Most Innovative 3D Printing Companies in India

In the age of Industry 4.0, no business can increase revenue, gain market share, and promote customer loyalty without fostering innovations. Companies and startups these days foster innovation in a variety of ways. But successful companies differentiate themselves from competitors by leveraging next-generation technologies like additive manufacturing or 3D printing.

3D printing technologies make businesses innovative by facilitating rapid prototyping, on-demand production, and low-volume manufacturing. Also, they have been transforming industries by reconfiguring existing business models and controlling operational costs.

3D printing companies in India help businesses in various sectors to become innovative by switching from subtractive manufacturing to additive manufacturing. Some of these companies make it easier for companies to create prototypes and produce parts by supplying different 3D printing machines and materials.

At the same time, many companies help businesses overcome skill and budget constraints by providing customized 3D printing services. Each of these companies contributes towards making 3D printing technologies accessible, affordable, and sustainable in the emerging economy. We are highlighting some of the most innovative 3D printing companies in India based on their offerings and contributions.

Identifying Some of the Most Innovative 3D Printing Companies in India

Aurum3D

Aurum3D is one of the hottest 3D printing companies in Bangalore. It has been providing 3D designing, 3D printing, and 3D scanning services to both individual and enterprise clients. The customized 3D printing services provided by Aurum3D make companies and startups innovative across industries - manufacturing, engineering, automotive, aerospace, defense, education, and medical.

The Bangalore-based company allows clients to customize 3D printing services by combining the appropriate 3D printing machines and materials. The experienced 3D printing professionals at the company ensure dimensional accuracy and improveprint quality. Also, Aurum3D improves customer satisfaction by reducing 3D printing time and cost at once.

3D Systems

3D Systems is one of the largest 3D printing companies in India. It helps businesses innovate by making it easier for them to buy and use 3D printers. At present, it supplies plastic, metal, and metal-casting 3D printers. Also, the company has developed specialized 3D printing machines for companies in the dental and jewelry industries.

In addition to supplying 3D printing machines and materials, 3D Systems provides consulting and maintenance services. Hence, businesses partner with 3D Systems to purchase the right 3D printer and use the machine without deploying an in-house support team. 3D System has already supplied 3D printers to customers from many industries.

Fractal Works

Fractal Works is one of the innovative 3D printing companies in India that supplies 3D printers as well as provides 3D designing and printing services. It allows customers to choose from several desktop, professional, and industrial 3D printing machines. The desktop 3D printer is powered by FFF 3D printing technology, while the industrial 3D printers are driven by SLA 3D printing technology.

At the same time, customers can get the 3D printing services provided by Fractal Works to produce parts and prototypes on demand. Fractal Works stands out from the crowd by supplying 3D printers to customers in the manufacturing, entertainment, education, automotive, dental, jewelry, and engineering industries.

Brahma3

The Bangalore-based startup surprised competitors by launching the first indigenously developed 3D printer in India – Brahma3 Anvil. The team of designers and engineers focuses extensively on making Brahma3 Anvil accessible to schools, colleges, small companies, and startups. The startup keeps the price of commercial 3D printers low by partnering with open-source communities.

Also, Brahma3 Anvil produces parts through an industrial 3D printing process – stereolithography (SL). The process is effective in producing parts with complex geometries. Hence, individuals and enterprises can use Brahma3 Anvil without a hefty upfront investment. The startup encourages enthusiasts, students, and hobbyists to design for 3D by running a designer-in-residence program.

Imaginarium

Imaginarium helps businesses innovate and experience by setting up an all-in-one store. Customers can visit the online store to choose from a wide range of 3D printing hardware and software. They have the option to buy desktop and professional 3D printing machines developed by leading manufacturers.

At the same time, the additive manufacturing services provided by Imaginarium help businesses produce prototypes, spare parts, production parts, and concept models on demand.

At present, Imaginarium provides both polymer and metal 3D printing services to customers. The customers also have the option to get specialized jewelry manufacturing and patient-specific healthcare solutions provided by Imaginarium.

Fabheads

The Chennai-based 3D printing company helps businesses promote innovation by supplying continuous fiber 3D printers. At present, Fabheads allows clients to choose from F Series Continuous Fiber 3D Printer and G Series Amazingly Intelligent and User-Friendly 3D Printer. At the same time, it produces customized 3D printers for clients according to their precise needs.

In addition to being user-friendly, the 3D printers developed by Fabheads come in various sizes and support different materials. They are further powered by cloud-based 3D printing software. Fabheads make it easier for clients to use its 3D printers by supplying customized continuous fiber materials and providing technical support.

Think3D

Think3D helps businesses transform processes by providing access to the largest digital manufacturing facility in India. Companies and startups from various sectors partner with this Hyderabad-based 3D printing company to leverage over 69 in-house machines. Also, the team of technically-qualified professionals at Think3D has already produced more than 4 million parts for 10000 customers across industries.

