Prediction: 3D printing is about to usher in five breakthroughs

Many people may understand the current technical background of 3D printing (additive manufacturing):

1, 250 materials: The current 3D printer can produce more than 250 different functional parts and full-color objects, including metal, plastic, ceramic, glass, rubber, leather, stem cells, and even chocolate.

2. Faster than 100 times: Recently, groundbreaking stereolithography has succeeded in generating complex shapes at speeds up to 100 times faster than traditional 3D printers. Constructed from a photoreactive liquid resin bed, the application of different wavelengths of light selectively hardens the resin as it is released, enabling continuous printing and bidding farewell to incremental delamination!

3, material efficiency up to 90%: In addition to fast and high-resolution production, additive manufacturing has an extraordinary second-order impact. 3D printing brings huge economic and environmental costs, eliminating a lot of waste because raw material demand is reduced by 90%.

4, 3D printing further provides opportunities for mass customization, autonomous production and system improvement. Major international breakthroughs in additive manufacturing are currently accelerating these trends and introducing new converged applications.

Then, do you know what breakthroughs will be made in 3D printing in the next 5 years (2019-2024)?

1, 3D printing speed is expected to increase by 50-100 times
The 3D printing rate is typically limited by (1) how much force the printhead can apply; (2) the speed at which the printer heats the material to induce flow; and (3) the speed at which the printhead itself moves.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology's manufacturing and production lab recently created a printer that is 10 times faster than a traditional desktop model and three times faster than a $100,000 industrial system. The MIT team achieved a record speed, printing a spiral bevel gear in just 10 minutes, and printing a pair of frames in just 3.6 minutes. The acceleration of 3D printing will revolutionize almost all industries from retail to manufacturing.

2. A sustainable, affordable 3D printing community is being launched
The construction and real estate industries will face tremendous damage as 3D printed homes offer cheaper, more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional housing. Last year, the Dutch city of Eindhoven first appeared in 3D printing houses, where the shortage of brick factories increased the demand for this technology.

Futuristic buildings will waste less cement and cut costs and resources. In the future, home printers will integrate infrastructure, including drains and even potential smart sensors, to provide a fully integrated life experience. Recently, a startup called NewStory was able to build 100 homes in eight months, for about $6,000 per house.

3. Intoxicating, delicious 3D printed steaks and burgers in high-end restaurants in the earth and space

3D printed meat using plant proteins will provide a more sustainable solution for the world's growing population. Livestock accounts for 14.5% to 18% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. However, 3D printed meat can provide the same satisfaction as meat consumption without harmful environmental impact. Over the next five years, costs will decrease and textures will improve. The Israeli company Chef-it and Giuseppe Scionti's NovaMeat have made progress.

4, metal 3D printer will replace plastic

Prepare for the emergence of 3D printed jewelry, automotive and aircraft parts, kitchen utensils and prototypes! 3D metal printers not only eliminate waste in the manufacturing process, but also create lighter-weight parts – a development that is especially suited for aircraft manufacturing.

This technology will also be more and more at the consumer level, providing greater flexibility in product design compared to traditional plastic printers. Biodegradable cellulose may also replace plastic in future 3D printers because the MIT manufacturing and production lab has demonstrated its 3D printed antimicrobial surgical forceps. This mechanically robust, chemically versatile material is just one example of the infinite possibilities of 3D printed materials that go beyond plastics.

5, "嘿" will be the most commonly used command in design engineering
"Hey guys, I designed a new pair of shoes for me, 8.5 medium, can bear my weight." This is a short message we may use in the next five years. Intelligent 3D printers with natural language processing, AI-driven generation design and customization capabilities will enable seamless design engineering.

“Think about the entire fashion industry, without cutting and size and waste, you can create custom-made clothing, shoes, belts, accessories, food...”AviReichental points out, “in the next wave of additivity and generative design, it won’t There is an industry that is spared."

Conclusion

As new technologies and materials continue to emerge, how will you integrate 3D printing into your own business in the next few years? Which new businesses will you build around these emerging applications?
Convergence has enabled us to make revolutionary breakthroughs, especially as artificial intelligence technology becomes more advanced – another catalytic technology that will only enhance the “嘿” demand for 3D printers and more devices.