Across many countries, the need for 3D printing materials is increasing to match the rising interest in producing items through additive manufacturing.
While the concept may feel new, the journey of 3D printing began several decades ago. It has since expanded into numerous sectors, including healthcare, art, engineering, and education.
What began as a novel idea in the 1980s has gradually grown despite early struggles. Back then, innovators often failed to secure funding or recognition, which meant many of their ideas remained undeveloped.
The early stages were full of delays and technical dead ends. Still, each failure helped lay the groundwork for what would become a transformative process.
What started in the 80s now powers industries worldwide (Photo: Alamy)
These days, 3D printing has become more advanced, offering both efficiency and affordability. Its rapid production capabilities make it an appealing choice for smaller companies seeking to compete with more established firms. With low production costs and quick turnaround times, this method has changed how people approach manufacturing.
Companies like HP® have introduced advanced solutions such as the HP Metal Jet, a tool that has helped improve output and speed up the process from design to product delivery. This type of equipment has been essential in pushing the limits of what’s possible with additive manufacturing.
Development of 3D Printing Over Time
Understanding how 3D printing gained momentum requires a look into its history. During the early 1980s, several inventors worked toward creating machines that could develop models quickly, as traditional manufacturing often caused delays. Businesses were eager to get their products out faster, which spurred the need for fresh ideas.
One of the earliest attempts came from Dr. Hideo Kodama in Japan, who aimed to patent a method for solidifying resin. His application didn’t succeed, and a similar project in France also failed in 1984. Even with these setbacks, each effort contributed to future achievements in the field.
It was later in 1984 that real progress was made. Charles “Chuck” Hall, frustrated by slow processes for making parts, decided to solidify resin layer by layer, a method he called stereolithography. His idea finally received patent approval in 1986.
By 1988, another key advancement appeared. Carl Deckard, a university student in Texas, introduced selective laser sintering (SLS), a technique that uses lasers to bind powdered material into solid objects.
Unlike some other methods, SLS is more complex and includes a detailed post-production process. Another common method, known as fused deposition modeling (FDM), is now the most widely used approach and works by layering very thin pieces of material until a final shape is formed.
Changes Brought by 3D Printing
The effects of 3D printing have touched many parts of daily life, and this approach continues to grow. Industries, academic institutions, and businesses of all sizes are adjusting their operations to include this modern production method.
Environmental Effects of 3D Printing
The environmental outcomes of 3D printing are mixed. On one hand, this method allows products to weigh as much as half of traditional parts, which reduces the energy needed for transportation. This can reduce fuel use and emissions.
In factories, 3D printers often use only the required amount of raw material, so waste is kept to a minimum. Some machines even operate on recycled input, making them more resource-friendly.
On the other hand, some studies have shown that when lasers or high temperatures are used, 3D printing can consume far more electricity than older manufacturing techniques.
Business Benefits of 3D Printing
Many organisations have improved their output by using 3D printing. About 93% of companies employing this method say they launch products more quickly. This allows them to convert ideas into items ready for sale in less time than before.
This can be especially helpful for small businesses working on limited budgets. With 3D printing, they can make parts or items at a lower cost and enter the market faster, giving them a better shot at competing with large firms.
There are fewer fixed costs as fewer people are needed to operate the machines, and the efficiency of production improves. Even when replacement parts are needed, they can be created swiftly without affecting timelines.
HP® has made major strides in this space with its HP Metal Jet printer. It is one of the earliest machines capable of creating large batches of metal parts for commercial use, improving productivity by as much as 50 times.
Automotive and Aviation Sector Applications
Car makers and aircraft producers also benefit from this type of manufacturing. The ability to create parts that are lighter and more adaptable has changed how these sectors operate.
Ford, for instance, has printed over 500,000 parts using this method, which has helped them save billions of dollars. Before, building a prototype could take close to half a year and cost around $500,000. Now, a prototype can be created quickly at just a fraction of that cost.
Aircraft production has also shifted. GE applied 3D printing when building its GE Catalyst engine. Through this process, the company reduced 855 parts into just 12, trimming engine weight by 5% and slightly improving fuel usage. These kinds of developments, although seemingly minor, produce major results when applied across entire fleets.
How Healthcare Has Changed with 3D Printing
Hospitals and labs are seeing the usefulness of 3D printing in new ways. The technology can be applied in bioprinting, helping create organs that might one day be used for transplants.
Failure in the past helped fuel progress in 3D printing (Photo: Twitter)
Some researchers are already using it to produce prosthetic limbs costing less than $100, far cheaper than traditional options.
Though it may sound like science fiction, there have been genuine breakthroughs. For example, a mouse was able to give birth after receiving 3D-printed ovaries. Scientists continue to assess how this technology can support human medicine in more areas.
Education Benefits from 3D Printing
Students today are being introduced to practical design tools through 3D printing. The process allows them to understand concepts like:
- 3D design creation
- CAD software applications
- Coding techniques
- Production processes in real time
Tactile teaching aids can be printed, helping learners understand complex subjects. It’s even possible to produce Braille books for visually impaired students, expanding access to education through creative tools.
Looking Ahead at the Path of 3D Printing
Although energy use for some 3D printers is high, the items they produce are often lighter and easier to transport. This reduces fuel costs and the environmental burden.
The machines use just what’s needed to make the product, reducing unused material. HP® remains at the front of the commercial sector with technologies like the HP Metal Jet, offering solutions to help companies operate more efficiently and improve how they bring products to life.
