Challenges of 3D Printing in Healthcare

Healthcare is one of the industries that are being transformed by additive manufacturing or 3D printing technologies. Hospitals and clinics in developed countries already leverage 3D printers to solve recurring problems by fabricating patient-specific anatomical structures and complex medical devices.

Also, they leverage 3D printing technologies to deliver personalized services, speed up processes and curtail costs. At the same time, new and innovative use cases of 3D printing in the medical field are being created regularly.

We can assess the transformative impact of 3D printing across the medical sector from the steady growth of the worldwide healthcare 3D printing market. However, the growth rate of the healthcare 3D printing market will vary across developed and developing countries.

Many healthcare providers in developed countries already use 3D printers to produce a variety of medical devices and healthcare solutions from CAD models. But healthcare providers in developing countries are still not familiar with the widely used 3D printing technologies.

Also, healthcare companies face many challenges of 3D printing in healthcare across regions. They can leverage healthcare 3D printing fully only by overcoming a slew of challenges and barriers. We are highlighting some of these major challenges in implementing 3D printing technologies across the healthcare sector.

Understanding 7 Major Challenges of 3D Printing In Healthcare

1) Diseconomy of Scale

3D printing technologies are still at a nascent stage in many regions. Subtractive manufacturing methods still beat additive manufacturing technologies in the category of delivery speed. A hospital or clinic needs additional time and resources to manufacture patient-specific solutions.

In addition to producing custom anatomical structures, engineers need time for post-processing activities.  Hence, patients often find 3D-printed medical products too expensive.  Healthcare companies must focus on achieving economy of scale to make 3D-printed medical products accessible.

2) Formula Manipulation and Alteration

3D printing of drugs has the potential to transform personalized medication by customizing the pill size or filling percentage according to the dosage. But the efficacy of the 3D-printed drugs is impacted when the right raw material is not used or the drug formula is altered.

There are always chances that the drug formula might be altered by an employee or a hacker during the 3D-printing process. Healthcare companies must monitor the 3D-printing process end-to-end to produce accurate and precise drugs according to the specific health condition of the patient.

3) Difficulty to Mimic

Bioprinting is one of the most significant use cases of 3D printing technologies in the healthcare industry. Many clinics and hospitals use sophisticated medical 3D printers to fabricate biomedical parts for patients combining cells, biomaterials, and growth factors. But the outcome of bioprinting projects depends on how the printed biomedical parts mimic the natural organs.

Many researchers complain that medical 3D printers are designed with spray nozzles that are too wide. The wider spray nozzles impact the accuracy and efficacy of printed biomedical parts by adjusting the quantity of bioink. Also, they find it challenging to create bioinks by combining natural and synthetic polymers accurately.

4) Varying Dimensional Accuracy

3D printing machines and materials differ from each other in the category of dimensional accuracy. For instance, SLS 3D printing technology is more effective than FDM 3D printing in creating parts with higher resolution, accuracy, and precision.

Similarly, technicians replace flexible resin with SLA resin to print parts with dimensional accuracy. While 3D-printing medical devices and biomedical parts, technicians need to ensure 100% dimensional accuracy.

In addition to designing accurate designs, they have to monitor and refine the entire 3D printing process. That is why; they must combine the right 3D printing machine, materials, and support structures to ensure dimensional accuracy of 3D-printed biomedical products.

5) Multiple 3D Print Failures

Many healthcare companies switch from subtractive manufacturing to additive manufacturing to reduce the time and resources required to fabricate patient-specific biomedical parts. But all the3D printing companies and technologies have their own shortcomings.

Also, technicians can deliver the biomedical part on time only when there is no print failure. Some of the major causes of 3D print failure are overheating, over extrusion, under extrusion, filament clogging, layer shifting, and poor bridging.

Multiple 3D print failures have become one of the prominent challenges of 3D printing in healthcare. Healthcare companies have to deploy skilled technicians to monitor the medical 3D printing process continuously. At the same time, technicians must identify and solve the 3D printing issues proactively to print a biomedical part successfully.

6) Need for Highly Skilled Technicians

3D printing is completely different from widely-used digital technologies. Most physicians and medical practitioners still lack the skill and expertise to 3D print medical products accurately and efficiently. At the same time, the technicians proficient in 3D printing technologies do not understand the device specifications or drug formulas recommended by medical practitioners.

