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

Selective Laser Sintering Applications

You can use a 3D printer to construct a variety of three-dimensional objects physically from digital 3D models. But you can boost the quality and usability of the 3D-printed object only by choosing the appropriate 3D printing technologies. Engineers often opt for selective laser sintering (SLS) as a fast and cost-efficient 3D printing technology. You can further leverage this widely used 3D printing technology to construct items with higher dimensional accuracy and better chemical and mechanical properties.

While planning selective laser sintering applications, you have the option to choose from various production-grade nylon materials in powder form. You can further boost the SLS 3D printing process using 3D nesting software. Enterprises from various sectors use SLS 3D printing technology to print production parts, complex prototypes, innovative tools, and complex parts. They have been extending selective laser sintering applications by creating new use cases regularly.

Varying Selective Laser Sintering Applications and Use Cases

Minimize Material Wastage

Selective laser sintering is often described as a zero-waste 3D printing technology. Unlike other 3D printing technologies, SLS enables engineers to recycle-sintered powdered materials. The non-sintered powdered materials can be recycled after the 3D-printing process without investing in extra time and effort. The new-age SLS 3D printers are built with features to combine new powder and recycles powder seamlessly. That is why; enterprises from various industries opt for selective laser sintering to curtail overall printing costs by reducing both material consumption and material wastage.

Customization and Low-Volume Production

In addition to minimizing material wastage, selective laser sintering is one of the fast 3D printing technologies. Its effectiveness in reducing printing time and cost makes SLS one of the preferred additive manufacturing technologies for low-volume production. Engineers further use an SLS 3D printer to produce customized products and models quickly based on varying customer needs. Enterprises from many sectors facilitate low-volume production and product customization through selective laser sintering applications.

Increase Throughput

SLS enables enterprises to produce customized parts in low-volumes. It further constructs parts and models with no support structures. Hence, enterprises leverage this industrial additive manufacturing technology to deliver a higher number of parts in increasing throughput. The additive manufacturing technology allows engineers to increase throughput without impacting the part’s quality, resolution, accuracy, and surface finish. Many enterprises these days opt for new-age SLS 3D printers to increase throughput and accelerate high-volume production by applying 3D nesting techniques.

Replace Subtractive Manufacturing Methods

SLS is one of the fast and most cost-efficient 3D printing technologies. It enables manufacturers to build production parts, complex prototypes, and end-use components without escalating costs. The manufacturers can further create strong and durable products using a variety of materials. SLS makes it easier for engineers to eliminate the design restrictions associated with conventional production methods. That is why; manufacturing companies find it easier to replace subtractive manufacturing methods with selective laser sintering.

Facilitate Rapid Prototyping

As mentioned earlier, selective laser sintering forms structures by sauntering powder filaments using a high-power laser. The high-power laser beams sinter and blends small powdered grains more efficiently. Hence, it becomes easier for engineers to produce complex prototypes with high precision while experimenting with multiple materials. Also, the engineers can use and evaluate the 3D-printed prototypes immediately after the post-processing stage. Selective laser sintering is currently used widely by manufacturers to add accuracy and precision to the rapid prototyping process.

Produce Heat-Resistant and Chemical-Resistant Parts

SLS facilitates the construction of strong and durable parts using a variety of materials. Engineers also have the option to use 3D printing technology to produce functional parts and tools that can resist both heat and chemicals. They can further produce parts with complex geometries, mechanical joints, or living hinges without increasing printing costs. That is why; SLS is currently used widely by engineers to produce a wide variety of industrial products according to varying process needs.

Create Innovative Tooling

The filaments and materials used in the SLS 3D printing process are effective in enduring a higher amount of stress and absorbing moisture. Also, selective laser sintering helps enterprises to create tools and items that are both strong and durable. That is why; enterprises opt for selective laser sintering to produce a variety of tools, fixtures, and jigs with intricate patterns and complex geometries. Engineers evaluate and fine-tune these complex and innovative tools through rapid prototyping.

Simplify Jewelry Design and Production

While using selective laser sintering, engineers have the option to use metal-based materials like copper polyamide or rapid steel. The support for metal-based materials makes SLS one of the widely used 3D printing technologies in the jewelry industry. Jewelry designers collaborate with 3D artists and engineers to design new jewelry pieces through the direct fabrication of metal designs. Many jewelers further use SLS printers to design personalized and unique pieces of jewelry for their clients.