Think3D provides 3D designing, 3D printing, and 3D scanning services to clients in the manufacturing, automotive, architecture, and medical industries. It creates opportunities for businesses to innovate by allowing customers to choose from a wide range of 3D printing materials. Hence, it becomes easier for businesses to get customized 3D printing services at competitive prices.

Conclusion

Many companies and startups contribute towards making additive manufacturing technologies accessible, sustainable, and scalable in India. But some companies stand out from the crowd by producing industry-specific 3D printers or providing superior and customized 3D printing services. Many organizations highlight these innovative 3D printing companies in India by appreciating their contributions and achievements.

SLS 3D Printing Applications

You can create a solid three-dimensional object from three-dimensional digital models using several additive manufacturing or 3D printing technologies. Each 3D printing technology creates the object, model, part, or product physically in a specific way. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is one of the mature and widely used 3D printing technologies.

As the name suggests, this additive manufacturing technology creates solid parts by fusing or sintering nylon powder selectively using a high-power laser. Many engineers opt for SLS 3D printing to produce strong and durable parts with complex geometries. Also, they can enhance the look and feel of the 3D-printed structures during post-processing through sanding, dyeing, and smoothing.

Both companies and startups have been transforming and revolutionizing SLS 3D printing by fostering innovation and research. Some companies replace standard CO₂ laser with new-age fiber laser to make the SLS 3D printer effective in sintering powder more quickly by increasing power density. Likewise, some companies are finetuning SLS 3D printers to reduce material wastage by using one powder as the primary material and another powder as supporting material.

According to Wikipedia, “SLS technology is in wide use at many industries around the world due to its ability to easily make complex geometries with little to no added manufacturing effort. Its most common application is in prototype parts early in the design cycle such as for investment casting patterns, automotive hardware, and wind tunnel models.”

At present, SLS is used commonly by enterprises to facilitate rapid prototyping and production of functional parts. But the SLS 3D printing applications and use cases vary across industries. We can summarize the applications of this additive manufacturing technology based on use cases created by enterprises from various sectors.

Understanding SLS 3D Printing Applications across Industries and Verticals

Manufacturing Industry

One of the key advantages of SLS 3D printing technology is design freedom. Unlike traditional production methods, SLS 3D printing helps engineers to design products with unusual shapes and complex geometries without escalating production time and cost. Manufacturing companies leverage the design freedom to produce moving parts and interlocking parts. Also, this additive manufacturing technology is effective in facilitating small-batch manufacturing.

Aerospace Industry

SLS 3D printers use a flexible, durable, and lightweight material like nylon. Many engineers experiment with various forms of nylon to 3D-print parts tailored for flights and space travels. Also, they opt for SLS 3D printing for projects that require a few items like antennas, drones, aircraft parts, and satellites on demand. NASA has been incorporating 3D printed parts into aircraft engines to curtail both production time and cost.

Automotive Industry

The automotive industry has been using SLS 3D printers to create prototypes as well as produce functional parts. The automotive companies leverage key advantages of SLS 3D printing technology – speed, accuracy, reliability, and durability – to produce end-user components on demand.

Many companies use this additive manufacturing technology to replace obsolete components of vintage cars. 3D scanners make it easier for them to replicate the obsolete components exactly in the form of a digital 3D model. An SLS 3D printer can produce the out-of-stock components physically from the digital files.

Mechanical Industry

Mechanical engineers use SLS 3D printers to create innovative devices, components, and systems by combing principles of physics and mathematics in a variety of ways. Unlike other 3D printing technologies, SLS makes it easier for them to convert out-of-box ideas into components and devices by providing design freedom. Also, the components printed with SLS 3D printers meet varying mechanical requirements through high-dimensional accuracy.

Medical Industry

The medical industry leverages SLS 3D printing to produce complex medical devices accurately and precisely. As mentioned earlier, SLS 3D printers can produce durable and strong items with complex geometries and varying forms. Medical device manufacturers leverage these benefits to produce patient-specific prosthetics and orthotics. They further explore ways to optimize SLS 3D printing technology to fabricate human organs with 100% accuracy and authenticity.

Footwear Industry

SLS reduces 3D printing time by several hours. The reduced printing time makes it easier for footwear companies to produce a variety of insoles according to the varying needs of customers. SLS 3D printing is used widely by footwear companies to produce molded insoles, comfort insoles, and custom orthotics tailored for individual patients. Footwear companies use thermoplastic or nylon as the primary material to print customized insoles that provide support to and ease the pain of patients with flat feet and other foot disorders.

Several market analysis reports forecast the consistent growth of the global SLS 3D printing market over the next few years. Hence, the popularity of SLS 3D printing will remain intact despite the growing popularity of consumer and desktop 3D printing. Enterprises will leverage this mature and reliable additive manufacturing technology by creating new use cases regularly. Also, they will contribute towards evolving SLS 3D printing through research and development (R&D).

