Printing Money: How 3D printing is changing the world of Manufacturing

The evolution of 3D printing has revolutionized the manufacturing world and created a new sector of profitable innovation.

By Roan Fair

 

What is 3D Printing?

First developed in 1981 by Dr. Hideo Kodama, 3D printing creates parts by layers. A 3D design is “spliced” by a computer software which allows the printer to print individual layers on top of each other until the final product is created. Plastic filament is the most common material used in 3D printing; however, the field of metal printing is on the rise.

Since entering the commercial world in the late 1990’s, 3D printing has revolutionized the way manufacturers create prototypes and work with early staged concepts. Prior to 3D printing, models and prototypes were constructed using wood, metal, or other materials. Now, designers may take their drawings or computer designs are print 3D models in a relatively short time. This innovation in the design process has reduced the time and expense required to model concepts and created a new industry within the manufacturing world.

 

New Industries

The rise of 3D printing technologies has created various subindustries around the new technology. In addition to the creation of printers, computer software and filaments have become competitive markets. There are now numerous programs which allow individuals to design computer models and transform them into print ready files. Similarly, filaments are created with specific qualities such as flexibility, strength, and density to meet a wide range of applications.

3D printing is not limited to professional manufacturing either. By the early 2000’s simplified 3D printers were created for non-industrial capacities and became available to hobbyists and small businesses. Since then, the hobbyist world around 3D printing has grown exponentially. Now, a simplified 3D printer can be purchased on Amazon for $100 and ready to use within a couple hours. In addition to the professional programs, hobbyists have developed free software to further decrease the cost of entering this hobby.

 

Printing Innovation

In addition to the prototyping capacities, 3D printing has also grown into its own manufacturing industry. 3D printers offer quick, cheap, and sturdy products which can be sold right off the printer. The small business world has boomed with the creation of “print farms” which hold up to 300 printers for continuous printing of small amenities such as cups, keychains, toys, and even art. While small businesses have been attracted to mass production, larger corporations utilize 3D printing to produce parts for engines, furniture, and medical implants.

 

 

Economic Boom

Although it may seem like more of a hobby to industry outsiders, 3D printers are no longer the toys of hobbyists used to create fun projects. The economic growth contributed by 3D printing is astonishing. In 2010, the estimated value of 3D printing to the global economy was roughly $50 million. Today, the market is roughly worth $50 billion with projections of reaching $150 billion by 2040.

3D printers have become industry standards for prototyping and mass manufacturing. As technology continues to advance, 3D printers are increasingly able to synthesize products out of metal and concrete to create lasting products with enormous market potential. As this industry continues to grow, the capacity for innovation increases with the quality and speed of 3D printers.

 

 

About the Author 

Roan Fair is a History and Political Science double major at Grove City College. On campus, he is the Senior Articles Editor for the Grove City College Journal of Law and Public Policy. He also serves as a student executive for the BEST Robotics Competition, a high school program hosted by the college and is the Vice President for the college’s Federalist Society chapter. Additionally, Roan serves as a TA for Dr. Verbois in the political science department. His interests include early American history, political theory, and the legal field. Finally, after graduation, Roan plans on attending law school and pursuing a career in private practice.

 

READ MORE BY ROAN FAIR: SCOTUS UPDATE: The Supreme Court Protected Families in Paxton v. Free Speech Coalition

 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the writer alone and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grove City College, the Institute for Faith and Freedom, or their affiliates.

Cover Image: Photo by Osman Talha Dikyar on Unsplash.

Captioned Image: @UpFlip on YouTube (Link) (Cropped)