3D printing is a process that builds a three-dimensional object based on a Computer Aided Design (CAD) sketch. A 3D printer uses the CAD data to add successive layers of liquid, powder, or other material to manufacture a 3D object. A wide range of materials can be used for 3D printing including metals, plastics, and composites.
3D printing is one of several technologies under the umbrella of Additive Manufacturing (AM), named as such since it starts from nothing and builds layer by layer of material. Many conventional manufacturing methods are subtractive since they start from a block of something and material is removed.
3D printing technologies are often faster than traditional machinery and, thus, have been used for many years to manufacture prototypes. This method allowed designers to quickly manufacture one or more inexpensive prototypes in order to determine which one should be selected for production. 3D printing saved manufacturer’s significant time and money in prototyping. But this technology has now moved beyond prototyping into large-scale production and is impacting the future of manufacturing!
3D printing offers many advantages over traditional manufacturing, and more and more manufacturers are turning to 3D printing to reap the benefits.
There are many use-cases where 3D printing is being applied to mainstream manufacturing. 3D printing is able to make bigger, more complex 3D objects and is being used for low, medium and high-volume, mass production. 3D printing is being used across many industries including automotive, construction, aircraft, transportation, healthcare, fashion, and heavy equipment. Below are a few specific examples of how 3D printing is currently being used.
The short answer is – yes! Additive manufacturing methods such as 3D printing are reshaping the way manufacturers do business and are part of the digitalization of manufacturing that is often referred to as Industry 4.0. The true potential for 3D printing lies in the new opportunities for innovation and creativity that it provides – and not what forms of manufacturing it will replace.
3D printing is being implemented by more and more manufacturers over time. 3D printers add tremendous potential to the industry and it is crucial that manufacturers are aware of new technologies as they become available and are flexible to adapt when necessary. Additionally, many manufacturers are partnering with a 3D printing service provider, such as Re3dTech, to identify the proper material, technology, and geometry solutions that work best for your application.
At Re3dTech, we believe that 3D printing will repatriate and revitalize our manufacturing industry – and is the future of American manufacturing! By moving from mass production to mass customization, Re3dTech will play a major role in providing industrial grade 3D printing services, access and capacity at the point of need. Helping our customers move their manufacturing from overseas centralized production centers, to local on-demand manufacturing and parts production, resulting in no warehousing needs.
Furthermore, by using the latest 3D printing technologies, Re3dTech is moving past prototyping to true end use parts production. Additionally, we offer a wide range of technologies and materials including plastic and metal.
Leverage the advances in 3D printing technology to improve your manufacturing - contact us today to see how we can help!