About Aurum3D

Aurum3D is one of the leading 3D printing companies in Bangalore. We have been working with various new-age areas like Drone manufacturing and Electric vehicle manufacturers in multiple areas like prototyping and custom 3D printing. You can get in touch with us for your custom requirements in electric vehicle manufacturing.

References:

https://www.shapeways.com/blog/archives/41152-top-applications-for-sls-3d-printing.html

3D Printing in Bangalore

Recently, many enterprises announced their plans to set up 3D printing facilities in Bangalore. Peekay Group signed a pact with Bengaluru Airport City Ltd (BACL) to set up a 3D printing facility in Bangalore. Likewise, Intech Additive Solutions became the first-ever company in India to develop and supply large-format metal 3D printers. But there are many companies and startups that have been popularizing 3D printing in Bangalore in a variety of ways.

Some of these enterprises help customers to convert digital files into three-dimensional items on their own by supplying 3D printers and 3D printing filaments. Likewise, many companies have been enabling customers to convert their innovative ideas into three-dimensional models by providing customized 3D designing, 3D scanning, and 3D printing services. That is why; we can popularity and growth of 3D printing in Bangalore only by understanding the contribution of some of these companies and startups.

Shortlisting Companies and Startups Popularizing 3D Printing in Bangalore

Think3D

This Hyderabad-based company has been popularizing 3D printing in Bangalore in a number of ways. Both individuals and enterprises can buy a variety of 3D printers - FDM, SLA, and SLS – developed by Think3D through its website. Likewise, they can use the website to order a variety of 3D printing filaments, including ABS and PLA.

Think3D further provides different 3D designing, 3D scanning, and 3D printing services to customers living in Bangalore. It is currently one of the 3D printing companies that provide 3D printing services to enterprises from the manufacturing, automotive, architecture, and medical industries. The company makes students and common people aware of 3D printing by providing 3D printing training and conducting workshops.

Aurum3D

Aurum3D popularizes 3D printing in Bangalore by providing customized services to both individual and enterprise customers. Customers can avail themselves of the 3D printing services provided by Aurum3D to get the desired object by uploading a digital file. At the same time, they can avail themselves of 3D designing and 3D printing services to convert their ideas into solid models, components, or parts.

At the same time, Aurum3D has been providing industrial 3D printing services to businesses from various sectors – automotive, aerospace, defense, engineering, manufacturing, and medical. The founders of Aurum3D passionately believe in making common people realize the transformative potential of 3D printing technologies.

3Ding

This Chennai-based 3D printing company has branches in Bangalore and Hyderabad. 3Ding enables both individual and enterprise customers to construct customized three-dimensional items by supplying 3D printers, 3D scanners, and 3D printing filaments. It further allows enthusiasts to experiment with additive manufacturing by renting 3D printers.

At the same time, 3Ding enables customers to convert their ideas into prototypes or models by providing 3D designing, 3D printing, and 3D scanning services. The customers also have the option to choose from a wide range of 3D printing technologies and filaments based on precise project needs. 3Ding has built a reputation by providing 3D printing services to over 7500 clients, including high-growth companies.

Objectify

Objectify is a Delhi-based company with regional offices in multiple cities including Bangalore. IT has been driving the growth of 3D printing in Bangalore by creating opportunities for innovators to showcase their talent in the field of manufacturing.  The enthusiasts and innovators can showcase their talent by submitting project proposals through a project called Atma Mahatva.

At the same time, Objectify has been enabling enterprises to adopt and leverage additive manufacturing by setting up 3D printing facilities on their site. The 3D printing facility is customized with the right 3D printers, 3D printing filaments, and post-processing set up according to the precise needs of every client.

Precious3D

Precious3D is a Chennai-based company that has been providing 3D designing, 3D scanning, and 3D printing services in multiple cities, including Bangalore. It has been providing a variety of 3D printing to many high-growth companies. Also, Precious3D has built a reputation in Bangalore by delivering 3D-printed parts with high industrial strength and surface finish.

Many individuals and enterprises trust Precious3D to choose from many 3D printing technologies and filaments according to precise project needs. Precious3D has been beating the competition in Bangalore through its unique post-processing services.

Rapid DMLS

This Bangalore-based company is one of the leading metal 3D printing service providers in India. Rapid DMLS popularizes 3D printing with metal in Bangalore using a widely used industrial 3D printing technology - Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS). The team at Rapid DMLS has 3D-printed complex mechanical components and fully functional parts for businesses from several industries using different metal additive manufacturing methods. Customers can make a call to the company to discuss various aspects of metal 3D printing. Also, they can receive a customizing code by uploading the 3D CAD diagram.

Fractal

The desktop, professional, and industrial 3D printers built by Fractal make it easier for buyers to 3D-print a variety of objects on their own. At the same time, customers can avail of the 3D printing services provided by Fractal to receive the 3D-printed item in less than a week by sharing their ideas or uploading their designs. Fractal is also one of the 3D printing companies in Bangalore that have built a reputation by providing 3D printing services to enterprises from various industries – manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, education, medical, and consumer goods.