Keep Medical Treatments Safe

Selective laser sintering is one of the 3D printing technologies that are compatible with commonly used dental materials like thermoplastic, plastic, metal, and ceramic. Also, it produces dental prosthetics with a higher accuracy level. That is why; manufacturers from dental industries opt for this industrial 3D printing technology to fabricate personalized dental prosthetics using ceramic or metal. Dentists have been integrating SLS into their routine practice to perform dental treatments safely. Likewise, physicians use SLS 3D printers to conduct feasibility studies by producing components and prototypes on-demand.

You can opt for SLS 3D printing to construct strong and durable three-dimensional items with high-level accuracy. But you must focus on streamlining the SLS 3D printing process while comparing selective laser sintering applications. Also, you should focus on customizing the printing process by choosing the right SLS 3D printer and the right material.

References:

https://www.3dsystems.com/selective-laser-sintering

https://3digiprints.com/3D-Help/selective-laser-sintering-sls.php

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/materials-science/selective-laser-sintering

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1243/0954405991516912

http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~rapidproto/students.00/jhong/SLS/#materials

https://top3dshop.com/blog/sls-printing-overview#:~:text=The%20SLA%20technology%20is%20used,for%20dental%20and%20surgical%20purposes.

https://www.treatstock.com/guide/article/116-why-every-industy-needs-sls-3d-printing

https://www.hubs.com/knowledge-base/selecting-right-3d-printing-process/#by-use-case

Top 3D Printing Blogs to Follow in 2022

3D printing or additive manufacturing has been transforming various industries by facilitating rapid prototyping, low-volume production, and manufacturing cost reduction. A steady increase is being noted in the number of students, hobbyists, and professionals using 3D printers to produce solid three-dimensional items from digital models.

But no person can 3D print an object, model, or part accurately and precisely without combining the right 3D printing technology and filament. Also, she needs to focus on three important stages in the 3D printing process – pre-processing, building, and post-processing.

In addition to supplying 3D printers and providing 3D printing services, many companies passionately believe in popularizing 3D printing technologies. They publish blogs regularly to make beginners and enthusiasts familiar with various 3D printing technologies and materials.

We have shortlisted some of the top 3D printing blogs using multiple parameters. The list of top 3D printing blogs will help beginners and enthusiasts to understand widely used 3D printing technologies Also, they can leverage the information to convert their innovative ideas into three-dimensional objects by managing 3D printing projects successfully.

Top 3D Printing Blogs Enthusiasts and Learners Should Follow in 2022

3D Printing Industry

The global media company has been publishing blogs regularly to make enthusiasts aware of 3D printing and 3D scanning technologies. The online resources created by 3D Printing Industry helps readers keep track of the latest development in 3D printing and 3D scanning. In addition to supporting a dedicated team of content writers, the company has been posting content created by external contributors. Hence, a reader can get updated information about 3D printing and 3D scanning technologies by following this popular 3D printing blog.

3DPrint.com

The dedicated news portal helps professionals and enthusiasts to access the latest news related to the 3D printing industry. A reader can follow 3DPrint.com to know the latest information related to 3D printing, 3D scanning, 3D software, and 3D filaments. Also, the news portal delivers hands-on information about various industries using 3D printing technologies. A subscriber can follow this 3D printing blog to access additive manufacturing industry news and stories on a regular basis.

3D-Print.today

The online news magazine delivers the latest news and up-to-date information about the 3D printing industry. It enables readers to get up-to-date 3D printing industry information in various forms – articles, blogs, videos, fresh news, and opinions. A reader can follow 3D-Print.today to get both detailed information and the latest news about various 3D printing technologies. Also, she can leverage the information to buy the right 3D printer and 3D printing filaments for various projects.

Develop 3D

A reader has the option to choose from both print and digital editions of Develop3D Magazine. The online magazine helps readers to access the latest news and updated information about 3D printing, additive manufacturing, and CAD. The readers can access the online edition of the magazine free of cost. Also, they can visit the website regularly to get news, reviews, features, opinion, and videos. They can further leverage the reviews written by seasoned professionals to make informed decisions while planning and managing 3D printing projects.

