The Shape of the future

3D printing has proved itself to be a game changer, and as it stands, sees a lot of use from a multitude of industries – from critical manufacturing, emancipating healthcare to indulgent hobbies.

By 2010, it was clear that metal would not be the dominant material for additive manufacturing, and as the materials diversified, so did the purpose of printing. Much like the moniker ‘additive manufacturing’, the technique has strengthened layer by layer, its relentless improvement allowing for diverse utilization. It first proved its mettle in the aviation industry, manifesting as a solution to the increasing demand for fuel efficient jet engines. The timing could not be more advantageous. Where older technology could not craft new, complex shapes of lighter engines needed to increase fuel efficiency, AM could.

There is a plethora of industrial applications to 3D printing. Aerospace was an early adopter of 3D printing for engines, aircraft interiors and the like, with industries such as defence and automotive following in close succession. Defence applications include complex parts and surveillance drones, aiding armies in protecting their nation’s interests. Furthermore, electronic 3D printing has piqued the interest of defence agencies, which makes it possible to print miniature circuit boards and antennae with a precise blueprint, equipped in guided missiles. For manufacturers, this means being able to accelerate the product development process and saving valuable time by eliminating the need to outsource high-value projects to third parties.

Initially, 3D printer models and materials were expensive, running into hundreds of thousands of dollars for a single hulking machine. As high initial costs dwindled, the gatekeeping for merely scientific and industrial use shattered. Today, a decent entry level printer is priced around 1000 dollars, a far cry from the monumental cost of the old days. And despite these being pegged for personal use, it is established that limitations in printing capabilities begin to diminish the higher you climb, both in price and complexity.