Hence, health care companies and medical institutions can leverage 3D printing technologies fully only by deploying highly skilled technicians. In addition to using 3D printing machines and materials efficiently, the technicians must know how to create biomedical products using additive manufacturing. Most healthcare companies currently find it challenging to find such highly-skilled technicians.

7) Lack of Regulation and Standardization

The absence of commonly accepted standards and regulations is often cited as one of the key challenges of 3D printing in healthcare. While switching from subtractive manufacturing to additive manufacturing, medical institutions have the option to choose from a wide variety of 3D printing machines and materials.

But none of the medical 3D printing machines are approved by regulatory authorities like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Also, there are no laws related to the design and specifications of medical 3D printers. The lack of regulations and standardization increases the legal risks for healthcare companies.

Conclusion

3D printing is one of the disruptive technologies that have the potential to tackle many healthcare challenges in the world. But clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare companies cannot leverage 3D printing technologies without addressing many challenges.

They must collaborate with each other to tackle these major challenges of 3D printing in healthcare by developing methods of standardization. Likewise, they must create new cases by increasing R&D investment to overcome these barriers by creating new use cases regularly.

References

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334490932_3D_Printing_in_Medicine_Current_Challenges_and_Potential_Applications

https://www.cybernetman.com/blog/3-challenges-to-3d-printing-in-healthcare/

https://www.rsna.org/news/2019/january/clinical-3d-printing-status-challenges-and-opportunities

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7160453/

https://www.machinedesign.com/3d-printing-cad/article/21838078/the-challenge-of-3d-printing-medical-devices

https://3dheals.com/strategic-issues-of-3d-printing-in-hospitals-guide/

https://amfg.ai/2019/08/30/3d-printing-in-healthcare-where-are-we-in-2019/

3D Printing Business in India

India is one of the countries where additive manufacturing or technology is still at a nascent stage. But market forecast reports suggest that the 3D printing market in India has been growing steadily. Also, the “National Strategy on Additive Manufacturing (AM)” announced by the Government of India aims to drive and accelerate the growth of the 3D printing market in India.

In India, 3D printing businesses have been contributing immensely towards making various additive manufacturing technologies accessible to individuals and enterprises. They make it easier for clients to 3D-print parts and prototypes by supplying 3D printers, spare parts, and materials. Also, they help clients overcome constraints related to skills and resources by providing customized 3D printing services.

Every 3D printing business in India nowadays can leverage many business opportunities. Likewise, they can achieve and sustain profitable growth by choosing from various revenue models. We can divide various 3D printing companies in India into multiple categories based on revenue models. The categorization will help us understand how a 3D printing business in India contributes to popularizing additive manufacturing technologies.

How Does a 3D Printing Business in India Generate Recurring Revenue?

Manufacturing 3D Printers

Enterprises from various sectors invest in industrial 3D printers to facilitate rapid prototyping and low-volume production. Likewise, individuals purchase benchtop or desktop 3D printers to convert innovative ideas into solid three-dimensional objects.

The growing demand for industrial and desktop 3D printers creates opportunities for many companies to manufacture 3D printing machines. At present, many companies in India are manufacturing 3D printers to cater varying needs of individual and enterprise customers.

Manufacturing 3D Printing Materials

Engineers these days have the option to choose from a wide range of 3D printing filaments. For instance, they can choose from a variety of thermoplastic filaments while using an FDM 3D printer. Likewise, SLS 3D printers allow them to choose from a wide variety of powdered filaments.

Engineers always focus on combining the right 3D printing machine and filament to produce a part or prototype accurately. Many 3D printing businesses cater to varying project needs by manufacturing both conventional and new-age 3D printing materials.

Supplying 3D Printers and Materials

Many companies in India these days generate recurring revenue by reselling and supplying 3D printers and materials. Some of these businesses produce 3D printers and filaments on their own, while others supply machines and materials manufactured by leading companies.

They further supply machines and materials to customers across regions through their websites. In many Indian cities, customers lack the option to find local shops dealing in 3D printing machines and filaments. Hence, they rely on such resellers and dealers to get the desired 3D printer and material delivered in a few days.

Providing 3D Printing Services

Most Indian lack the technical knowledge and expertise required to 3D-print items on their own. Likewise, enterprises in India outsource 3D printing and rapid prototyping processes to save time and curtail costs. Many businesses in India generate recurring revenue by providing various 3D printing services to individuals and enterprises.

