With the combination of raw materials and a blueprint, 3D printers have the capacity to produce a variety of objects, ranging from clothing to firearms. 3D printing has been around since the 1980s, but recent discoveries have allowed it to become more renowned and accepted. Dubbed as the “additive manufacturing”, many have already been incorporating 3D printing services into various applications, including the automotive and aerospace industries.
3D Printing: Automotive and Aerospace Industries
3D printing has slowly expanded to the automobile and aerospace industries. Swedish car manufacturer Koenigsegg, for instance, has featured a 3D printed exhaust titanium pipe as an integral part of their new car. This component is currently the largest piece of 3D printed titanium ever to be created so far, an innovation of which they hope to be the beginning of their “supercar”.
The 3D printed exhaust has allowed the car to be lighter, making it faster and also energy-efficient and sustainable. There are also niche companies that have decided to invest in 3D printed automobiles, such as Local Motors. Rapid prototyping in the UK is a growing practice, and is done for most automobiles. By far, prototypes contain designs that have over 70% of 3D printed materials.
The wonders of 3D printing do not stop there – Airbus, an airline manufacturing company, has also turned to the magic of 3D print. They’ve printed over 1,000 components for their A350 XWB jet, by far, the first airplane ever to be donned with that plenty of 3D printed pieces.
Why should you use 3D printing?
The manufacturing process has been reduced into a single step
In 2017, the company GE has decided to reinvent the helicopter engine using 3D printing. The results were astounding – from 900 engine components, the process of 3D printing has reduced the engine into merely 16 pieces.
Gone are the braces, nuts, bolts and welds. Moreover, the printed materials were reported to have been 40% lighter and 60% cheaper, which is good for the performance of the helicopter and for the company’s business. The process of making an engine relies on various suppliers, all specialising in different parts. Should there be a delay in just a single supplier, money will be burned, as with time. With 3D printing, everything has been cut down into a single process. You just need a printer, the necessary material, and the blueprint – you’re good to go!
3D printing has helped design new cars
3D printing has also helped design new cars. Due to its efficiency and quick process, car prototypes and parts can easily be made for testing. Replacement parts also crippled many automobile companies, as these parts needed to be mass-produced to reduce costs.
As a result, most parts needed to be bought in bulk only to be stored, at most times extending to years. If you’re a business owner, that’s your capital and potential ROI merely sitting in warehouses. With 3D printing, however, the spare parts can be made as needed, eliminating the need for car replacement parts to just sit quietly in storages and take up limited space.
3D printing allows competitive mass manufacturing techniques
As technology progresses, so will the world of 3D printing. Due to its rapid construction properties, it will come as no surprise when 3D printing finally begins to take over mass-manufacturing techniques. Moreover, the lower costs, shorter supply chain for parts, and convenience will urge industries to invest in it. Unfortunately, mass manufacturing operates only at a certain level, as there are items that cannot be mass produced. 3D printing, however, can do just that and more – customisation is already part of its many offers.
3D printing truly holds promise for the future of many industries. Not only does it offer customisation, it also produces materials that are lighter, more cost-efficient, and economically sustainable. Moreover, it can be delivered on demand, wherever you may be. Depending on your needs, the benefits of 3D printing can go even beyond those we’ve just discussed. One thing is clear, though – 3D printing will be enjoyed by many for years to come, and the businesses for prototyping and manufacturing will only grow from here.
The 3D printing world may just be what your business needs. Get your hands on the best 3D printing services in the UK now, brought to you by 3D Quick Printing! All we’ll ever need from you is an hour; you’ll have what you need by then. Quick, easy, and efficient – the perfect recipe to any business venture!
