Future Implications of 3D Printing - Case Study Example

3D Printing 3D Printing The modern development in technology has led to a significant impact in the manufacturing industry. Modern technologies have led to innovations like 3D printing (Cano, 2011). 3D printing relates to technological innovation that involves additive manufacturing. 3D printing entails the process of developing three-dimensional solid products of any shape using digital models (Frauenfelder, 2013). Some of the significant characteristics of 3D printing include accommodating variant complex geometries, supporting diverse materials and relying on different processes to develop a unique product. Notably, 3D printing applies in various manufacturing and production industries that include motor vehicle, food, fashion, aerospace, architecture, and health among other industries. This paper addresses the background information, used materials, different process, and future implications of 3D printing. Printed Car (Strati) and Food Printer (Foodini) are examples of 3D printing. Introduction 3D printing relates to additive manufacturing and involves using digital models in designing and manufacturing three-dimensional solid product of any shape (Frauenfelder, 2013). 3D printing accommodates variant complex geometries, supports diverse materials and relies on different processes and applications to develop unique products (Z Corporation, 2005). Indeed, 3D printing enhances the development of early concept models and product prototypes at high speeds, low costs, and using various applications (Cano, 2011). Various companies have adopted 3D printing in their processes. Just like any other innovation, 3D printing underwent a long and involving evolution process, which led to increased efficiency, affordability, flexibility, and diversity of the innovation (Lipson & Kurman, 2013). Background Information 3D printing innovation relied on immense contributions from the MIT and ZS. Indeed, MIT visionaries sought to establish the fastest and most affordable prototyping in 1993 (Z Corporation, 2009). Some of the MIT visionaries founded Z Corporation in 1994 where they aimed at developing 3D printing to colored, fast, accurate, and affordable document printers (Z Corporation, 2009). The first generation of 3D printing came in 1996 and later evolved to a vivid and multi-color model courtesy of the incorporation of the Z402c and Z406 versions (Z Corporation, 2009). The Second Generation of 3D printing came in 2003 and depicted improved speed, usability, and affordability (Z Corporation, 2009). The Third Generation 3D printing came in 2007 and depicted enhanced office compatibility. ZPrinter 350 developed the latest 3D printing technology in 2009 that defined improved accessibility, speed, usability, efficiency, and affordability (Bogue, 2013). Materials and Processes 3D printing technology uses different types of materials depending on the required product. Some of the materials used in 3D printing include alloys, polymers, glass, metal, and plastic. Notably, 3D printing involves arranging the materials in different layers and designing different shapes to complete the additive process (Lipson & Kurman, 2013). In 3D printing, manufacturers use standard inkjet printing technology to develop layered parts by depositing a liquid binder onto thin layers of powder (Z Corporation, 2005). Consequently, the print heads moves over powder and prints cross-sectional data sent from .stl, .wrl, .ply, and .sfx files through a feed piston and platform (Z Corporation, 2005). Indeed, 3D CAD software export 3D models as standard and printable file formats for 3D printing (Z Corporation, 2009). Evidently, the 3D printing process aims at transforming a digital model or design into a physical product of any geometrical dimensions. Using the standard and printable file formats for 3D printing, manufacturers launch ZPrint™ software in a PC that slices the 3D model file into various digital cross-sections, or layers (Z Corporation, 2009). Consequently, the ZPrinter prints every layer and places the layers on one another to develop a unique product. A short drying cycle culminates the 3D printing process by drying the multi-layered products (Z Corporation, 2009). The joining of cross-sectional layers develops the final shape of the physical product (Lipson & Kurman, 2013). Ideally, the 3D printing technology enhances visualization, automation, and cost-effectiveness of 3D data or digital models. The process enhances the production of highly customized products and designs since manufacturers will only feed the ZPrint™ software with relevant 3D data (DAveni 2013). As such, the manufacturer controls the 3D printing process and can initiate changes and incorporate creativity where necessary. Clearly, 3D printing defines an effective, flexible, and modern manufacturing process that applies in various industries. Examples of 3D Printing Applications Printed Car (Strati) The Strati depicts 3D printing