3D printing the future of manufacturing

The world of manufacturing is constantly evolving and changing. And 3D printers may be the next big step.

3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is a process that allows for a three-dimensional solid object to be created from a digital file. For years, when the technology was first introduced, it appeared to be more of a novelty than a practical tool, creating one-off trinkets and souvenirs. But now, with lower costs and technological advances, 3D printing is within more people’s reach and has already been used in a number of interesting ways, ranging from medical applications to shoe production.

But like any other relatively new technological advancements, there are both pros and potential drawbacks. Here we examine those consequences, and look at where 3D printing is now and where it might be headed.

The current state of things

The 3D printing market has been steadily growing over the years. The primary market, including 3D printing systems, materials, supplies, and services, has grown at least 30 per cent each year from 2012 to 2014, according to a report published by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and the United Parcel Service (UPS).

The report, titled “3D Printing: The Next Revolution in Industrial Manufacturing,” found that two thirds of manufacturers already use 3D printing in some way, and 25 per cent had plans to adopt the technology in the future. Corporations cited prototyping, product development, and innovation as their top reasons for using 3D printing.

The consumer electronics and automotive industries each contribute 20 per cent of the total 3D printing revenue, using the technology primarily during the prototyping phase of production, according to the report published by the CTA and UPS. But some are expanding outside of just prototyping. For instance, smartphone manufacturers have begun using 3D printing for some component parts.

The medical industry is the third largest 3D printing market, contributing 15 per cent of the total 3D printing revenue. The industry uses the technology for mass customized finished goods, such as hearing aids. 98 per cent of hearing aids worldwide are now manufactured using 3D printing.