Aurum3D

Aurum3D is one of the major 3D printing companies in Bangalore. The team at Aurum3D has expertise in providing 3D printing services to clients from many industries. Also, the professionals are passionate about making 3D printing technologies accessible to students, hobbyists, and enthusiasts. A reader can follow the popular 3D printingblos to understand the pros and cons of widely used 3D printing technologies. The blogs help readers to choose the right 3D printing technology and material for their projects. Also, readers can read the blogs regularly to track emerging 3D printing trends and learn new use cases being created across industries.

Tech Crunch

The online newspaper has built a reputation by publishing content related to technologies and entrepreneurship. Tech Crunch has been helping entrepreneurs and startups to leverage cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing by publishing blogs, newsletters, audio, and videos. An enthusiast can follow this popular 3D printing blog to access multi-format digital content created by experienced writers and contributors. The blogs posted on Tech Crunch help readers to differentiate between various 3D printing technologies and filaments based on varying project needs.

3D Platform

The 3D Platform has been popularizing additive manufacturing technologies by supplying 3D printers, accessories, spare parts, and spare parts. The professionals at 3D Platform aim to solve common 3D printing problems by publishing insightful blogs regularly. A reader can follow this blog to learn some of the widely used 3D printing technologies as well as common 3D printing problems. At the same time, these blogs help readers to buy the right 3D printer and use the 3D printer to produce a variety of items on their own.

3D Systems

In addition to providing 3D printing services, 3DSystems has been manufacturing 3D printers, 3D scanners, and 3D printing filaments. At the same time, 3DSystems is passionate about making enthusiasts and learners familiar with various 3D printing technologies. A reader can access the blogs published by 3DSystems to gather up-to-date information about specific 3D printing technologies as well as know the new use cases being created in specific industries. The blogs posted on 3DSystems are written by seasoned professionals in various languages. Hence, the blogs help readers to know the latest 3D printing news and trends in their preferred languages.

Simplify 3D

Simplify3D has been simplifying the 3D printing process by providing sophisticated slicing software. Many professionals leverage the slicing software to provide 3D printers with the instructions required to produce solid three-dimensional objects from digital files. In addition to updating the slicing software regularly, Simiplify3D has been popularizing additive manufacturing technologies by publishing blogs regularly. Both professionals and learners can follow the Simplify3D Blog to access learning resources, general news, and customer success stories.

3D printing technologies have been evolving consistently. Likewise, 3D printing trends change at regular intervals. Beginners and enthusiasts can follow these top 3D printing blogs to learn new 3D printing technologies and track emerging 3D printing trends. However, they must find time to read the blogs regularly to leverage 3D printing technologies fully. It is also advisable for readers to keep their knowledge up to date by following multiple 3D printing blogs.

Types of Additive Manufacturing

Enterprises from various industries have been switching from subtractive manufacturing to additive manufacturing to curtail production time and cost significantly. As its name indicates, additive manufacturing or additive layer manufacturing produces a variety of three-dimensional objects physically by adding materials layer by layer through a computer-controlled process.

According to AdditiveManufacturing.media, “’ Additive manufacturing’ (AM) describes the use of 3D printing to make functional components, including tools and end-use production parts. Unlike ‘subtractive manufacturing’ such as processes machining, where parts are created by removing material, additive manufacturing builds geometries by ‘adding’ feedstock such as filament, wire or powder.” Additive manufacturing produces solid parts, models, prototypes, and products by leveraging 3D printing. 3D printing technologies produce various objects from three-dimensional digital models by adding materials or filaments layer by layer. In addition to reducing material consumption and wastage, additive manufacturing enables you to produce parts with complex geometries and varying shapes.

You also have the option to choose from different types of additive manufacturing according to the precise project needs. Likewise, you can use additive manufacturing technologies to produce objects using a variety of materials – powder, resins, and plastics. That is why; you should understand and compare some of the widely used additive manufacturing technologies to streamline the manufacturing process.

