In Switzerland, researchers and members of the Simon Fraser University research team have developed a very eco-friendly 3D printing solution that produces wireless Internet of Things (IoT) sensors that can be used and disposed of without contaminating the environment. Their strategy is to use a wood-derived cellulose material that replaces plastics and other polymeric materials that are currently used in electronics.
3D printing provides flexibility and adaptability to add or embed different functions into the 3D shapes or even textiles. This creates greater functionality and improves the overall utility of the finished part.
3D printing is changing the way we live, work and play in the modern world. Specifically, it is disrupting and transforming the way manufacturing systems works across the world, which is in turn having a direct effect on the global supply chain.
As we move through what many are calling the "Fourth Industrial Revolution" - marked by more use of 3D printing across all industries, artificial intelligence, renewable energy innovations, and enhanced global connectivity amongst other technological advances – the global supply chain is undergoing a dramatic shift.
A Wall Street Journalarticle in 2018 explored the then-shortcomings of 3D printing regarding the constraint that feedstock materials pose for fabrication and manufacturing.
They wrote:
Some plastics cannot be made in a form suitable for 3D printing or require specialized equipment. Metals are most commonly printed using metal powder. Since cross-contamination must be avoided, cleaning the equipment between runs of different materials is very time-consuming, so that most metal 3D printers run only one type of material.
This could be changing as researchers are now finding ways to alleviate this problem.
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Lighter weight and more energy efficiency go together in automotive design. It’s what many auto manufacturers strive for to be competitive and meet consumer demand. 3D printing is helping them achieve this goal. Read the rest of this entry »
3D printers aren’t just for applications here on earth. NASA is aggressively using 3D printing to fabricate parts used on their spacecraft. They also sent a 3D printer into space and remotely fabricate parts from waste plastics. While we are familiar with 3D printing for manufacturing in industries such as automotive, medical, and defense, aerospace and deep space missions are finding more uses for 3D printed parts.
3D printing is changing the way we live, work and play in the modern world. Specifically, it is disrupting and transforming the way manufacturing systems works across the world, which is in turn having a direct effect on the global supply chain.