10 Applications and Examples of 3D Printing Uses

When it first entered the scene, 3D printing seemed a little futuristic and was met with some skepticism, but it very quickly became a mainstream manufacturing method. These machines build parts and products one layer at a time and can handle even complex and intricate designs with a lot of detail. You can make pretty much anything you can dream up with 3D printers, and it’s a much easier process than some other more traditional methods. You don’t need copious amounts of training or any particular expertise as the machine does everything for you. 

Xometry now has thousands of 3D printing customers and instantly quotes nine different 3D printing processes. From advanced aerospace components and medical implants to tools and equipment to home decor, the applications of 3D printing we see here at Xometry are nearly endless. This article will review 10 applications of 3D printing and briefly discuss other topics related to 3D printing innovation. 

1. Prosthetics

3D printing has transformed the process of creating prosthetics, refining more and more, and making it simpler and efficient to make custom prosthetics for the patient. To make prosthetics, CAD, or computer-aided design, software easily designs them, and then they're manufactured by 3D printing. If there is something wrong with the 3D-printed prosthetic, updating the CAD software and reprinting all that needs to be done.

2. Replacement Parts

For replacement parts, 3D printing is useful for consumers because there are no long lead times or running around to pick up parts. 3D printing lets consumers and businesses maximize the value of their purchases and focus on more important things.

3. Implants 

Like with prosthetics, 3D printing allows creators to better tailor implants to the patients. It improves patient outcomes when parts with complex shapes are printed quickly. Items like maxillofacial and tooth implants, knee replacements, and heart valves can all be 3D printed. Those in the medical industry are looking forward to the 3D printing of organs which could change many people’s lives, and reduce waiting times. Below is a picture of a 3D-printed dental implant.

4. Pharmaceuticals 

Drugs of different shapes and sizes can distribute both active and inactive ingredients in the body, and 3D printing can create these drugs. The 3D-printed drugs can have special delivery profiles created to match a patient’s specific needs. So far, only one drug has been 3D printed: Spritam®, a levetiracetam produced by Aprecia Pharmaceuticals. But 3D printing can result in on-demand, locally made drugs in the future.

5. Emergency Structures

Natural disasters happen and can be very detrimental for the affected populations. 3D printing houses, hospitals and other structures can help the crisis situation and assist the victims and emergency responders. It also does this much faster than it would take to build these structures the traditional way.

6. Aeronautics and Space Travel

Humans are always working to expand our presence in space. 3D printing allows for the on-demand creation of tools, equipment, and entire structures in space and extraterrestrial environments. Back on Earth, 3D printing can make advanced aerospace components like airframes, avionics housings, and more. Overall, 3D printing can help make space travel more cost-effective and thus help create a more sustainable human presence.

7. Custom Clothing 

The fashion industry generates all kinds of waste generated by the fashion industry, especially when people buy an outfit to wear once and throw them away. 3D printing helps reduce some of that waste by letting people create custom clothing. Letting customers print clothing that fits their measurements and style on demand gives them what they want while creating less waste.

8. Custom-Fitted Personal Products 

Lots of everyday objects are designed for the average body type and size. Chairs, clothes, keyboards, and desks are all made for a person of average build. This makes things hard for anyone outside of that average size, leading to discomfort and even disability. 3D printing gives people the option of custom-fitted personal products for better ergonomics, comfort, and safety.

9. Educational Materials

3D printing gives students tactile objects that they can use to boost their learning process. Things like topographical maps help students better understand the topics they’re learning about. 3D printing can help boost creativity, improve learning habits, and foster collaboration.

10. Food

This one is quite hard to believe, but even food can be 3D printed. Labs are already growing meat and vegetables using stem cells. In the future, scientists can use 3D printing to create enough quantities of fruits, vegetables, and meat to feed the growing population and reduce the land used for livestock and agriculture. 

What Are the Types of 3D Printing Technology That Exist?

There are a variety of 3D printing technologies, and you’ll have to choose which one will suit you best based on your needs and preferences. Here are some of the most commonly used technologies we offer here at Xometry, and how they work.

• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM): FDM technology uses a melted plastic filament expelled by a heated nozzle to 3D print parts.
• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): This type of 3D printing uses a strong laser to melt polymeric powders and fuse them together.
• Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS): Similar to SLS, this method of 3D printing uses metal powders in place of polymeric powders.
• Stereolithography (SLA): This technology uses an ultraviolet (UV) lamp to build continuous layers of UV-curable photopolymers into parts and products.
• PolyJet: This is similar to SLA and DLP, but instead it deposits and cures photopolymers simultaneously using a UV lamp. Check out a great PolyJet part below:

What Are the Main Parts of the 3D Printer?

3D printers contain hundreds of parts that work together in sync to build unique and complex parts. While the exact construction of 3D printers will vary depending on the manufacturer and type of 3D printer, all 3D printers share similar characteristics and components. The main parts of 3D printers are listed below:

1. Print Head: The print head contains the components that deposit 3D printing materials. The exact components will differ depending on the type of 3D printer. For instance, an FDM printer has a nozzle and extruder in its print head while an SLS printer has a servomotor and mirror.
2. Build Tray: The build tray or print bed is the portion of the 3D printer where parts are constructed. Build trays can be heated or unheated depending on the type of 3D printer.
3. Motion Control: Motion control includes motors, belts, lead screws, end stops, and other mechanical equipment that is essential to the motion of the 3D printer. 
4. Motherboard: The motherboard contains all the electrical components that form the logic and control of the 3D printer. It tells the 3D printer the position, print speed, amount of material, and other settings needed to ensure an accurate part.
5. Power Supply: The power supply is essential for any piece of electrical equipment. More powerful power supplies are required for larger machines and for machines that require higher temperatures during printing.

How Precise Is 3D Printing? 

3D printing can be very precise. The level of precision obtained largely depends on the 3D printing method used. It can be further optimized by proper print preparation. For instance, most 3D printers require some level of calibration to obtain precise dimensions. Additionally, other factors like build tray temperature can impact the dimensions of a 3D printed part. All types of 3D printers can achieve an accuracy of +0.1 mm but are highly dependent on machine build quality, material properties, and printer setup.

What Are the Filaments Used for Different Types of 3D Printers? 

Filaments are used with FDM (fused deposition modeling) printing. Filaments are strings of material, usually plastic, that are melted and extruded onto a build tray to 3D print parts. Some common filaments that can be used in FDM printing are listed and described below:

1. PLA: PLA (polylactic acid) is a popular filament used for 3D printing because it is easy to print with, is biodegradable, and is inexpensive.
2. ABS: ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is another popular filament used for 3D printing due to its cost-effectiveness, strength, light weight, and heat resistance.
3. PETG: PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) is a biocompatible, food-safe polyester filament that is commonly used in 3D printing due to its durability, impact resistance, and printability.

What Are the Benefits of Using 3D Printers? 

3D printing offers numerous benefits in various industries including: medical, aerospace, construction, and fashion. Some of the benefits of using 3D printers are listed below:

1. Faster Time to Market: 3D printing helps manufacturers reduce their time to market by hastening the design and verification process.
2. Easily Accessible: 3D printing, especially low-cost options like FDM, is easily accessible. 
3. Creative and Customized Design: 3D printing enables endless personalization and makes it easy to add personal touches requested by customers. Because 3D printing is not limited by the bounds of other manufacturing processes, a variety of  shapes and geometry can be created.
4. Less Waste: 3D printing produces little waste and only uses the material required to create a part.
5. Cool Things to 3D Print: 3D printing enables hobbyists and consumers to print cool things like figurines and decor, as well as personalized tools and equipment. Several 3D printing databases exist from which users can download 3D models and print them on demand.

Why 3D Printers Is the Future When It Comes to Building Anything?

There are some reasons why 3D printing is the future of manufacturing. This fascinating technology enables physical objects that would be difficult to fabricate using traditional methods to be made with high accuracy and precision. The benefits of the technology have far-reaching implications for consumers, hobbyists, business owners, and entire industries. 

The ability to customize and build parts with few limitations fosters innovation, while the ability to use 3D printing for rapid prototyping reduces time to market. This is huge for the healthcare industry, where organs, implants, and prosthetics can be 3D printed and fitted to a patient in a short timeframe. Additionally, 3D printing helps reduce manufacturing waste and helps increase manufacturing efficiency. 

Copyright and Trademark Notices

1. Spritam® is a trademark of APRECIA PHARMACEUTICALS, LLC

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