Brief Overview of 7 Widely Used Additive Manufacturing Technologies

1. Binder Jetting:

Binder jetting technique creates parts by joining powder material using a binder or binding liquid during the fusion process. You have to choose the appropriate binder or binding liquid according to the type of powder used in the additive manufacturing process. This type of additive manufacturing allows you to choose from various types of materials – ceramics, metal, and polymer. Also, you can make the object appealing by adding a wide range of colors. But you need to put extra time and effort into post-processing activities. Also, you cannot use this type of additive manufacturing to build structural parts with strength and accuracy.

2. Material Extrusion:

This popular form of additive manufacturing builds objects by depositing thermoplastic or composite filament continuously. These industrial 3D printers are designed with extruding nuzzles through which the thermoplastic filament is fed. The machine uses heat to fuse the filament deposited on the build platform layer by layer. Many enterprises opt for material extrusion as an easy-to-use and user-friendly additive manufacturing technology. Material extrusion allows you to build objects using a variety of print materials without escalating material costs. But this technique requires support. Also, it is not effective in producing strong and durable parts.

3. Material Jetting:

This type of additive manufacturing builds three-dimensional objects by depositing droplets of wax-like materials selectively onto the build platform. The wax-like material is deposited in layers on top of each other. The part is formed as the material becomes cool and solid gradually. The printed object is produced after the support structure is removed or melted. Enterprises opt for material jetting technology while producing parts with superior surface finishing and outstanding accuracy. But wax-like material often makes the printed item fragile. Also, you do not have the option to choose from a wide range of wax-like materials for this additive manufacturing process.

4. Powder Bed Fusion:

The powder bed fusion method builds parts by melting plastic or metal powder particles using a variety of energy sources. The energy source melts the powder which is subsequently fused and solidified to create the pattern. This category of 3D printers is developed with two build chambers and a creating roller. While using powder bed fusion technology, you have the option to choose from and combine a variety of materials. Also, you can 3D-print industrial items with minimal support. But the additional post-processing increases the additive manufacturing time significantly. Also, this additive manufacturing technology is suitable for creating objects with weak structural properties and varying surface textures.

5. Sheet Lamination :

As the name indicates, the sheet lamination method produces objects by stacking and laminating multiple and thin layers of materials using a variety of ways – bonding, brazing, or ultrasonic welding. You need to use a CNS or laser cutting machine to form the final shape of the object. Sheet lamination is one of the fast and cost-efficient additive manufacturing methods. It enables you to manage materials effortlessly without providing support structures. But you must arrange a larger working area and spend additional time on post-processing activities. You do not have the option to choose from a wide range of materials while using sheet lamination techniques. You need to use the appropriate sheet lamination technique to achieve the desired bonding strength.

6. Directed Energy Deposition

Direct energy deposition creates three-dimensional objects by melting wire-based or powder-based printing material using a variety of energy sources – laser, plasma arc, and electronic beams. Enterprises these days use the direct energy deposition method to facilitate hybrid manufacturing. Also, this type of additive manufacturing is used widely to create items with complex shapes using metal, ceramic, or polymer. In addition to accelerating the additive manufacturing process, the direct energy deposition method is effective in building large, strong, and dense parts. But you need to incur high capital expenditure to streamline the additive manufacturing process.

7. Vat Photopolymerization

The vat photopolymerization method creates three-dimensional items by converting photopolymer liquid resin into hard plastic. It cures the photopolymer liquid resin in a vat layer by layer using an ultraviolet laser. Enterprises opt for this form of additive manufacturing to create large items with optimal accuracy and superior finish. This method created parts in a shorter amount of time. But you lack the option to choose from a variety of photopolymer liquid resins. Also, you have the put extra time and effort to remove additional resin during the post-processing. Vat photopolymerization is one of the more expensive additive manufacturing technologies. While considering and comparing various types of additive manufacturing, you must not ignore some of the widely used 3D printing technologies. Both 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies build solid objects depositing materials or filaments layer by layer based on CAD files. But additive manufacturing technologies are more advanced and rigorous than 3D printing technologies.

About Aurum3D Aurum3D is one of the leading 3D printing companies in Bangalore. We have been working in multiple technologies of 3D printing like FDM, SLA, and SLS 3D Printing in areas like prototyping and custom 3D printing.

