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Did you know that the global market for 3D printing is worth around $13.84 billion? Additionally, it’s growing at an annual rate of about 20.8%. That makes it one of the fastest-growing technology sectors in the modern age!
3D printing and label printing services west hollywood ca is a technological behemoth that’s about to become even stronger. But what does the future of 3D printing look like? What trends and services can we expect to see in the coming months and years?
Read on to answer this question and learn more about 3D printing in 2022 and beyond.
How Does 3D Printing Work?
As you likely know, a 3D printer is able to create a three-dimensional rendition of images that you input into its system. For example, if you want to print small hinges to repair a cabinet in your home, you can input coded data that makes a computer-aided drawing (CAD) of your design. You can do this by finding a design, exporting an STL file, entering specifications, and creating the Gcode.
The printer then will work automatically to bring the 3D-rendered image to life. It uses tiny razors and similar cutting tools to create a finely-cut and precise design. 3D printers can generally print extremely small parts with precision and accuracy.
It’s important to note that 3D printing is an additive technology. This means that you don’t need a mold but rather some material. The printer adds to the pre-existing material and creates the desired shape, only using the amount of material that it needs (with no excess waste).
3D Scanners: Simplifying the Future of 3D Printing
In the past, people had to generate coded images for their projects and upload them to the 3D printer. While this still happens – after all, printers are using similar software systems as they used to – this is no longer the only way to input information.
An affordable 3D scanner uses lasers that scan a pre-existing object and upload its design to the attached printer. This saves time because you can automatically generate items assuming that you have a prototype or similar model.
3D model scanners also come in a variety of sizes and have different functions. Handheld 3D scanners are available, as are desktop ones. Some also have add-ons to boost their functionality. The end result makes you better able to develop and produce products. It also makes your production process more competitive so that you can rise in the ranks of any cutthroat industry.
Large-Format Projects
We brushed on the fact that 3D printers can create small products with high-level accuracy. However, in recent years, people have begun to print larger objects with their 3D printers.
For example, Dutch robotics company MX3D in Amsterdam recently used a 3D printer to create a 40-foot bridge out of stainless steel. This pedestrian bridge serves as a “living laboratory” in the city center. Pedestrians and bikers can use it to get across the Oudezijds Achterburgwal canal.
An Australian company, AML3D, also invested in large-scale printing recently. They created a fitting that can guide a mooring line on a shipboard. Like MX3D’s bridge, this was huge progress for 3D printing companies that want to create more life-size items for daily applications.
It’s only a matter of time before large-scale printing rises to a whole new level. We may one day be able to print automobiles and even architectural structures. This is a cost-effective way to streamline production processes and keep manual laborers safe.
More Materials
Traditionally, there are only a few materials that you can use 3D printing services on. Plastics are the main option for many consumer-level applications. You can print gears, wallets, coffee cups, and small trinkets for the home when you use plastics.
Metals are also common 3D printing materials. You can print aluminum cans, sterling silver or gold jewelry, and large stainless steel objects like industrial parts (or bridges, as we discussed before).
However, 3D printing is also moving into new frontiers. As of 2022, you can also print with thermoplastic, resin, and carbon-fiber-reinforced polymers.
Sustainability
3D printing has long been regarded as a sustainable alternative to other manufacturing methods. This makes sense- it’s additive and therefore generates a lot less waste than subtractive manufacturing. It doesn’t waste the materials surrounding a mold.
However, the market is also evolving to keep up with consumers demanding greater eco-conscious production. Cardboard spools generate much less waste than plastic ones do, and when plastic spools are essential, developing recycling programs for them.
In the future, 3D printing may also be able to reduce waste by giving second life to used plastics. Any plastic can be broken into small pieces and melted down again, which makes it available as a 3D printing material. You can reuse “waste” in this way.
Mass Customization Capabilities
As all industries move towards more individualistic projects, the demand for custom-made items has also increased. Both B2B and B2C consumers want items that match their precise specifications. These items may be personal like jewelry or industrial parts that need to fit exactly in machines that workers use.
3D printing makes the creation of custom objects simple. 3D printer suppliers and other industry experts can show you how to tweak the specifications of your CAD to put a personal twist on it. This keeps you competitive since you can quickly and efficiently produce supply rather than undergoing long and costly design processes.
Learn More About Current Tech Trends
While the future of 3D printing isn’t 100% clear, it looks like it will be a bright one. Now that you know some information about 3D printing services and where they’re headed in the coming years, it’s time to learn more about the materials and software that will streamline projects.
Check out the “technology” tab on our home page to learn more about business tech that’s about to blow up in popularity. You also may be interested in the “automotive” tab if you’re looking to 3D print car parts and accessories.
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