Where Is 3D Printing Used?

In the automotive and aerospace industries, 3D printing technology is radically transforming the way parts are developed for ready-made use. 3D printing provides engineers with the ability to engineer complex geometries that are difficult or impossible (expensive) to produce by conventional means, boosting a car's performance whilst reducing its weight-effective design. Among the many advantages of 3D-printing are quick turnaround times, on-site customization (for local contract manufacturers and dealers) as well as weight-savings that enhance fuel economy or reduce emissions. Using additive manufacturing means that more specific tools and fixtures can be created which reduces the need for long lead times, making it a cheaper option. The same technology offers the precision necessary for many of aerospace's stringent part requirements, improving aircraft performance and safety. This technology enables lightweight structures, complex assemblies and material innovation to produce more efficient aircraft with greater performance. Examples of real-world applications are complex turbine blades, the most efficient engine components and complex parts for space craft. 3D printing has been changing the way we look at innovation for years now, but there are still new design and manufacturing levels to be discovered as materials and technology improve. Though 3D printing comes with its own set of challenges, such as lower production speeds and issues regarding quality control, recent advancements in research are addressing these problems to the extent that large-scale manufacturing is becoming more possible. In the rapidly-evolving automotive and aerospace sectors, engineers must adopt 3D printing to remain competitive in terms of innovation.

3D printing or additive manufacturing is rapidly being adopted in research and academia, exciting scientists researchers and educators by the new ways problems can be solved using designs. In education, it is so much more than a novelty; this tool enhances learning across numerous disciplines and allows kids to have some hands-on experience with STEM concepts and arts projects. Because 3D printing enables protoyping ideas within hours it is a valuable tool for engineering and design (and also great in special needs education; print your own teaching aids). The technology is also transforming research, as rapid prototyping allows for quickly customized and cutting-edge investigations of complex structures, such as in materials science and medical sciences. For example, in medical research 3D printing is being used to build tissue scaffolds and custom medical equipment that fits the individual patient- leading to better outcomes. Aerospace and automotive have utilized the fabrication of intricate shapes with a low-weight shape-out, by engineering complex parts whereby there is increased demand for high-performance even weight reduction. Although there are obstacles to overcome - such as material constraints, quality control and telecommunications bandwidth limits- the possibilities for research cross-fertilization and innovative discovery appear limitless. Harward, MIT and the university of Nottingham are pioneers on new material and applications Front (From bioprinting to astrorage) This technology also supports global research, enabling researchers across the world to work together on common issues and break new ground. Moving ahead, we can witness its contributions to Education and Research as 3D printing progresses further thus educating the future innovators who are responsible for technologically driving our industries.