Last Updated on December 29, 2022 by Leizi
After decades of development, 3D printing has continuously developed into various novel technologies. With the decreasing of material cost, the technology has a wide range of applications in industries for rapid prototyping.
The advantages of 3D printing over traditional machining methods lie in its high efficiency and ability to produce prototypes with complex internal and external designs. This article will introduce the specific application of 3D printing technology in various fields.
1. Automotive
Prototyping is an integral step in product development in the automotive industry. The applications of 3D printing keep accelerating the research and development cycle of auto parts from design to market.
During the entire processing, 3D printing does not require any other auxiliary tools, which improves the efficiency of the processing of car parts and also reduces labor costs. It is one of the biggest reasons why 3D printing is a popular technology for making small batches of car parts.
Another advantage of 3D printing is that it prints parts with complex designs. The designer cannot rely on other processing methods (such as CNC processing) if the internal and external design work of the auto parts are extremely complicated. But 3D printing can realize the production of car parts with such a design. It provides designers with more design space.
The applications of printed car auto parts include: chassis, engine, fixtures, panels, interior accessories, lights, body, and even the entire car.
2. Medical
3D printing has a big impact on the development of the medical industry, not only for making customized medical devices, but also for the production of prosthetics and implants for specific patients with faster efficiency and lower cost.
Medical device designers can apply 3D printing to manufacture medical devices with more complex designs to update large and functionally outdated ones.
At the same time, according to the characteristics and needs of each doctor, it can help them to print custom surgical tools. And doctors can use printed machine replicas to simulate operations to improve the accuracy of operations. The use of 3D printing has undoubtedly promoted the innovation of the medical industry.
3. Aerospace
This technology is one of the best options for prototyping complex aircraft parts in small batches. Compared to the prototypes created by traditional machining, 3D printed aircraft components are much lighter.
It reduces the weight of the aircraft parts and the fuel consumption during flight. Another advantage of 3D printing is that it can be printed as a whole, reducing the assembly steps and time costs. The common 3D printed aircraft parts include: jigs, fixtures, pipes, wall panels, and more.
4. Consumer goods
To ensure the industry competitiveness, retailers must be keenly aware of market trends and do product innovation timely. Printing technology can help them develop and test products in a shorter time, carry out mass production, and quickly put them on the market.
The popular consumer products produced by 3D printing include shoes, bicycle helmets, cosmetic packaging, and more.
5. Industrial Products
The upgrading of precision industrial equipment is undoubtedly continuously promoting the progress of the manufacturing industry. And 3D printing also plays a role in boosting the innovation of industrial products.
It provides an economical and fast processing method for industrial equipment manufacturers, which can quickly complete the prototype manufacturing and testing of industrial parts with complex designs in a few days. Moreover, 3D printing manufacturers generally do not have a minimum order quantity.
6. Building
You may only think that it is only suitable for making small parts, and it is not helpful for the construction industry. In fact, it also has a wide range of applications in the construction industry. It can print large architectural components through additive welding and sintering.
In this way, it not only reduces the cost of raw materials, but also provides a new sustainable construction method for the construction method.