Another year under our belts GrabCAD readers and what a year it has been for 3D printing. As is so often the case, as one year draws to a close, it gives us time to reflect on the events of the past 12 months and look ahead at what’s to come.
In this post we’re recapping five of the top 3D printing highlights of 2019, while giving you a snapshot of what is set to take center stage in 2020.
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The changing dynamics of business production and global distribution, a shift in consumer demand and the emergence of new technologies, is pushing manufacturers to explore novel ways of delivering products and services.
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A common problem in engineering is that parts and equipment, once designed, eventually become obsolete. Manufacturers and fabricators that originally completed the material or equipment in question either move on to different product lines, are purchased by other companies, or, for whatever reason, no longer exist.
Therefore, a replenishment supply of spare parts or assemblies is just as impossible.
This situation was partially the case for the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR). The SPAWAR enterprise became engaged in three-dimensional scanning and printing to rapidly deliver a solution to a particular antenna that is part of their warfare systems. Que: the "scan-to-CAD-to-fab" method.
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We've talked about 3D printing your product prototype and how with the right team and software, you can do it yourself! However, when you need to mass produce your prototype, it's time to check out your options.
Prototyping and manufacturing your new product are two key steps in the process of going from idea to selling-and-shipping. For entrepreneurs, startups and small vendors, a likely option will be to outsource.
The process of finding, vetting and selecting a manufacturer, however, can be daunting and fraught:
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We often hear how numerous sectors of our world economy are using 3D printing in manufacturing and it's important to highlight that the military is quickly embracing 3D printing as well. All branches of the service are utilizing 3D printing in manifold ways to produce many different things in widely different applications.
In fact, 3D printing helps the military gain a significant war fighting advantage and provide direct support to troops in the field.
Dr. Philip Perconti, Director of the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, said in a recent article that the Army is at the vanguard of using 3D printing to aid troops in the battlefield and help deployed soldiers become self-sufficient in remote areas.
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Manufacturing is no longer simply about making physical items and transferring X from A to B. Changes in global consumer demand with more emphasis on customization, engagement, speed to market, quick delivery, coupled with modifications to the economics of production, and the shifting supply chain have all resulted in a fundamental shift in the way most companies do business.
Indeed, the line between consumer and creator continues to blur and only time will tell how far this amalgamation goes.
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With increasing spotlight being directed on 3D printed infrastructure, 3D printed concrete is undoubtedly playing huge role within that revolution. According to a construction report by Visiongain, as of 2019, the 3D concrete printing market is now worth $27.8m. What’s more, other research suggests this figure is set to climb to $56.4m by 2021.
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For hardware entrepreneurs and start-ups, it's important to become familiar with manufacturing terminology so you can talk to/with the manufacturer you're selecting. Otherwise, you're risking unpleasant surprises, ranging from added costs and time delays, to not getting what you thought you'd asked for.
Let’s deal with the elephant in the room. Whenever you, the consulting design engineer, walk into a manufacturer’s building, the chances that the existing engineering team welcomes you with open arms are slim to none. Despite being there with the best intentions, your very presence could be perceived as threatening.