Creative Grip

The Bangalore-based 3D printing service provider helps both individual and enterprise customers to convert their ideas into three-dimensional objects by providing additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping services. The team at Creative Grip delivers high-quality items by combining the appropriate 3D printing technology and filaments. At the same time, they make 3D printing technologies accessible to more customers by offering low-cost and low-volume production services. The customers can receive a free quote by sharing their requirements by uploading the STL file.

The companies and startups popularizing 3D printing in Bangalore differ from each other in many aspects. Some of these companies supply 3D printers and 3D printing filaments, while others offer a variety of 3D printing services. Hence, customers need to keep in mind your precise project needs while comparing the expertise, experience, reputation, and reliability of these businesses popularizing 3D printing in Bangalore.

What is SLS 3D Printing?

You have the option to choose from a wide range of consumer and industrial 3D printers. Every 3D printer produces three-dimensional objects by depositing filament layer by layer based on computer-aided design (CAD). But every 3D printer is driven by a different and specific additive manufacturing technology. 3D printers driven by selective laser sintering (SLS) technology produce various items using a high-power laser as the primary power source. They use laser light to sinter finely-powdered filament like nylon and polyamide.

According to Wikipedia, “Selective laser sintering (SLS) is an additive manufacturing (AM) technique that uses a laser as the power source to sinter powdered material (typically nylon or polyamide), aiming the laser automatically at points in space defined by a 3D model, binding the material together to create a solid structure.”

SLS 3D printing is often described as a modern additive manufacturing technology. But the 3D printing technology is currently used widely by manufacturers and 3D printing service providers for the purpose of low-volume production of components and rapid prototyping. That is why; you need to differential SLS 3D printing from other widely used 3D printing technology while comparing the 3D printers. It is also important to understand the important aspect of this additive manufacturing technology.

Understanding Important Aspects of SLS 3D Printing Technology

3D Printing Process

This 3D printing technology produces solid items based on the powder sintering principle. An SLS 3D printer consolidates small particles of the powdered filament using a high-powerful laser. The laser produces a mass by sintering the powdered material based on the CAD. The 3D printer preheats the filament to a temperature that is below the melting point.

The preheating makes it easier for the laser to form solid parts by increasing the temperature level. The item to the 3D-printed is supported by the unfused powder filament. Hence, SLS 3D printing eliminates the need for a support structure. After forming the solid structure, the build chamber is cooled down for several minutes.

The cooling process ensures that the item retains the desired mechanical properties along with eliminating the chances of warping. Finally, the item is removed from the build chamber for post-processing. The 3D engineers clean the excess powder before getting the item delivered. Also, they can recycle and use the unfused filament in the future without escalating the overall 3D printing cost.

Materials/Filaments

While using an SLS 3D printer, you have the option to choose from a wide range of powdered filaments – plastic, ceramic, glass, and metal. Hence, you need to choose the SLS 3D printing filament according to the nature and needs of the item to be 3D-printed. However, you must remember that the quality of the 3D-printed object will vary according to the key attributes of the particles – shape, size, density, porosity, and roughness.

Many engineers opt for various types of polymer while using this type of 3D printer to leverage their sintering properties or behavior. They can easily customize the 3D-printed item’s mechanical properties by choosing the appropriate form of polymer. Most engineers these days avoid metals while working with SLS 3D printing technology. Instead, they use selective laser melting (SLM) technology to 3D-printed objects using metal filaments.

Advantages

At present, SLS is one of the widely used industrial 3D printing technologies. As mentioned earlier, this 3D printing technology produces solid objects without requiring support structures. The engineers and manufacturers can choose appropriate filament to produce parts that resist chemicals. Also, they can customize the 3D-printed part’s strength, stiffness, and finishing by choosing from a slew of options.

SLS produces prototypes and functional parts much faster than other 3D printers. An engineer can use a single SLS 3D printer to produce parts with complex geometries and reliable mechanical properties. Also, he can use this 3D printing technology to deliver ready-to-use parts and components with varying functionality, durability, and strength.

Disadvantages

Like other 3D printing technologies, SLS also has several shortcomings or disadvantages. Often porous surfaces are cited as one of the major shortcomings of items produced using SLS 3D printers. The engineers have to perform elaborate post-processing to deliver a fully functional part that can be used for various purposes. However, the latest SLS 3D printers reduce both time and cost by overcoming some of these shortcomings. Also, engineers can easily leverage SLS 3D printing technology using the right type of SLS 3D printer.

Evolution

SLS is one of the 3D printing technologies that have been evolving consistently. The new-age SLS 3D printers feature advanced sintering machines like FORMIGA P 110. They decrease the low-volume 3D printing cost significantly by supporting larger build sizes. Also, they distribute temperature across the build area more efficiently. You must invest in a new-age SLS 3D printer to produce medium-sized prototypes and functional parts with complex geometries using various powdered filaments.

