D printing. Prosthetics may not even be an option in some third-world countries, but they can now take use of 3D printed prosthetics.
One patient had a titanium pelvic implant placed successfully, and another had a titanium lower jaw implant placed successfully. A patient’s face was completely rebuilt using 3D printed components after it was severely damaged in a motorcycle accident.
3D printing has evolved into 4D printing, which can be utilized for drug research, biosensor creation, and optics. Creating biomedical implants that can adapt and modify their shape to fit the environment around the organ could lead to remedies for rare ailments.
4. Interior components of an aircraft
Aerospace applications, such as aeroplane interiors, might greatly benefit from the usage of 3D-printed plastic parts.
A commercial aircraft’s cabin interiors must be upgraded on a regular basis, which may necessitate the replacement of components like wall panels. Customization necessitates a low volume of production for parts. The need for fast turnaround times is also critical.