References:

https://www.k3syspro.com/advice-centre/erp-advice/whats-the-difference-between-3d-printing-and-additive-manufacturing/

https://www.additivemanufacturing.media/articles/additive-manufacturing-and-3d-printing-are-two-different-things

https://additivemanufacturing.com/basics/

https://www.additivemanufacturing.media/kc/what-is-additive-manufacturing

https://www.appliedengineering.com/blog/2021/1/22/7-types-of-additive-manufacturing

https://blog.spatial.com/types-of-additive-manufacturing

https://www.firetrace.com/fire-protection-blog/additive-manufacturing

3D Printing in Bhubaneswar Odisha

The 3D printing market in India is still at a nascent stage. But several market research studies have highlighted the huge growth opportunities offered by the Indian 3D printing industry in the near future. The growth of the 3D printing market in India will not be driven only by tier-1 cities. Both individuals and enterprises contribute hugely towards the growth of 3D printing in tier-2 cities like Bhubaneswar in Odisha.

The popularity of 3D printing in Odisha can be determined from the fact that a leading 3D printing monofilament manufacturing service provider like Craftlog Systems LLP started its operation in a small garage workshop in Balasore. Likewise, a class 10 student in Odisha surprised everybody by gifting a 3D-printed robotic hand to a diving girl.

In Bhubaneswar, 3D printing technologies are being popularized by many local and interstate enterprises. Many businesses and startups boost accessibility 3D printing in Bhubaneswar Odisha by supplying different 3D printers and 3D printing materials. Many businesses and startups make 3D printing accessible to Odia people by providing 3D modeling, 3D printing, and 3D scanning services.

At the same time, many organizations make beginners and hobbyists familiarize with 3D printing technologies by conducting workshops and training programs. We can assess the growth and popularity of 3D printing in Bhubaneswar Odisha based on the products and services offered by various 3D printing companies.

Companies and Startups Popularizing 3D Printing in Bhubaneswar Odisha

Aurum3D

Aurum3D is a 3D printing company operating and delivering its products and services across the country, India. It contributes hugely towards popularizing 3D printing in Bhubaneswar Odisha by offering affordable 3D printing, 3D designing, 3D designing, and 3D scanning services. A person living in Odisha can convert her idea to reality simply by uploading the 3D model in the form of an STL file. Also, she has the option to choose from a variety of 3D printers and 3D printing materials according to precise project needs.

3D Printed India

The local 3D printing company is located in Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar. 3D Printed India Pvt. Ltd. has been providing affordable 3D printing services to customers living near Bhubaneswar. A person can avail of the 3D printing service to convert a 3D model into a three-dimensional model. She can share the 3D design or print with the company through email. Also, she can receive a quote by sharing customized project requirements through the company’s website.

Matterize

The Bhubaneswar-based 3D printing company has been popularizing 3D printing technologies in Odisha in two distinct ways – providing 3D printing services and selling 3D-printed items. A customer can visit the website of Matterize to buy a variety of accessories, containers, home decors, lights, figurines, toys, and collectibles created using 3D printing technologies. At the same time, she can avail of the affordable 3D printing services provided by Matterize to convert 3D models into physical objects using FDM 3D printing technology.

Think3D

The leading 3D printing company is yet to set up a branch office in Bhubaneswar. But Think3D has been providing 3D printing and rapid prototyping services to clients in Odisha through its website. In addition to providing 3D printing, 3D scanning, and 3D design services, Think3D supplied both 3D printers and 3D printing materials. The Hyderabad-based 3D company helps professionals and hobbyists in Odisha get three-dimensional models delivered simply by uploading their digital files. Also, it makes it easier for customers to convert their ideas and visions into three-dimensional objects by designing and printing the model.

Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab)

The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) has launched Fabrication Laboratory (FabLab) as a small-scale workshop. FabLab aims to enable people to make a wide variety of things using computer-controlled tools. FabLab makes advanced 3D printing technologies accessible in Bhubaneswar by reengineering the resin-based 3D printing technology. As the reengineered version of resin-based 3D printing technology, Low Force Stereolithography (LFS) enhances print quality and printer reliability while reducing printing time.

