Technology has rapidly advanced in the past decade and 3D printing has made ground-breaking ideas such as printing food and bio-printing Vincent van Gogh’s ear possible. As of 2020, the 3D printing products and services industry is worth 12.6 billion U.S. dollars1, and it is expected to grow up to 12% more in 2021. 3D printing, however, has had a significant impact on the daily, practical applications in the healthcare, automotive, education, and aerospace industries. Find out more about the industries that have benefited from 3D printing.
Healthcare
Bio-printing is a ground-breaking discovery and an answer for solving organ donation scarcity. This technology transformed how certain surgical medical procedures such as heart surgery are performed. As this technology is able to replicate the individual’s human tissue and cell structures, healthcare professionals can 3D print vital organs, skin, and body parts that are compatible with the human body.
3D printing has also posed as a solution in meeting the supply chain needs of the healthcare industry. Personalized medical devices are now created specific to the patient’s needs, such as external orthopedic fixations and prosthetic limbs. It can also produce medical tools like sterile surgical tools in faster time while keeping costs low, making it more affordable and accessible compared to traditional manufacturing methods.
Automotive
3D printing allows manufacturers to create auto parts samples, thermoforming tools, and molds. The technology has also popularized rapid prototyping, which adopts an iterative development approach that addresses design constraints early in the pre-production stage. In turn, this helps to cut high costs when investing in tools.
During the production process, 3D printing technology is used to rapidly manufacture lightweight components such as grips, jigs, fixtures, and various mechanical components. In addition, it is used to customize on-demand unique components that are found throughout a variety of vehicles. As a result, many auto brands like BMW, Audi, Porsche, and GM have begun incorporating 3D printing into their manufacturing process.
Education
3D printing’s accessibility and decentralized nature has transformed how learning in the classroom occurs. Classes now feature a more hands-on learning approach for students in the science, technology engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines.
For instance, architecture students can create 3D models of their building structures; engineering students can understand the product development processes by printing out prototypes. Teachers can also supplement teaching by creating teaching aids to develop students’ critical thinking skills and visualize complex concepts.
Construction
The benefits of 3D printing might be the most evident in the construction industry. It has been proven to produce on-demand materials sustainably by cutting unnecessary waste. The technology has reduced safety hazards in building sites through 3D concrete printing and lowered building costs while increasing development speed by creating pre-printed components.
3D printing has opened up new avenues and markets, helping the industry stay relevant in off-season periods such as winter. This is beneficial for building schedules that are subjected to the weather conditions. 3D printing has enabled pre-printing parts, which reduces the time needed for the parts to be assembled.
Technology at the Core of Our Services
In the four decades that Kemperle Industries has been in operation, the multi-faceted aspects of technology and its applicability in our daily lives have always been at the heart of what we do. We work with advanced, cutting-edge technology, and we’re committed to pushing the boundaries of what engineering and manufacturing have to offer.
If you’re looking to embark on a new product development project, feel free to contact us or call us at 718-557-9578.
References:
- Placek, M. (2021, October 8). Global 3D printing industry market size. Statista. Retrieved March 14, 2022, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/315386/global-market-for-3d-printers/
