3D printing or AM (Additive Manufacturing) is the process in which a component in layers is manufactured with the help of digital 3D design data, by depositing materials.

Basically, it is a process through which a physical object is created from a digital design. According to The Economist, 3D printing technology will make a profound impact on the world, just like the impact that the steam engine or the transistor or the printing press made. It may still be early to predict the long-term impact of 3D printing, however, the technology is most likely to disrupt all the fields it touches.

In the manufacturing spectrum, the earliest applications of AM has been on the 'toolroom'. For example, one of the initial additive variants was Rapid Prototyping. It helped in reducing the lead time, and the prototype development cost of new devices and parts, which were traditionally done with subtractive toolroom processes such as precision grinding, CNC milling and turning, and so on. Technological advances in AM has made it possible to create equipment parts, that were the sole province of subtractive methods, in a very cost-effective way.

AM in the apparel industry

In 2012, Nike used 3D printing to create Vapor Laser Talon football shoes for the football players in the US. Many of the fashion designers are already experimenting with 3D-printed dresses, shoes, and so on. One of the main advantages of 3D printing is that it can be used to create customized apparels for individual customers.

AM in the vehicle manufacturing industry

Early 2014 saw the supercar manufacturing company from Sweden, Koenigsegg, using 3D printed components such as the internals of the side mirrors, titanium exhaust parts, air ducts, and so on, for its supercar One:1. A number of prominent car manufacturing companies have already adopted the 3D printing technology to manufacture various automotive parts.

AM in the construction industry

The models of buildings are usually built by hand. Clients are usually shown the drawings of the building plan by the architects. Both takes effort, and a good amount of time. With 3D printing, construction firms can reduce this time by 50 to 80%. The advantage for the clients is that they would be able to get a better idea about their projects.

AM in the medical field

3D printing technology allows the precise, and cost-effective creation of prosthetic body parts, such as prosthetic hands, prosthetic legs, and so on. Printed prosthetics are nowadays used in the veterinary field to rehabilitate crippled animals. In 2013, a veterinary hospital, with the help of a printed foot, helped a crippled duckling to walk again. 'FastForward Bone Tether Plate', a titanium device made with 3D printing that was approved by the FDA in 2015, is commonly used nowadays in correction surgeries. 2015 also saw the FDA approving the first 3D printed pill.

According to Jeremy Rifkin, an American futurologist, social and economic theorist, writer, and political advisor, 3D printing technology signals the start of a 3rd industrial revolution. As per the investment experts in Forbes, the 3D printing technology will lead to the resurgence of American Manufacturing.

In the same way that 3D printing can aid production for these different sectors and industries, KFA has equipment to support production lines in a different way.

With our materials handling equipment such as vibratory feeders and various integrated systems, we can also help cut down time, costs and labour, bringing a new level of efficiency to your business. At KFA we strive to keep up with the latest manufacturing techniques and technologies to ensure our products are the most beneficial for the manufacturing world we service.