They allow clients to share their needs in the form of a CAD file. While uploading the CAD file, the customer also has the option to mention specific printing instructions as well as choose the 3D printing technology and material. Many businesses these days deliver FDM, SLS, and SLA 3D printing services to customers across regions through their websites. Also, they boost print quality and reduce lead time by implementing many 3D printing best practices.

Supplying Accessories and Spare Parts

While using a 3D printer, users need specific accessories to boost the printing process and print quality. Likewise, they need spare parts on time to use the 3D printer efficiently and continuously. Many 3D printing businesses in India generate revenue by supplying accessories and spare parts to customers through their websites.

They make it easier for customers to use 3D printers by supplying spare parts and accessories in a short amount of time. Some of these businesses deal in accessories and spare parts manufactured by international companies, while others supply items manufactured in India.

Selling 3D-Printed Items

3D printing technologies foster innovation and encourage creativity by converting digital files into three-dimensional items. A person can use the right 3D printer to create solid and durable items with intricate designs and complex geometries.

Many entrepreneurs these days leverage additive manufacturing technologies to sell innovative and customized home decors and gift items through their websites. In addition to allowing customers to choose from a slew of 3D-printed items, they enable customers to convert their own designs into 3D-printed items using the right machine and filament.

Offering Courses and Training Programs

In addition to making conventional production methods obsolete, 3D printing technologies create new career opportunities across industries. Many engineering students these days learn additive manufacturing to create innovative parts and prototypes efficiently.

Likewise, many hobbyists and enthusiasts look for options to learn the next-generation technologies. Many 3D printing businesses these days generate revenue by offering 3D printing courses and organizing 3D printing workshops.

Conclusion

Every 3D printing business in India can generate recurring revenue by leveraging various business opportunities and revenue models. But there are many businesses that increase revenue by leveraging multiple opportunities. For instance, many 3D printing companies in India these days provide 3D printing services, along with supplying 3D printing machines and materials.

While exploring business opportunities, entrepreneurs and business owners must not forget that additive manufacturing technologies have been evolving consistently. They can sustain growth in the long run only by allowing clients to choose from a wide range of 3D printing products and services. Also, they must beat the competition by meeting changes in customers’ needs and expectations.

References

https://manufactur3dmag.com/different-3d-printing-business-opportunities-india/

https://3digiprints.com/3D-Help/business-ideas-in-india.php

The Evolution of SLS 3D Printing

At present, Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is one of the widely used 3D printing technologies. Enterprises from various sectors use SLS 3D printing technology to produce parts and prototypes with superior strength, stiffness, resolution, and mechanic properties. Also, they have the option to choose from a variety of powdered materials according to precise project needs.

A market analysis report published by Grand View Report suggests a steady increase in the shipment of SLS 3D printers. However, SLS, like other popular 3D printing technologies, has been evolving consistently. We can understand and analyze the evolution of SLS 3D printing based on the technology’s history, materials, use cases, and popularity.

As a Patented 3D Printing Technology

SLS 3D printing technology was developed with the aim to replace liquid materials with powdered materials. Dr. Carl Deckarddeveloped the technology at the University of Texas. He patented the technology in 1988. In 2006, a startup company founded by Dr. Deckard and his academic adviser Dr. Joe Beaman started building and shipping SLS 3D printers commercially. The patent related to SLS 3D printing technology expired in 2014.

As a Non-Patented 3D Printing Technology

SLS became an open-source 3D printing technology after the expiration of the recent patent. Also, the expiration of the recent patent creates opportunities for many companies to build and ship low-cost and compact SLS machines. Many hardware manufacturers these days leverage OpenSLS as an open-source and low-cost platform to build multiple variants of SLS 3D printers. Hence, enterprises and individuals these days have the option to choose from many compact and large SLS 3D printers.

As a Widely Used Industrial 3D Printing Technology

While creating parts and prototypes for industrial projects, many enterprises these days prefer SLS to other widely-used 3D printing technology. Engineers find it easier to produce parts with enhanced strength, dimensional accuracy, and resolution using SLS 3D printers. Also, they love the option to choose from a wide range of powdered materials and filaments according to precise project needs while using SLS 3D printers.

That is why; SLS 3D printing is used widely by enterprises to produce strong and stiff parts with fantastic mechanical properties. The absence of a support structure speeds up the printing process by eliminating many post-processing activities. Also, engineers can leverage the no need for support to produce robust and detailed parts in a short amount of time. SLS 3D printing further curtails overall 3D printing costs by facilitating material recycling and reducing material wastage.

