How 3D Printing Will Change Manufacturing

3D printing is a special type of digital fabrication called additive manufacturing. The difference between additive manufacturing and traditional techniques is that objects are created layer-by-layer, so there is minimal loss of material. This creates a potential for a more efficient production process with minimal waste, and less harm to the environment.

Manufacturing reinvented

3D printing is constantly changing the way we think about manufacturing. Let’s consider some facts and trends. In 2005, when the patent to a 3D printing technology called Fused Deposition Modeling expired and became available to the public, many engineers and hobbyists noticed huge potential in additive manufacturing. Why? This is because the components of a simple FDM 3D printer were not expensive. The machine itself was the same as a standard size desktop and prints plastic.

Today’s 3D printers, like Zortrax M200 or Zortrax M300, are reshaping manufacturing. 3D printing is more affordable, FDM machines can be used in every workshop and stand on the user’s desktop. Moreover, almost everyone can become a maker. Nowadays, creating prototypes does not require bulky CNC machines, we have 3D printers!