3D Printing – Where to Now
3D technology is basically digital files transferred into three-dimensional objects by layering material in a process known as additive manufacturing. Printheads release matter in precise orientations that can produce complex structures, ranging from jewellery to three-story homes. Thus 3D Technology is rapidly growing in Australia and worldwide and is a new technology with commercial and industrial applications. Many companies are adopting this technology, and we have seen inventions over the past few years in body part manufacturing, 3D printed products and building foldable houses. With this fast past technology, the possibilities are literally endless.
3D printing is now broadening the prospects of technology once viewed as useful mainly for making small, low-quality prototype parts. Not only is 3D printing becoming faster and producing larger products, but scientists are coming up with innovative ways to print and are creating more robust materials, sometimes mixing multiple materials in the same product.
Sportswear firms, aviation and aerospace manufacturers and medical-device companies are eager to take advantage of this technology, and we are seeing innovations in metal and food manufacturing.
At the moment the technology seems to be limited to how much force the printhead can apply, how fast the printer can heat the material and how quickly the printhead can actually move. The advances in the technology have focused on the limitations and we are now starting to see quick and efficient printers being brought onto the market.
We are also seeing innovations in the construction and real estate industry with 3D printed homes being printed quicker, easier and more environmentally friendly than existing construction methods. There is even a new start-up called NewStorey which was able to build 100 homes in 8 months for approximately $6000 each.
3D technology unlocks opportunities for mass customisation, democratised production, and systematic perfection. Already, major international breakthroughs in additive manufacturing are accelerating these trends and birthing new convergent applications. Convergence leads to transformative breakthroughs, and while the human brain can act quicker at drawing images for use in this area, it won't be long until computers are developing digital files for 3D applications.
When it comes to innovative products, the team at Suckomatic have adopted this technology to assist with the development, manufacture and commercialisation of its jet ski cleaning products and water sucking device. Keep posted as the team at Suckomatic develops its products with the development of this new and emerging technology. If you have an idea that you need printed or have some insight into this technology, please contact sales@suckomatic, and we are happy to help.