A Wide Range of SLS Materials and Filaments

Unlike other 3D printing technologies, SLS forms parts and prototypes by sintering small particles of powdered materials using a high-power laser. The industrial SLS 3D printers initially produced objects using nylon. Nylon is one of the widely-used engineering thermoplastics. In addition to being strong, durable, and lightweight, nylon facilitates the printing of items that can resist the impact of heat, chemicals, water, dirt, and UV ray.

That is why; engineers still opt for nylon while creating parts and prototypes using SLS 3D printers. But manufacturers have been developing and launching new SLS 3D printing materials regularly. Engineers, at present, have the option to choose from a wide range of nylon-based composite materials and high-performance materials. For instance, they can boost the quality of printed parts or prototypes using composite materials formed by mixing nylon with aluminum, carbon fiber, and glass fiber.

The composition enables them to enhance the thermal and mechanical properties of the material. At the same time, engineers can also choose from a slew of high-performance materials – PEEK, PEKK, flexible TPUs, anti-static polymers, and flame-retardant polymers. The emergence of innovative and superior materials contributes hugely toward making SLS a widely-used industrial additive manufacturing technology.

Common and Innovative Applications

Based on the precise needs of a part or prototype, engineers have the option to choose from a wide range of SLS 3D printing machines and materials. Hence, enterprises from various sectors create new use cases of SLS 3D printing regularly. We can summarize the evolution of SLS 3D printing based on some use cases or applications.

Complex Parts Manufacturing

Engineers these days design parts with intricate designs and complex geometries digitally. SLS 3D printing technology makes it easier for engineers to convert digital designs into solid parts or prototypes. Also, engineers can leverage SLS 3D printing to boost a product or process through part consolidation.

Low Volume Production

As mentioned earlier, SLS is a fast and cost-efficient 3D printing technology. It reduces overall printing costs by reducing material wastage. Likewise, it speeds up the printing process by eliminating support structures. Hence, it becomes easier for enterprises to facilitate low-volume productions of parts, tools, and fixtures.

Mass Customization

Manufacturing companies use SLS 3D printers for both small-batch manufacturing and end-use production. The technology further makes it easier for them to customize consumer products on a mass scale without escalating costs. The engineers can perform mass customization of products simply by making relevant changes to the digital 3D model.

Rapid Prototyping

While evaluating an idea or concept, engineers need to fabricate a physical part or model rapidly and repeatedly. SLS 3D printers help engineers to produce prototypes rapidly. The engineers can further refine the prototype by making changes to the digital 3D model or experimenting with new materials.

Material Experimentation

The new-generation SLS 3D printers create opportunities for engineers to experiment with a variety of powdered materials. In addition to using composite materials, engineers can choose materials with superior thermal and mechanical properties. Hence, they can produce innovative parts according to changing project needs.

Conclusion

At present, SLS is a widely used industrial 3D printing technology. But SLS is one of the additive manufacturing technologies that have been evolving consistently. Both individuals and enterprises these days have the option to choose from a wide range of SLS 3D printers and printing materials. The ongoing advancements contribute immensely towards boosting the adoption and popularity of SLS 3D printing.

Source - https://medium.com/@allaboutappsbiz/the-evolution-of-sls-3d-printing-24bc6df91aad

3D Printing Companies in Kolkata

 

The number of individuals and enterprises leveraging 3D printing technologies has been growing consistently. But 3D printing adaption is still a nascent stage in developing countries like India. 3D printing companies have been making various 3D printing technologies accessible and affordable to end-users in a variety of ways. Several market research and forecast studies suggest a consistent growth of the 3D printing market in India.

Many companies and startups have been popularizing 3D printing technologies in Kolkata. Most of these 3D printing companies in Kolkata offer customized 3D printing services. You can avail of customized 3D printing services to transform digital three-dimensional models into solid three-dimensional objects. At the same time, you can 3D-print a variety of items yourself buying 3D printers and 3D printing filaments from specific 3D printing companies in Kolkata.

While living in Kolkata, you have the option to choose from many local and remote 3D printing companies based on your project needs. But you should not shortlist the 3D printing companies only based on their corporate office addresses. It is always important to consider the reputation of 3D printing companies to avail the machines, services, or materials required to produce high-quality items.

Shortlisting Some of the Leading 3D Printing Companies in Kolkata

MELT

MELT is one of the leading 3D printing companies in Kolkata. It enables clients to 3D-print a variety of items by supplying AutoCAD software, 3D printers, 3D scanners, and 3D printing filaments. At the same time, it helps clients to overcome constraints related to skills and budgets by providing 3D designing, 3D printing, and 3D scanning services. You can share your project needs with MELT by uploading the digital 3D model. Also, you can customize the 3D printing services by choosing the appropriate 3D printing technology, material, and file unit.

