{"id":3979,"date":"2013-08-22T07:00:46","date_gmt":"2013-08-22T15:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.formtek.com\/blog\/?p=3979"},"modified":"2013-08-22T07:00:46","modified_gmt":"2013-08-22T15:00:46","slug":"3d-printing-one-disruptive-technology-on-the-launchpad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/formtek.com\/blog\/3d-printing-one-disruptive-technology-on-the-launchpad\/","title":{"rendered":"3D Printing: Disruptive Technology on the Launchpad"},"content":{"rendered":"

3D printers ‘print’ objects in three-dimensions by melting melting a materials like plastic and then depositing them layer-by-layer, ultimately creating a three dimensional object. \u00a0Plastic is commonly used, but other materials like metal, polymer powders, or chocolate can also be used. \u00a0Homes of the future may have 3D printers to print out clothes and furniture. \u00a0NASA plans to build a 3D printer<\/a> that can be sent to space and available to ‘print’ most anything needed, like spacecraft pipes and parts, and even food.<\/p>\n

3D printing\u00a0was a $1.8 billion business in 2008<\/a> and has increased to $2.2 billion in 2012. \u00a0By 2021, the US market is expected to grow to$10.8 billion. \u00a0In the\u00a0second quarter of 2013<\/a>, sales from 3D printer companies like\u00a03D Systems<\/a>,\u00a0Statasys <\/a>and\u00a0ExOne <\/a>have doubled and revenues have jumped 45 percent. \u00a0McKinsey Global Institute<\/a> calls 3D printing a ‘Disruptive technology<\/a>‘ and expects 3D-printer related sales to be between $230 and $550 billion by 2025.<\/p>\n

Terry Wohlers<\/a>, president of consulting firm Wohlers Associates, told the\u00a0LA Times<\/a> that “the billion-dollar question is, how big will this become and when? \u00a0You see companies already making fashion garments and jewelry through printing. And we have seen demonstrations of 3-D printing food and living tissue.”<\/p>\n

Surprisingly, healthcare has been one area that has been greatly impacted by 3D printing. \u00a0The printing of organs and human body parts, like ears, is now being testing in the laboratory. \u00a0In March, 2013, a man had an implant which replaced three-quarters of his skull<\/a>, an implant that was built with a 3D printer. \u00a0Implants can be created that are custom-shaped to the patient’s anatomy.<\/p>\n

Cardiologists have created heart tissue implants with 3D printing. \u00a0Laura Olivieri<\/a>,\u00a0Pediatric cardiologist, said that<\/a> “It’s a brand new field. These have only been possible for a very little amount of time and I don’t think we even know the full capability of what we’re going to be… what they’re going to be used for. \u00a0We’re kind of talking about a technology that went going from feasible to kind of usable and we’re right in that middle ground right now.”<\/p>\n

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While some have been disappointed that 3D printing technology hasn’t taken off sooner — 3D printing has been available commercially for at least six years — the industry is\u00a0poised for growth in the upcoming years<\/a>. \u00a0The high costs for printers are beginning to come down, enabling the technology to be more widely adopted. \u00a0Even more rapid price markdowns may happen in 2014.<\/p>\n

Duann Scott<\/a>, Design Evangelist at 3D printing company Shapeways,\u00a0said that several key 3D printing patents<\/a> covering a technique called ‘laser sintering<\/a>‘ will expire in February of 2014. \u00a0Sintering technology is key in making high-quality 3D printings. \u00a0Once those patents expire, Scott predicts a huge drop in printer prices.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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3D printers ‘print’ objects in three-dimensions by melting melting a materials like plastic and then depositing them layer-by-layer, ultimately creating a three dimensional object. \u00a0Plastic is commonly used, but other materials like metal, polymer powders, or chocolate can also be…<\/span><\/p>\n

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