Applications/Use Cases

At present, SLS 3D printing is used widely by manufacturers to produce prototypes and functional parts with complex geometries and reliable mechanical properties. It enables engineers to produce and evaluate prototypes by reducing 3D printing time and cost. Also, the engineers can use SLS 3D printers to facilitate low-volume production of components and parts for clients from various industries – automotive, aerospace, medical, and military.

SLS is one of the advanced 3D printing technologies that leverage high-power lasers as the primary energy source. That is why; this category of 3D printers is used only in industrial and commercial setups. Individual users find it challenging to install and use SLS 3D printers for home use. But the popularity of SLS 3D printing technology has been increasing consistently across industries. However, the engineers have the option to choose from several types of SLS 3D printers according to the nature and requirements of the items to be 3D-printed.

SLS 3D printing is one of the modern additive manufacturing technologies. SLS 3D printers are used widely by manufacturers to create custom parts and perform rapid prototyping without increasing cost. But you must remember that SLS 3D printing technology, like other additive manufacturing technologies, has its own advantages and disadvantages.

References

https://formlabs.com/asia/blog/what-is-selective-laser-sintering/

https://www.materialise.com/en/manufacturing/3d-printing-technology/laser-sintering

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selective_laser_sintering

https://www.3dsystems.com/resources/information-guides/selective-laser-sintering/sls

https://www.sinterit.com/what-is-sls-3d-printing/

https://www.axisproto.com/materials/sls/

https://www.sculpteo.com/en/materials/sls-material/

https://amfg.ai/2020/01/21/the-evolution-of-sls-new-technologies-materials-and-applications/

9 Innovative Applications of 3D Printing for Automotive Industry

Automotive companies have been leveraging 3D printing technologies for quite some time to drive innovation and curtail costs. Initially, 3D printing technologies were used by automotive companies for rapid prototyping. But many automotive manufacturers these days incorporate 3D printing into every process and function. Also, many automotive companies have announced their plan to launch 3D-printed cars in the near future.

According to FutureWise Market Research & Reports, “The global automotive 3D printing market is expected to value over US $ 3 Billion by 2027 end and register a CAGR of 26.1% during the forecast period, 2020 to 2027. The automotive industry is incorporating 3D printing into almost all of its processes and functions, right from designing prototypes, manufacturing, concept designing, to end-to-end repairs.”

The forecast report depicts the growing significance of 3D printing technologies for the automotive industry. The common applications of 3D printing for the automotive industry include accelerating production, reducing turnaround time, and curtailing operational costs. But automotive companies have been creating new use cases regularly by applying and leveraging 3D printing technologies innovatively. We are highlighting some of the exciting and innovative automotive 3D printing applications.

9 Exciting Use Cases and Applications of 3D Printing for Automotive Industry

1) Launching 3D-Printed Vehicles

Most vehicles these days contain a variety of 3D-printed parts and components. But anautomotive company has already launched the world’s first 3D-printed car. According to EnduranceWarranty.com, “Local Motors’ solution to changing the way we make cars is the ‘Strati,’ the world’s first 3D-printed car. It’s a humble, yet uniquely sleek-looking machine. It was built, or rather, printed in Detroit, in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee.” The customers will soon have the option to choose from conventional and 3D-printed vehicles while visiting a local dealership.

2) Driving Vehicle Electrification

The growing demand for greener transportation options has made it essential for automotive companies to accelerate the electrification of vehicles. But no automotive company can electrify vehicles only by leveraging cutting-edge electric technologies. It has to focus extensively on focus on designing new lightweight components. 3D printing technologies enable engineers to design and evaluate lightweight components by facilitating overnight prototyping. Also, they can make changes to the prototypes regularly to reduce the overall weight of the electric vehicle.

3) Designing Connected Vehicles

The connected cars communicate and interact with a variety of nearby devices using both embedded and portable communication systems. Most connected cars are designed with complex components like antennas and sensors. The traditional manufacturing technologies keep sensors separated from the vehicles. But automotive companies leverage 3D printing technologies to create connected vehicles with embedded sensors. The embedded sensors make the vehicle gather data reliably. Also, engineers can save both time and resources by 3D-printing the sensors and antennas.

4) Accelerating Prototyping Process

3D printing technologies enable automotive companies to accelerate prototyping and concept designing. Engineers can combine appropriate 3D printing technology and filament to convert design concepts and ideas into physical prototypes. 3D printing further helps engineers to evaluate concept designs without increasing filament usage and wastage. Leading automotive companies invest in high-end 3D printers to obtain and evaluate convincing proofs of concepts in a few hours.

