10 Reasons to Adopt 3D Printing

Today, many companies in the manufacturing industry still use traditional production methods. That being said, what is known as the fourth industrial revolution is becoming more and more of a reality, leading to the adoption of new methods of creation and manufacturing. These innovative advances in Industry 4.0 include artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, big data and 3D printing. The latter has had a significant impact on the manufacturing processes of many industries, and is set for much greater growth in the coming years. To ensure that these organizations aren’t left behind and can make the leap into new technologies, and additive manufacturing in particular, we’re bringing you a new editorial format today. In this article, we’ve listed no fewer than 10 reasons why a user or company should consider adopting 3D printing into their business.

#1: Waste reduction

Additive manufacturing, as the name suggests, produces a part by adding material, layer by layer. It therefore uses only the material required. Unlike subtractive production methods, which waste large quantities of raw materials, the use of 3D printing significantly reduces waste. This is good for the environment, because no materials are thrown away unnecessarily. And if we go a step further, in powder-bed processes, unsintered or fused materials can be reused in future prints, provided they are mixed with new powder (depending on the technology, the recycling rate will be higher or lower). Additionally, Plastic objects can often be recycled into 3D-printable filaments or granules to create new parts. This is a key reason for many industrials to adopt 3D printing into their activities.

3D printing is characterized by the fact that only the material required to create the parts is used

#2: A Wide Variety of Technologies and Materials

The world of additive manufacturing is vast when it comes to technologies and compatible materials. There are seven families of 3D printing technologies, encompassing many different methods. From extrusion processes to resin, powder bed or material jet systems. There is also a wide range of materials compatible with these technologies. The most common are polymers, metals and ceramics, among others. However, the versatility of 3D printing means that structures can be created using truly astonishing materials, such as concrete, food, wood or even stem cells.