3D printing makes up for the shortcomings of traditional manufacturing

Traditional craftsmanship: from designer to manufacturer

How to turn an idea into reality? This has been an old story for decades. Engineers design parts and determine their shape, materials, and other factors so that a basic prototype can be made. However, when it comes to manufacturing end-use parts, engineers must find a manufacturer that can bring parts to professional standards and scale. Parts can be designed anywhere, but making them requires a lot of machines.

Depending on the part being manufactured, the manufacturer can manufacture it using any number of manufacturing processes. They can be machined in which a large piece of metal is cut to the desired size and shape; they can be bent and embossed into a new shape; they can be used to make a large number of parts from liquid plastic using molds or tools.

Traditional manufacturing processes like this are very useful and will continue to be used for many years. However, they also have their own shortcomings.

Weaknesses in traditional manufacturing

• 1) waste;
• 2) additional equipment;
• 3) Skilled labor.

One of the most common in traditional manufacturing techniques is "subtractive manufacturing." The most common form of subtraction manufacturing is CNC machining. However, although subtractive manufacturing is good for the processing of high quality materials, it is not always effective.

In addition, traditional manufacturing processes often require additional equipment. The casting process requires something, such as molds and molds, which takes time and money to make, but when the work is done or reaches life, they are eventually discarded.

Finally, the actual installation and operation of these traditional manufacturing systems is a minor issue. Traditional machines typically take up a large footprint, which creates a need for large factory space, which requires a lot of money to rent or buy. While some processes (such as CNC machining) are computer controlled, many processes require manual operation by skilled mechanics. All of these problems have become obstacles for companies to enter traditional manufacturing.

Let's take a look at 3D printing.

What is one of the biggest advantages of 3D printers? They can be built almost anywhere and are relatively easy to operate so that small businesses can start printing products without the need for specialized manufacturers to help them. At the same time, large manufacturers began to implement high-end printers extensively, using them to make prototypes and specialized parts.

How does 3D printing affect the world today?

Multiple applications

While stereo printing is still widely used, 3D printing now includes a wider range of technologies that can be used to print plastic, metal and other materials. The absolute range of technologies and prices means that 3D printing is now widely used in a variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace, healthcare, consumer products, design and fashion.
How 3D printing changes manufacturing

3D printing affects manufacturing in many ways. For example, from an engineering perspective, it provides a completely new way to build physical objects: a layered, bottom-up approach that allows 3D printers to create parts with unique geometries and complex internal structures. Some machines allow a combination of printed materials at a time, and the "additive" nature of the process solves the waste problem associated with subtractive manufacturing.

But the biggest impact of 3D printing on manufacturing may be that it breaks the barriers to entry. Many 3D printers take up very little space, require no more equipment, and are almost autonomous. In this way, they effectively democratize the manufacturing process, allowing anyone to start making parts without significant investment or machining skills.

Traditional manufacturing processes are unlikely to disappear in the short term, but 3D printing has created a whole new manufacturing mindset.

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