5) Creating Custom and Complex Parts

The conventional manufacturing methods increase the overall cost of producing custom and complex parts hugely. But automakers can save both time and cost by 3D-printing custom and complex parts. One of the common applications of 3D printing for the automotive industry is the creation of custom and complex car parts on demand without sacrificing functionality and performance. Most automotive companies these days 3D-print car parts to abandon and transform conventional manufacturing methods.

6) 3D-Printing Spare and General Parts

The flexible nature of 3D printing enables engineers to experiment with a wide variety of hardware and filament. Also, engineers can easily curtail costs by reducing material consumption and cost. That is why; automotive companies these days 3D-print a variety of spare parts and general parts. They minimize the dependence on the supply chain by 3D-printing spare parts on demand. At the same time, they leverage 3D printing technologies to assemble multiple parts or components into a single part.

7) Manufacturing Tools Internally

Earlier, automotive companies were outsourcing the production of manufacturing aids and tools to save both time and resources. But the dependence on machining service providers made it difficult for automakers to speed up time-to-market. 3D printing technologies create opportunities for automakers to produce tools and manufacturing aids internally. The automotive companies can further control the production process without escalating costs. They can further experiment with 3D printing filaments to manufacture innovative tools and replace metal components with plastic components.

8) Driving Sales of Classic and Vintage Cars

According to Bloomberg.com, “From Bentley to BMW, Polestar to Porsche, new-car sales have slumped in 2020. Sales of classic cars, on the other hand, have remained positively stable.” But no automotive company can boost the sale of classic cars and vintage cars without ensuring the supply of components and spare parts. 3D printing technologies enable automakers to support the low-volume production of parts for vintage and out-of-production cars on demand. The leading automakers already leverage 3D printing to supply rare spare parts in both metal and plastic on demand.

9) Supporting Customization and Personalization

Many buyers these days customize and personalize vehicles by availing of a variety of aftermarket parts and services. Many automakers already attract and impress buyers by providing them with many personalization and customization options. They leverage 3D printing technologies to customize vehicles as well as personalize the experience. The leading automobile manufacturers allow customers to customize vehicles by ordering 3D-printed parts and panels. The buyers also have the option to make the vehicle stand out from the crowd by choosing from a wide range of colors and patterns.

3D printing service providers have the potential to transform the automotive industry by facilitating the electrification of vehicles. The customers will soon have the option to choose from many 3D-printed cars and vehicles. That is why; new applications and use cases of 3D printing for the automotive industrywill be created regularly in the future.

Keyword: applications of 3D printing for automotive industry

References

https://all3dp.com/2/coolest-3d-printed-cars/

https://www.endurancewarranty.com/learning-center/news/first-3d-printed-car-makes-debut/

https://amfg.ai/2020/09/03/3d-printing-in-the-automotive-industry-4-major-digital-manufacturing-trends/

https://formlabs.com/asia/blog/3d-printed-car-how-3d-printing-is-changing-the-automotive-industry/

https://www.3dcastor.com/post/the-best-applications-of-3d-printing-in-the-automotive-industry

https://archer-soft.com/blog/how-3d-printing-used-automotive-industry

https://www.hubs.com/knowledge-base/automotive-3d-printing-applications/#applications

https://amfg.ai/2019/05/28/7-exciting-examples-of-3d-printing-in-the-automotive-industry/

3D Printing Applications in Medicine and Surgery

3D printing technologies have been transforming the healthcare industry since the 1990s. But the demand for and adoption of 3D printing technology by healthcare companies has been increasing steadily in recent years. Most healthcare companies these days use 3D printers to produce three-dimensional models that facilitate the personalization of treatment and minimization of operative risks.

According to a report published by Data Bridge Market Research, “Global healthcare 3D printing market is registering a healthy CAGR of 19.22% in the forecast period of 2019-2026. This rise in the market can be attributed to the increased demand for specific 3D printing, increasing applications for medical treatment and government investments in 3D printing project.”

The forecast depicts the increase in 3D printing applications in medicine and surgery. Many medical professionals use 3D-printed devices and instruments. Likewise, many surgeons use 3D printing technologies to preplan and perform surgical procedures accurately. We can assess the significance of 3D printing for the healthcare industry based on some of the innovative use cases on medical 3D printing technologies.

8 Innovative 3D Printing Applications in Medicine and Surgery

1) Bioprinting Organs and Tissue Structures

According to Science.org.au, “Bioprinting can produce living tissue, bone, blood vessels and, potentially, whole organs for use in medical procedures, training and testing.” Bioprinting is often described as an extension of 3D printers. The surgeons use advanced 3D printers to generate patient-specific tissue-like structures using bioinks as the primary material. The 3D-printed tissue-like structures are personalized for a patient with optimal accuracy and precision. Many healthcare companies have been investing in research to create fully functional organs for patients with grave organ failure by leveraging advanced 3D printing technologies.