innovation and the world’s first 3-D printed car (Kurczewski, 2014). Local Motors designs and builds the two-passenger car. The 3D printing innovation uses carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic material to manufacture the Strati. The 3-D prototype weighs about 1,800 lbs (Kurczewski, 2014). Local Motors prints the Strati’s entire body and four fenders in a process that takes only 44 hours. The Strati has a thin thermoplastic platform of about .6-inches thick and a strong central backbone made of few inches of material (Kurczewski, 2014). However, Local Motors could not print the engine, suspensions, gearboxes, or tires of the Strati, which means that the manufacturer had to outsource these parts. Nevertheless, a single-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels, which bring 3-D printing technology to the automotive industry (Kurczewski, 2014). Notably, the Strati have a speed of about 50 mph and cost about$3,500 dollars, which is relatively cheap (Kurczewski, 2014). The Strati depicts the characteristics of 3D printing that include affordability, flexibility, and speed (Bogue, 2013). Indeed, customers of Strati can change or modify the specifications of their 3-D printed cars within 44 hours by melting and reforming the initial Strati model (Kurczewski, 2014). The Strati reshapes the designing, manufacturing, selling, and recycling of motor vehicles. Food Printer (Foodini) 3D printing is now having an impact in cooking through the $1,000 Foodini 3D food printer (3Ders.org, 2014). Natural Machines designed and built the Foodini 3D printer. The Foodini 3D food printer produces different types of food that includes cuisines, real, fresh, and nutritious foods (3Ders.org, 2014). The Foodini printer allows consumers to prepare and place fresh ingredients in the Foodini. The Foodini accommodates about five food capsules that allow consumers to change the ingredients at will (3Ders.org, 2014). Moreover, Foodini printer allows consumers to design a recipe or choose a pre-tested recipe. After choosing the recipe, the Foodini instructs the consumer on the ingredients to put in the empty food capsules (3Ders.org, 2014). The Foodini has an internet connection and a built-in touch screen that allow consumers to print food (3Ders.org, 2014). The Foodini develops the ingredients into layers depending on the design selected on the control panel. The Foodini depicts the characteristics of 3D printing where it helps in the preparation of homemade foods (3Ders.org, 2014). Conclusion 3D printing refers to additive manufacturing that involves using digital models in designing and manufacturing three-dimensional solid product of any shape. 3D printing accommodates variant complex geometries, supports diverse materials and relies on different processes to develop unique products. The innovation of 3D printing relied on immense contributions from the MIT and ZS that developed different generation of 3D printing. 3D printing technology is applicable in the manufacturing and production industries especially in engineering, fashion, food, and automotive industries. However, the application of 3D printing requires huge investments, technological skills, and improved 3D CAD software. 3D printing will change the world in different ways by deriving long-term effects like enhancing the production of objects of any shape at the required time and in large quantities. 3D printing will lower production costs by fostering the manufacture of goods at the local level. It will also allow the quick production of more customized products. Therefore, the demand and impact of different 3D printers will increase in the future. References 3Ders.org. (2014). $1,000 Foodini 3D food printer hits Kickstarter, ships in Jan 2015. Retrieved from: http://www.3ders.org/articles/20140326-foodini-3d-food-printer-hits-kickstarter-ships-in-jan-2015.html Bogue, R. (2013). 3D printing: the dawn of a new era in manufacturing? Assembly Automation, 33 (4), 307-311. Cano, J. L. (2011). The Cambrian Explosion of Popular 3D Printing. Artificial Intelligence and Interactive Multimedia, 1 (4), 31-33. DAveni, R. (2013). 3-D Printing Will Change the World. Retrieved from: http://hbr.org/2013/03/3-d-printing-will-change-the-world/ Frauenfelder, M. (2013). Make: Ultimate Guide to 3D Printing 2014. U.S., Canada: Media. Kurczewski, N. (2014). 3-D Printed Car: NY Daily News Autos gets a ride in the Local Motors “Strati” 3-D printed roadster. Retrieved from NYDailyNews: http://www.nydailynews.com/autos/news/world-3-d-printed-takes-test-drive-brooklyn-article-1.1966087 Lipson, H., & Kurman, M. (2013). Fabricated: The New World of 3D Printing. Canada: John Wiley & Sons. Z Corporation. (2005). Z Corporation 3D Printing Technology. Retrieved from: http://Www.Zcorp.Com/Documents/108_3d%20printing%20white%20paper%20final.Pdf Z Corporation. (2009). How 3D Printing works. Retrieved from: http://www.arctron.de/uploads/media/Zcorporation-3DPrinting-Info.pdf Read More