Makenica

Many students and engineers in Bhubaneswar look for companies that allow them to choose from many types of 3D printing. Makenica has gained popularity by allowing customers in Bhubaneswar to avail of a variety of 3D printing services – FDM, SLA, SLA, PolyJet, and Metal. An enthusiast can get an instant quotation from Makenica by sharing project details in the form of a digital file. Makenica delivered the 3D-printed part in a specific period. However, the amount of time required by Makenica to print and deliver the part varies across 3D printing technologies.

3Ding

3Ding is one of the companies that provide customers in Bhubaneswar with the option to buy or rent a 3D printer. Many customers in Bhubaneswar prefer reducing project costs by renting the appropriate 3D printer for a day, week, month, or quarter. At the same time, customers in Bhubaneswar also avail get a 3D-printed item in a few days by uploading their design and choosing the appropriate 3D printing technology and filament.

Sculpteo

This multinational company has built a customer base in Bhubaneswar by providing online 3D printing services. Sculpteo allows customers to convey their ideas or visions by creating 3D designs using any CAD software. It further gets the 3D design printed by professional operators in facilities located in France and San Francisco. Many enterprises and engineers opt for the online 3D printing services provided by Sculpteo to obtain high-quality 3D-printed items.

Training Institutions

Like 3D printing companies, educational institutions contributed immensely towards popularizing 3D printing in Bhubaneswar Odisha. The 3D printing training programs and workshops conducted by various educational institutions help many enthusiasts and hobbyists access and learn 3D printing technologies. The beginners and hobbyists these days have the option to join 3D printing courses offered by many training institutions - Institute of Digital Media Technology (IDMT), Zee Institute of Creative Arts, Water Flame, and Kalinga Bikash Computers.

The popularity and adoption of 3D printing technologies have been increasing consistently in tire-2 cities like Bhubaneswar. But both individuals and startups have already started leveraging the opportunities created by 3D printing to drive innovation and generate revenue. Hence, we can expect many new use cases of 3D printing in Bhubaneswar Odisha over the next few years.

3D Printing Companies in India - Aurum3D

India is one of the countries where the 3D printing industry is in a nascent stage. But several market research studies suggest that the 3D printing industry in India has been growing steadily and consistently. The consistent growth of additive manufacturing industries allows for both individual and enterprise customers to choose from a large number of 3D printing companies in India.

3D printing companies in India differ from each other in many aspects. For instance, some of these companies manufacture industrial and desktop 3D printers, while others supply different types of 3D printing filaments. At the same time, many companies help customers to overcome constraints related to skills and budget by providing customized 3D designing, 3D scanning, and 3D printing services.

But several 3D printing companies in India stand out from competitors by fostering innovation and creativity. In addition to accelerating prototyping and customization, these companies help clients to design and create unique items by combining the right 3D printing technology and filaments. We are shortlisting some of the most innovative 3D printing companies by collecting information from diverse sources.

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

Imaginarium

Imaginarium has beaten competition by 3D-printing over 2500 parts every day using 20 industrial 3D printers. The 3D printing company has already delivered 3D-printed parts and models to clients from 40 industries. Recently, Imaginarium helped a leading jewelry company in creating a world record-breaking diamond ring using 3D printing technologies. Also, the company helps entrepreneurs to start their own jewelry brands by launching an online manufacturing platform. It allows customers to get customized 3D printing services by choosing from a slew of hardware, software, and filaments.

Think3D

Think3D is one of the 3D printing companies in India that deal in various types of 3D printers, 3D scanners, and 3D printing filaments. At the same time, the company has been providing 3D design, 3D scanning, and 3D printing services to companies from different sectors. Think3D has already 3D-printed over 2 million parts using 69 in-house machines. At the same time, the integrated 3D printing facility set up by the company helps facilitate rapid prototyping by combining a variety of services - 3D printing, 3D designing, 3D scanning, vacuum casting, injection molding, and scale modeling.

Aurum3D

Aurum3D is one of the 3D printing companies in Bangalore, India that have built a reputation in a short amount of time by providing 3D design, 3D printing, and 3D scanning services to companies from various sectors. The Bangalore-based company has already 3D-printed unique items for reputable companies from engineering, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, education, and medical industries. Recently, Aurum3D helped a leading aerospace company to arrange and organize key physical facilities by 3D-printing plant layout. Likewise, they helped future architects speed up natural disaster recovery by 3D-printing prefabricated homes as a student project.