2) Producing New Surgical Instruments

Like other enterprises, healthcare companies use 3D printing services to facilitate rapid prototyping. 3D printing makes it easier for medical device manufacturers to create and test prototypes of new devices without incurring huge expenses. At the same time, 3D printing technologies help surgeons and physicians to communicate design ideas clearly and unambiguously. Researchers have been using combining different 3D printing technologies and materials to produce new medical devices and surgical instruments regularly. Also, many companies these days use 3D printers to produce instruments and devices in a short amount of time.

3) Creating Medical Phantoms

According to Radiopaedia.org, "A phantom or imaging phantom is a highly specialized object utilized in medical imaging for quality control, equipment calibration, dosimetry and education." Researchers and physicians these days use phantoms for training, testing, and research purposes to eliminate the need to use a living subject.

Advanced 3D printing technologies make it easier for researchers to create medial phantoms that replicate patient-specific organs accurately in various medical settings. Doctors have already used 3D printing to create phantoms of kidneys and artillery before operations. The 3D-printed phantoms are expected to transform organ transplant procedures in the future.

4) Patient-Specific Drug Delivery

Often patients have to consume multiple pills according to the drug dosage prescribed by doctors. They have to purchase additional pills to adhere to drug dosage. 3D printing technologies create opportunities for pharmaceutical companies to transform and personalize drug delivery completely.

A pharmaceutical company can leverage 3D printers to produce and deliver dosage for patients individually. Also, they can deliver drugs on demand according to the changes in a patient’s dosage profile. Many healthcare companies have invested in R&D to produce 3D-printer devices that deliver drugs according to the treatment plan for every patient.

5) Personalized Surgical Models

3D printers produce three-dimensional objects and models from digital files. The surgeons use 3D printing technologies to produce anatomical models based on the scanned patient data. They create a digital file based on the CT and MRI scans and produce 3D-printed anatomical models using the digital file. At present, 3D-printed anatomical models are used widely by healthcare professionals across the world while planning routine and complex surgeries. They help surgeons to prepare better for complex surgeries. Also, hospitals leverage 3D-printed anatomical models to curtail both time and cost.

6) Accurate Surgical Preplanning

While planning surgical procedures, surgeons cannot evaluate and assess a patient’s anatomy accurately on a computer screen. Many surgeons these days 3D-print anatomical models to gather additional and accurate information during preoperative planning. The 3D-printed anatomical models help surgeons to study and understand the impaired organs elaborately before the operation.

The surgeons can leverage the 3D model to explore various approaches and decide the most appropriate approach during the planning process. Hence, it becomes easier for the surgeon to reduce the operation time while improving the operational outcome. 3D printing technologies will become an integral part of surgical planning in the future.

7) Patient-Specific Prosthetics

As a branch of surgery, prosthetics deal with replacing missing body parts with artificial structures or artificial devices. Prosthetics make it easier for disabled people to live a normal life. But the prosthetists have to put extra time and effort to design prosthetics according to the dimensions measured by them.

3D printing technologies enable prosthetists to produce anatomic prosthetics precisely and accurately using high-quality imaging technologies. A prosthetist can further use a 3D printer to produce patient-specific prosthetics on demand. Many market analysts believe that 3D printing technologies will make prosthetics affordable for millions of disabled people in the future.

8) Driving Medical Research and Development

3D printing technology is transforming medicine and surgery by facilitating medical research and development (R&D). Many doctors and researchers these days use 3D printers to develop new treatments for various diseases by producing automated cell structures. The automated cell structures make it easier for physicians and surgeons to determine if a new drug is toxic to humans and animals during preclinical trials. Also, 3D printing technologies enable researchers to develop new clinical solutions, create innovative devices, and personalize various treatments without investing in extra time and effort.

3D printing is one of the disruptive technologies that are transforming the healthcare industry. In addition to leveraging 3D printing technologies, most healthcare industries these days invest in R&D. The combination of demand and research will create many new 3D printing applications in medicine and surgery in the near future.

Keyword: 3D printing applications in medicine

References:

httpa://Formlabs.com/asia/blog/3d-printing-in-medicine-healthcare/

https://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/3d-printing-healthcare-market

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6139809/

https://www.think3d.in/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Surgery-Planning-Case-Study.pdf

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327320182_The_clinical_use_of_3D_printing_in_surgery

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4875895/

https://www.sculpteo.com/en/3d-learning-hub/applications-of-3d-printing/medical-3d-printing/

https://formlabs.com/asia/blog/3d-printing-in-medicine-healthcare/

https://www.science.org.au/curious/people-medicine/bioprinting

https://radiopaedia.org/articles/phantom

Benefits of 3D Printers for School Education

The applications and use cases of 3D printing technologies vary across industries. Enterprises from various industries these days use different 3D printing technologies - fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), and stereolithography (SLA) – to facilitate rapid prototyping and producing fully functional parts. At the same time, the number of educational institutions investing in various 3D printers has been increasing consistently. Also, many companies have been designing and customizing 3D printers for various educational institutions.

