3D printers are becoming a useful tool and changing the way many business function today. The low cost of 3D printers has even made it into homes for personal use. Here are a few uses and areas where 3D printers impact your business.
What are 3D printers?
3D printers are devices that print your computer aided designs (CAD) to reality in three dimensions using various materials. For example, plastic toys are designed using computers and is printed using these printers with strands of polymer cables as ink by heating them and depositing them as layers in 3 dimensions until they form the final toy.
Use of 3D Printers
3D printing helps industries design better products at lower production costs. It helps industries cut down on waste by using only what it needs saving the valuable raw materials and resources. Developing a prototype with 3D printers are very easy compared with the conventional methods. The accuracy of design and the customization option it provides is a valuable proposition to any business.
Also Read: 5 Keys to Build a Better Product Prototype
With the help of these printers we could manufacture products according to the demand and at a low cost instead of mass producing them all at once thus decreasing your capital expenditure with attention to paying for the storage and unsold inventory. Hence, these 3D printers are also used in manufacturing of products and for also printing replacement parts for them.
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Businesses using 3D printers
1) Automobile
The automobile industry is using 3D printers to rapidly prototype and test the parts for their vehicles at the present time while also reducing the weight without sacrificing the strength. Large automotive companies have adopted this technology for manufacturing their vehicles. Some start-ups have gone ahead and build the whole car using these printers.
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2) Healthcare
The healthcare industry is using what are known as Bio printers. In the process of bio printing notably the ink used are living tissues. These are used in printing functioning kidneys, livers, heart valves and many such more. These printers are also used in dental implants for its customers. For the disabled people, 3D printed prosthetic hands, legs, fingers, etc. has given new life at an affordable cost for many.
3) Fashion
The fashion business is using 3D printers for its jewelry making business. The intricate designs require these printers for production of accurate ornaments with optimal efficiency of material and time. As a result, the footwear companies are in addition using these to print customized soles for their customers to improve their performance and also reduce weight.
4) Food
The food industry first of all is still in its infancy in the use of 3D printers. There are 3D printed chocolates and ice creams and other sweets. The innovation of 3D printed food is catching up rapidly. The restaurants are using these as a fun tool for entertaining the kids and the adults too.
5) Electronics
Finally, the use of 3D printers in particular is well situated for the electronic industry than any other. They need more efficient printers with more accuracy for manufacturing the electronic components for a long lifespan. The shrinkage in the size of electronics day to day are made possible with these printers. The customization options and prototyping fuels innovation and growth to the smaller business greatly.