Turtle Tech

Turtle Tech is a Kolkata-based 3D printing company. It offers SLS and FDM 3D printing services, along with a wide range of materials and filaments. You can customize the 3D printing services provided by Turtleye Tech by combining the appropriate material with an FDM/SLS 3D printer. The company helps you to compare the right material for your project by highlighting the pros and cons of every filament. You can receive a quote for Turtleye Tech by sharing your project needs in the form of a digital file.

FusionStream

FusionStream is one of the local3D printing companies in Kolkata. It has been providing both 3D printer manufacturing and 3D printing services to clients. But FusionStream delivers 3D printing services in offline mode. You can receive a quote by submitting your phone number and email address through its website. But you do not have the option to share your requirements by uploading a digital file. The company will contact you to understand your requirements.

Aurum3D

The Bangalore-based 3D printing company has been providing 3D printing services and supplying 3D printing filaments to clients in Kolkata through its website. You should consider Aurum3D to avail of FDM, SLS, or SLA 3D printing services, along with 3D designing and 3D scanning services. Also, you can customize the 3D printing services by choosing the appropriate material type, support material, print resolution, infill percentage, and layer height while uploading the STL file. At the same time, you can order a variety of 3D printing materials – resin, powder, and plastics – according to your specific project needs.

Think3D

The Hyderabad-based 3D printing company supplies 3D printing materials as well as provides 3D designing, 3D scanning, and 3D printing services. Think3D uses its own facility to provide a variety of 3D printing services – FDM, SLS, SLA, DMLS, MJP, and PJP - to clients in Kolkata. It facilitates 3D printing service customization by allowing you to define important aspects of the 3D-printed item while uploading the digital file. Also, you have the option to order a variety of materials – plastic, metal, and elastomers – through its website.

WOL3D

This Mumbai-based 3D printing company has branch offices in several cities, including Kolkata. WOL3D allows you to buy 3D printers, 3D scanners, 3D models, filaments, accessories, and spare parts. In addition to manufacturing various 3D printers, WOL3D is the master distributor of leading international manufacturers. You should consider the 3D printing company to convert your ideas into solid 3D dimensional items by buying a slew of 3D printers and filaments. You can further create prototypes using FDM 3D printing technology by availing of the 3D prototyping services provided by WOL3D.

Srijan Creations

Srijan Creations is one of the 3D printing companies in Kolkata that supply 3D printers, offer 3D printing services, and conduct 3D printing workshops. You can attend the classes and workshops conducted by this company to learn various 3D printing technologies and 3D-print a variety of items. At the same time, you can avail of 3D printing services to convert your ideas into solid three-dimensional objects. However, you have to contact Srijan Creations by sending a message or making a phone call as the company delivers 3D printing services and solutions in offline mode.

Skubotics

Skubotics has been popularizing 3D printing technologies in Kolkata by providing training and organizing workshops. The training programs and workshops aim to make teachers, students, hobbyists, and working professionals familiar with widely used 3D printing technologies. You can attend the training program or workshop to learn how to express your ideas in the form of a digital 3D model and how to convert the digital model into a solid three-dimensional object. Also, you get an opportunity to access a custom-made 3D printer and use it to produce solid three-dimensional objects.

While comparing and shortlisting 3D printing companies in Kolkata, you must remember that most enterprises these days offer 3D printing services and supply 3D printers/filaments through their websites. Hence, you can buy high-end 3D printers and high-quality 3D printing services opting for a company whose corporate office is not located in Kolkata.

SLS 3D Printing Companies

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is one of the fast and cost-efficient 3D printing technologies that facilitate the construction of three-dimensional structures with high accuracy, strength, resolution, and stiffness. The absence of support structures makes it easier for engineers to print prototypes and functional parts with complex geometries and intricate patterns. The engineers have the option to choose from a wide range of SLS 3D printing materials.

You can avail of professional SLS 3D printing services to construct the desired part, prototype, model, or item without investing in either an SLS 3D printer or SLS 3D printing materials. Most SLS 3D printing companies offer customized 3D printing services. They allow you to choose from several SLS 3D printers and SLS 3D printing materials according to your precise project needs.