According to a market forecast and analysis report released by Technavio, “The 3D printing market size in the education sector has the potential to grow by USD 687.56 million during 2021-2025, and the market’s growth momentum will accelerate during the forecast period.”

The industry forecast report depicts the huge benefits of 3D printers for schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions. Many schools already leverage 3D printing technologies to modernize and transform their learning environments. Also, teachers and educators have been creating new use cases 3D printers for education consistently by making students acquiring skills for the future. If your school is yet to purchase a 3D printer, it is time for you to understand some of the important benefits of 3D printers for schools.

Understanding 9 Important Benefits of 3D printers for Schools

1. Set up Visual Learning Environments

Many educational institutions already leverage 3D printing technologies to transform and modernize conventional learning environments. They provide teachers and students with access to 3D printers to set up a visual learning environment. In the visual learning environment, students do not acquire knowledge simply only by listening to teachers or reading books. In addition to interacting with teachers, they can visualize the concepts and ideas by producing three-dimensional objects in the classroom environment. The visual learning environment will help schools to keep the curriculum relevant in the longer run.

2. Implement STEAM Education

Many schools these days provide future-proof learning by implementing the STEAM education approach. Unlike conventional learning approaches, STEAM emphasizes integrating areas of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Many schools already use 3D printing as a classroom technology to implement STEAM education. They allow students to become creators and designers using knowledge and unleashing creativity simultaneously. Also, access to 3D printers enables students to shape their ideas and imaginations physically.

3. Foster Innovation and Invention

Several studies recommend schools to encourage students to become creators and innovators. In addition to focusing on making students acquire and retain knowledge, schools these days focus extensively on fostering creativity and innovation. 3D printers help schools to create opportunities for students to create objects and solutions using their creativity and imagination. Educators can encourage and motivate students to become creators and inventors by providing access to 3D printers for school.

4. Boost Student Engagement

Educators these days explore ways to keep students engaged and interested in both conventional and virtual classrooms. 3D printing technologies make it easier for teachers to make the learning experience both different and exciting. Teachers can 3D-print objects to make students understand complex concepts and theories clearly and differently. The change in approach helps schools to convert reluctant learners into active learners.

5. Deliver Hands-on Learning

In the age of digital communications, schools have to emphasize delivering hands-on learning. The 3D printers for schools help teachers to create opportunities for students to acquire knowledge through action and experience. In addition to explaining concepts, they can make students observe and inspect the concepts in solid three-dimensional form.

6. Prepare Students to Solve Real-World Problems

Many people these days use 3D printers to produce home decors, household accessories, and functional repair items. Also, 3D printing technologies encourage many people to solve simple real-world problems by producing various items and objects. In addition to delivering hands-on training, schools can prepare and encourage students to solve a variety of real-world problems by providing access to 3D printers. There are many instances when school children solved in their communities using 3D printers.

7. Facilitate Collaboration and Camaraderie

3D printing or additive manufacturing is a multistep process. An individual student cannot produce a variety of objects or items without collaborating and networking with others. Hence, schools can use 3D printing technologies as classroom technology to make students acquire important and useful soft skills like communication, collaboration, cooperation, and team spirit. Many students these days become part of online communities to learn how to use 3D printers more effectively and how to choose the right 3D printing material.

8. Foster Critical Thinking and Design Thinking

Every school can prepare students to become entrepreneurs and innovators by focusing on the development of critical thinking and design thinking. Access to 3D printers helps students to visualize their ideas and unleash their creativity. The teachers can make students think critically and hone problem-solving skills by assigning projects. Also, they can motivate students to solve a variety of real-time problems by thinking like designers and innovators. Many teachers these days create new use cases to make 3D printing technologies complement and extend the preset curriculum perfectly.

9. Encourage Students to Pursue STEM Degrees

According to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center, “About half of adults (52%) say the main reason young people don’t pursue STEM degrees is they think these subjects are too hard.”  As mentioned earlier, 3D printers help schools to make STEM education easier for students by integrating conventional and hands-on learning. The students can use 3D printers to understand complex concepts and theories. The hands-on learning will help and motivate students to pursue STEM degrees in the future.

Aurum3D helps schools to leverage 3D printing technologies in two distinct ways – launching affordable 3D printers and providing 3D printing services. The 3D printing services help educational institutions to produce three-dimensional items from digital models without investing in a 3D printer. At the same time, the 3D printer launched by Aurum3D helps schools to convert 3D printing technology into one of the commonly used classroom technologies.

Keywords: Benefits of 3D printers, 3D printers for school, 3D printers for education

References

https://www.makersempire.com/7-benefits-of-using-3d-printing-technology-in-education/

https://digilab.dremel.com/blog/five-benefits-using-3d-printers-education

https://www.makerbot.com/stories/3d-printing-education/5-benefits-of-3d-printing/

https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/technology/e-learning/4-benefits-of-3d-printing-for-schools/245670

https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2019/06/resurgence-3d-printers-modern-learning-environments-perfcon