Altem Technologies

Altem Technologies stands out from the crowd by providing cutting-edge 3D bioprinting services. The customized 3D bioprinting services help scientists and laboratories to carry out breakthrough research. The item creates organs, parts, and models using as the primary material. But the company helps scientists and researchers to cure or solidify the in a variety of ways using DLP and holographic light technologies. At the same time, it makes it easier for scientists to work and experiment with varying biomaterials using flexible extrusion-based bioprinting. However, Altem also offers 3D printing services that help customers create customized items using three popular 3D printing technologies – FDM, SLA, and Polyjet.

Novabeans

Novabeans is one of the 3D printing companies in India that has been providing a variety of additive manufacturing solutions to local and offshore companies. The 3D printers and scanners developed by Novabeans facilitate metal printing, ceramic printing, food printing, and bioprinting. At the same time, customers can 3D-print a variety of items by buying appropriate materials and filaments from the 3D printing company. Novabeans enhanced its professional reputation during the COVID-19 pandemic by 3D printing essential medial parts and facilitating 3D printing by providing technical support.

Divide By Zero

This company helps customers 3D print a variety of items by developing desktop, professional, and industrial 3D printers. At present, enterprises from various sectors – architecture, automobile, medical, education, and casting – use 3D printers developed by Divide By Zero. Divide By Zero beats the competition by leveraging a high-speed 3D printing technology – AFPM.

Unlike conventional additive manufacturing techniques, AFPM reduces 3D printing time drastically through automation. The new-age 3D printing technology uses proprietary software to identify potential pitfalls and take corrective measures automatically during the 3D printing process. The automation makes AFPM effective in improving output quality.

Engineering Technique

In addition to dealing in 3D printers and software, Engineering Technique offers a variety of 3D modeling and printing services. The 3D CAD and 3D printing services provided by the company help enterprises from various industries to experiment with ideas by producing a variety of items without investing additional resources. At the same time, Engineering Technique enhances its professional reputation consistently by offering advanced 3D printing solutions according to varying project needs. The combination of 3D design and printing services helps businesses to leverage additive manufacturing by overcoming constraints related to skills.

3DBazaar

This 3D printing company allows customers to buy 3D printers and 3D filaments along with availing of 3D printing services. 3D Bazaar deals in desktop and industrial 3D printers developed by different companies. Also, it helps customers to choose from a slew of filaments according to their 3D printers. At the same time, a customer can avail of 3D printing services to get desired items simply by uploading the digital file and selecting the appropriate 3D printing technology and filament. The abundance of choices and options make 3D Bazaar one of the top 3D printing companies in India.

Both individual and enterprise customers these days have the option to choose from many 3D printing companies in India. Most of these companies sell 3D printers, supply 3D printing filaments, and provide 3D printing services. But every customer must choose one of the most innovative 3D printing companies in India to create unique items based on ideas that nobody has tried before

Future of 3D Printing in India

As a disruptive technology, 3D printing or additive manufacturing facilitates the creation of a variety of solid items and objects from digital 3D models through a layering process. Both individuals and enterprises in India these days leverage various 3D printing technologies to convert their imaginations and ideas into physical objects by combining imagination and creativity. We can predict the future of 3D printing in India based on the exponential growth potential suggested by various market research studies.

According to Manufactur3D Magazine, “The Indian 3D printing industry is still at a nascent stage. However, it offers huge growth opportunities in the coming years. In numbers, Indian 3D Printing Industry is currently below $100 million, but holds the potential of becoming $1billion in coming few years.”

At present, customers in India have the option to choose from a wide range of 3D printers according to their precise needs and budget. Also, they can avail themselves of professional 3D printing services to convert digital files into physical objects without investing in 3D printers. But the future of 3D printing in India will be shaped by a slew of factors – policies, strategies, partnerships, collaborations, and investments.

Predicting the Future of 3D Printing in India

Growth and Business Opportunities

The steady growth of the 3D printing market in India will create many new business opportunities. Both businesses and startups can leverage these opportunities in a variety of ways – producing 3D printers, selling 3D printers, supplying 3D filaments, providing 3D printing services, and selling 3D-printed products. Every entrepreneur will have the option to deal in a variety of 3D printers and filaments.

