What Can 3D Printing Really Do?

Is 3D printing a real option for production? How is it being used to make end-use parts today? How will additive manufacturing (AM) change the way products are made in the future? 

These are some of the questions that we at Additive Manufacturing, sister publication to Modern Machine Shop, seek to answer. Focusing purely on the technology and how it works doesn’t provide a complete picture of where AM is and what it can do, so we emphasize stories of real parts and users who are succeeding with 3D printing.

But, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words — and we think a video is worth at least as much. That’s one reason why we’ve launched a new video series, “The Cool Parts Show.”

Hosted by me and Editor-in-Chief Peter Zelinski, each episode focuses on an unusual, interesting, and yes, cool 3D printed part. Every item we feature is either in production already or a proof-of-concept part that one day could be. In other words, these are real, viable illustrations of how 3D printing is used today and/or how it could change manufacturing in the future. 

The show is intended to be approachable for all kinds of viewers, whether you’ve been using AM for years or are just now learning about it. The first season is available now, with episodes highlighting:

a rocket fuel injector with a working motor embedded inside

a topology optimized spine implant

a product for home renovation that is manufactured by its inventor

shoe insoles customized for the wearer’s feet

a 3D printed build plate that assists the 3D printing process