Technology continues to expand and create the impossible to possible. Today, the potential of 3D printing is astounding. With a global technology spend to increase from $11 billion in 2015 to nearly $27 billion in 2019, the innovation of 3D printing is only in its infant stages.
The technology may not be talked about in mainstream media as much as it was a couple years ago, but it has undergone some significant changes and developments. Today, 3D printing plays a vital role in creating prototypes for use in the aerospace, automotive, engineering, and medical sectors.
3D printing has been described as a valuable part of every stage in the product development process, but has yet to make a break through here. But in the recent Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, 3D printing shined bright.
What’s Trending in 3D Printing for 2017
Here’s a fun fact: Two-thirds of industrial manufacturing firms are already using 3D printing in their day-to-day operations. As it continues to evolve and emerge into each sector, it is evident that 3D printing is here to stay. Here are the trends that are emerging this year:
Better Software
For design and manufacturing to be more efficient, better software is needed to create the 3D object to be printed. But software alone does not suffice. Software and hardware need to work together to successfully create 3D printing and what the sector needs is one package for both subtractive and additive manufacturing.
One such product is Netfabb, a single portfolio that combines multiple manufacturing applications into one package. It uses a new file extension, 3MF, which has extensions for machine properties, lattice structures and more.
Smaller Products
3D printing doesn’t only produce large parts. While most of what we’ve seen are manufactured in big parts, it is evident that there is a need for the creation of small and compact parts. This is particularly true in medical and dental sectors, where 3D printing can produce millions of hearing aids, dental appliances or aligners and crowns.
The only setback here is pricing and costs. Small 3D parts are expensive to manufacture; however, this will change when more companies begin to adopt the use of technology to create their own prototypes and products, helping to regulate pricing.
Wider Applications
From prototypes to production, 3D printing is making a shift from small-run prototypes to end-use production parts. As the number of advancements around the technology develops, research and production teams are evaluating the feasibility of evolving their 3D application from prototypes to production.
One such advancement is in materials. Several resins and metal powders meet industrial requirements while delivering the part quality and production cost effectiveness needed to keep 3D printing competitive in the market. As we head into 2018, improvements in material availability and cost, continued 3D printer technology developments and more experience in design applications will all contribute to the wider application of 3D printing.
Partner with Real Seal
To help you identify the best materials to source for your 3D printing business, contact Real Seal to create a customized solution and value for your business.
Real Seal manufactures and distributes seal products and mechanical components with a strong focus on performance oriented rubber and plastic materials. We are a full-service supplier of sealing and mechanical components, operating in hundreds of industries both nationally and internationally.
