Although 3D printing has been around for decades, it’s only within the past few years that the technology required to perform this innovative product manufacturing process has become affordable enough that companies can offer the service at competitive prices. As a result, manufacturers, inventors, and even artists spanning a wide variety of fields have been making the switch to ordering 3D-printed prototypes, parts, and products. Read on to find out about just a few of the most common applications for this novel technology.
Product Prototyping
When 3D printing was first invented, most people thought of it exclusively as a means of creating product prototypes at faster rates, and that’s still one of the most popular uses for the technology. Traditional injection-moulding processes require weeks to create even a simple prototype and they usually cost far more than 3D printing. Inventors can rely on 3D printing technology instead of traditional manufacturing to produce multiple affordable and accurate prototypes throughout the design process to make it easier to improve on their products with each iteration.
Small Production Runs
While traditional manufacturing practices are still more cost-effective for large runs, 3D printing is increasingly becoming the more popular and affordable solution for short runs of parts and products. It allows for the inexpensive production of parts on a case-by-case basis or at much smaller volumes, which can be very helpful for industrial and commercial clients, inventors, and artisans.
Medical Applications
One of the 3D printing applications that has been receiving a lot of attention in recent years falls within the purview of the medical field. Today’s 3D printing technology is perfect for creating prosthetics.
Unlike those made using more antiquated production methods, 3D printed prosthetics can be modelled to fit the wearer perfectly and printed at a lower cost than traditional alternatives. The ease of creating new prosthetics and its comparatively low cost is especially beneficial for children. Instead of worrying about their kids outgrowing expensive prosthetics quickly, parents can order new ones every few months without breaking their budgets.
Building Components
There are multiple ways that 3D printing can be used in the construction industry, but most of them involve extrusion or additive welding. The applications for these processes range across the private, commercial, public, and industrial construction sectors, and everyone from project coordinators to property owners can benefit from the more accurate parts, faster construction, and greater functional integration associated with 3D printing.
The very first fully 3D printed residential building was constructed in Yaroslavl, Russia just four years ago. It involved printing over 600 elements just for the walls, which were then shipped to the site for fast assembly. This project represented the first use of 3D printing in residential construction, but it wasn’t completed just to prove a point and it is a fully functional residential structure with a normal family living in it.
Find a 3D Printing Partner
Ready to start exploring the many uses for 3D printing technology? It’s time to find a 3D printing and manufacturing partner. Visit JawsTec online to learn about one leading 3D printing service provider that can do it all.