Some of these SLS 3D printing companies further offer 3D designing and 3D scanning services along with SLS 3D printing services. But you must remember that the quality of services varies across SLS 3D printing companies. Some companies offer SLS 3D printing services to individual clients, while others offer services to both individuals and enterprises. That is why; you should consider some of the reputable companies offering customized SLS 3D printing services.

Shortlisting Some of the Reputable SLS 3D Printing Companies

Aurum3D

Aurum3D is one of the major 3D Printing companies in Bangalore. It has been providing SLS 3D printing services to both individual and enterprise clients. Aurum3D sends quotes to clients based on the project requirements shared by them in the form of an STL file. It further facilitates SLS 3D printing service customization by allowing clients to specify material type, layer height, resolution, and infill percentage. Aurum3D has built a reputation by providing SLS 3D printing services to enterprises from many sectors – manufacturing, engineering, automotive, aerospace, and education.

Think3D

The Telangana-based company has been delivering 3D-printed prototypes and functional parts to clients using in-house SLS 3D printers. Think3D prints and delivers high-quality items by deploying a technically qualified team. It further keeps the ideas or concepts shared by the client in the form of a digital file by storing them in secure private servers. Think3D has gained popularity by offering customized SLS 3D printing services at competitive rates. It facilitates SLS 3D printing customization by allowing clients to choose from multiple SLS printers and printing materials.

Makenica

The Bangaluru-based company has been providing online SLS 3D printing services to clients across India. Makenica aims to become the top manufacturing platform in India by focusing on quality control and precision. It has been providing 3D printing services to large enterprises like TATA, Siemens, and Qualcomm. You can avail of SLS 3D printing services from Makenica by uploading your ideas or requirements as a digital file. The company allows you to customize the SLS 3D printing process by specifying the dimension and choosing the appropriate material.

Imaginarium

The Mumbai-based company has been providing additive manufacturing services to enterprises from several sectors, including engineering, architecture, jewellery, automotive, and consumer products. Imaginarium facilitates rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing by providing customized additive manufacturing services. You can avail of the customized additive manufacturing services to convert your idea into a three-dimensional product using SLS 3D printing technology. You can receive a quote from Imaginarium after uploading your design to its website.

Stratasys

The direct manufacturing service provided by Stratasys helps you produce functional prototypes and production parts using SLS 3D printing technology. The 3D printing company customizes SLS 3D printing services by allowing you to choose from a wide range of Nylon 1 and Nylon 2 materials. You can evaluate the pros and cons of individual SLS 3D printing materials by reading the information posted on the website. Also, you can generate an instant quote simply by sharing your requirements in the form of a CAD file.

3Ding

3Ding is one of the SLS 3D printing companies that allow clients to buy or rent 3D printers as well as avail of 3D printing services. The Chennai-based company has already provided 3D printing services to over 7500 clients. It helps you convert your idea into a three-dimensional item by choosing SLS 3D printing technology along with the appropriate materials. It allows you to choose from a wide range of materials according to your specific project needs. You can opt for the MaaS platform to produce any number of items using SLS 3D printers.

Karkhana

Karkhana provides SLS 3D printing services through access to the production capacity of over 150 manufacturers. It further ensures 3D printing quality by implementing quality standards as well as conducting factory audits and part inspections. You also have the option to customize the SLS 3D printing process choosing from two materials – glass-filled nylon and Nylon PA2. You can receive an instant quote from Karkhana after uploading your CAD file.

3DStreet

3DStreet has been providing SLS 3D printing services to clients across India in offline mode. It further ensures quality by supporting end-user functional testing. The company has already provided SLS 3D printing services to enterprises from the manufacturing, electronics, and R&D sectors. But it does not allow you to choose from multiple forms of materials or filaments. Also, you can receive a quote from 3DStreet only by submitting your mobile number.

EOS

EOS has over 27 years of experience in providing SLS 3D printing services to enterprises. It helps clients to boost the quality of 3D-printer parts and prototypes by choosing the right SLS 3D printer and SLS 3D printing material. The SLS 3D printing company allows you to choose from 12 SLS 3D printing materials according to your precise project requirements. It boosts the quality of the powdered materials through elaborate QA testing. Also, EOS is one of the SLS 3D printing companies that introduce new materials to meet changing industry trends.

Most SLS 3D printing companies these days offer services to clients through their websites. Hence, you can avail of customized 3D printing services without choosing a 3D printing company near your location. But you can boost the quality of the 3D-printed item only by choosing a company that provides customized 3D printing service.

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