Likewise, a startup can generate recurring revenue by offering 3D designing, 3D scanning, and 3D printing services. Hence, enterprises will shape the future of 3D printing in India by capitalizing on many new opportunities. However, most entrepreneurs will target enterprise clients and deal in industrial 3D printing to generate more revenue.

Local 3D Printing Facilities

Many large companies have already announced their plans to set up 3D printing facilities in various tier-1 cities in India. For instance, Kerala-based Peekay Group is all set to open a 3D printing technology facility at the Airport City by signing an agreement with Bengaluru Airport City Ltd (BACL). Likewise, the Government of Telangana has announced its decision to set up the National Centre for Additive Manufacturing (NCAM) in Hyderabad. The local 3D printing facilities will drive the growth of the 3D printing market across Indian states.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Many private sector players form partnerships to leverage the growth opportunities created by 3D printing technologies. Some of these partnerships and collaborations aim to achieve high-quality 3D printing services customized according to precise project needs. At the same time, many collaborations aim to make 3D printing technologies accessible to Indian customers. For instance, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) collaborated with Wipro3D to facilitate the designing, development, production, and repairing of aerospace components using metal 3D printing technologies.

Key Challenges and Barriers

The adoption and growth of 3D printing in India are directly impacted by a slew of factors. The companies dealing in 3D printing machines, software, and filaments must address these key challenges proactively to leverage the growth opportunities created by additive manufacturing.

• High cost of advanced 3D printers
• Low-performance of inexpensive 3D printers
• Limited access to 3D printing filaments
• Constraints related to technical knowledge, skills, and expertise
• Absence of local 3D printing facilities

National 3D Printing Policy

In 2020, the Central Government announced a 3D printing policy intending to help domestic companies leverage commercial opportunities by overcoming both technical and economical barriers. The policy will help domestic companies and startups to set up global bases for 3D manufacturing in India. The policy formulated by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will shape the future of 3D printing in India by eliminating many technical and economical barriers.

Transition to Industry 4.0

Industry 4.0 or the fourth industrial revolution has already started transforming many industries through automation and digital transformation. 3D printing is one of the disruptive technologies driving Industry 4.0. But many industries in India are yet to adopt and leverage additive manufacturing.

But several studies suggest that 3D printing has the potential to transform most industries in India including manufacturing, engineering, automotive, aerospace, housing, and defense. Many experts cite the lack of awareness and understanding as the key reason slowing 3D printing adoption in India.

According to Business Today, “The technology, which took its first steps over three decades ago, is now catching on in India, where companies ranging from Tata Motors and JSW Steel to GE Transportation and tens of start-ups, apart from organizations such as ISRO, are reaping its benefits in the form of higher precision and lower costs.”

The 3D printing training programs and 3D printing services will make it easier for enterprises from various industries to leverage additive manufacturing. That is why; transition to Industry 4.0 will remain one of the most significant indicators of the future of 3D printing in India in the near future.

3D Printing Training and Awareness

Many startups aim to make 3D printing accessible to the masses. But no business can enhance the popularity and accessibility of additive manufacturing without promoting training and awareness aggressively. Many 3D companies in India already create awareness and train enthusiasts through training programs and workshops.

The consistent growth of 3D printing will boost the popularity of relevant courses and training programs. Many students and professionals will join such courses to create solid objects by combining the right 3D printer and filaments. Many students will join 3D printing courses to enhance their career prospects.

As highlighted by several market researchers and analysts, the 3D printing industry in India will grow consistently and steadily in the future. But the future of 3D printing in India will be driven by the way businesses and startups address the existing and emerging channels. Both private and public sectors have to take several initiatives to make advanced 3D printing technologies popular and affordable in various parts of the country in the short and long runs.

References:

https://manufactur3dmag.com/indian-3d-printing-industry-highlights-of-the-year-2020/

https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/100-3d-printing-experts-predict-the-future-of-3d-printing-in-2030-167623/

https://www.think3d.in/3d-printing-business-in-india/

https://www.electronicsb2b.com/eb-specials/industry-report/3d-printing-business-opportunity/

https://3dprint.com/271107/3d-printing-in-india-slow-adoption-what-the-future-holds/