3D Printing … a recent technological transformation?
In the constant drop of technological advancements, few innovations rival the transformative impact of 3D printing. It may seem like a contemporary phenomenon, but 3D printing has been around for as long as Pac-Man and neon legwarmers have. The increased widespread and influence of it is evident in what feels like almost every industry sector. 3D printing has developed at a considerable pace, from its humble beginnings in the 1980s, to its present status as a cornerstone of modern manufacturing. It has redefined how we may see its projections for revolutionary ways of living, just a few years from now.
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Let's Take it back to the 80's...
Here’s a timeline from conception to current trends in the 3D printing world:
1981 – Credited with one of the earliest developments, Dr Hideo Kodama of the Nagoya Municipal Industrial Research Institute, Japan, proposed a method for creating 3D plastic models using a photo-hardening thermoset polymer. This was the first rapid prototype machine that created parts layer by layer and used resin that could be polymerised by UV light. This was stereolithography, but just not patented yet!
1986 – The first patent was filed! Unfortunately not by Dr Kodama, but by Charles Hull in California. Hull is now considered the inventor of 3D printing, as he used UV light to harden tabletop coatings, and worked on developing the idea of layer-by-layer technology.
1988 – Carl Deckard, a student at the University of Texas, created and licensed the Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) process as part of his research project. Carl Deckard’s invention of SLS was revolutionary because it allowed for the creation of highly durable and complex parts that could be used directly as end-use products, not just prototypes!
1989 – Scott Crump patented Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM/FFF), another brand-new revolution in the 3D printing industry. Crump was inspired to create FDM while making a toy frog for his daughter using a glue gun loaded with polyethylene and candle wax!
2005 – Adrian Bowyer, a British engineer, established the RepRap (Replicating Rapid Prototype) project, which was centred around the concept of self-replication, meaning creating a printer that could print most of its own components, making it more accessible and affordable!
2006 – The first SLS printer became commercially available! It was known as the EOSINT P 700 and was introduced by EOS GmbH, a German company founded by Dr Hans J. Langer.
2014 – The International Space Station demonstrated the feasibility of 3D printing in microgravity! The Zero-G Printer was launched to the ISS aboard the SpaceX CRS-4 mission, and the very first object was successfully 3D printed in space! The object was a simple faceplate for the printer’s own extruder system. They continued to do this, and in 2018 began printing tools for maintenance which enabled workers to access them faster, rather than having to wait ages for delivery from Earth!
Read NASA’s article here! : Open for Business: 3-D Printer Creates First Object in Space on International Space Station – NASA
2015 – A significant advancement in the field of bioprinting was achieved by researchers from various institutions, including the University of Wollongong in Australia, with the development of bio-ink using seaweed-derived materials. This innovation opened up new possibilities for printing biological tissues and even organs!
2020 and beyond…
In the last four years, we have witnessed incredible advancements in 3D printing that have quite honestly changed the world in many ways. Let’s take a look at the interesting developments we’ve seen!
Healthcare
Advances in bioprinting have enabled the creation of complex tissues and organ structures. Researchers have made significant progress in printing functional human skin, liver, and kidney tissues, with the goal for the future being organ transplants. There has also been a surge of 3D printed prosthetics for made-to-fit knee and hip implants. Who knew you could just print off an organ when you need one?
Aerospace
Companies such as Boeing, Airbus, and NASA have used 3D printing to create parts that reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency.
Construction
Some companies have demonstrated the ability to print entire homes and buildings using large-scale 3D printers. These structures are not only cost-effective but also offer innovative design possibilities and open the ability to build with recycled materials. In 2021, a 3D-printed pedestrian bridge was installed in Amsterdam!
Retail
Adidas and Nike have been using 3D printing to create customised footwear, tailored to individual customers’ preferences that can be done instore! The jewellery industry can also make intricate and bespoke designs.
Food & nutrition
Yes, you can now 3D print food. Boutique chocolate shops can print intricate designs such as buildings that are good enough to eat! Chefs can experiment with new textures and presentations, offering unique dining experiences in their restaurants. Everyday ingredients can also be precisely measured and combined to meet specific nutritional needs, such as low-carb or high-protein, or requirements for those who have difficulties.
Education
3D printing allows students to bring theoretical concepts to life by creating physical models for visual and hands-on learning.
New businesses
Increased accessibility to smaller-scale 3D printers empowers new start-ups to create products without the need for large scale manufacturing!
Just how far can we go from here?
AI
Artificial intelligence opens up the possibility for automated production. The combination of AI and 3D printing can also help to broaden the range of compatible materials and therefore meet the requirements of industrial sectors such as aerospace, which most often require high temperature materials. See our Ultra High-Temp Resin!
The printability of an object can be analysed before starting any process, as can the quality of a part. The process can be controlled to avoid human error, effectively saving time and excess material wastage. The AI can identify defects and make adjustments on the fly. It also can use print paraments that have previously worked well, which it can then accurately estimate component costs, manufacturing, and delivery times.
AI can predict when a 3D printer is likely to fail or require maintenance, allowing for proactive repairs and reducing downtime.
The future holds exciting possibilities, from custom medical solutions to sustainable manufacturing practices, making this synergy one of the most promising technological advancements of our time.
Sustainability
3D printing allows for precise control over material deposition, which minimises excess and optimises material usage. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for industries like aerospace and automotive, where material costs and waste are substantial concerns.
The printing can be done on-site, reducing the need for transportation and the associated energy consumption. This localized production model can lead to lower carbon emissions which our Earth is desperate for.
Research is ongoing to develop new sustainable materials, including bio-based resins and composites made from renewable sources, which would greatly benefit the sustainability of 3D printing.
Companies such as ICON and Apis Cor are using 3D printing to build affordable, sustainable housing with minimal waste and efficient use of materials.
What challenges may we face as we move forward?
There are talks of concern over intellectual property rights, as 3D printing allows for the easy reproduction of objects, including those protected by copyright. Digital blueprints for 3D-printed objects can be easily shared and replicated, similar to the challenges faced with music and video file sharing.
There is a definite need for regulatory frameworks and standards to ensure the quality and safety of goods, especially when it comes to aerospace and healthcare.
Counterfeit goods may be on the rise; hence it is important to use 3D printers responsibly and for ethical purposes; for purges of creativity. From printing your child’s favourite cartoon character, to designing a state-of-the-art museum!
Our array of 3D printers including Phrozen, Elegoo and Construct 3D brands print at a high speed, are excruciatingly detailed, and provide a mesmerising finished product, whatever the design!
