[3D Printing Applications] 2018 Year-End Summary! 3D Printing is Used in Six Major Industries!

[3D Printing Applications] 2018 Year-End Summary! 3D Printing is Used in Six Major Industries!

In January of this year, International Data Corporation (IDC) released the "Worldwide Annual 3D Printing Spending Guide," which indicated that global spending on the 3D printing industry (including hardware, materials, software, services, and repair) reached approximately US$12 billion in 2018, a 19.9% ​​increase from 2017.
By 2021, IDC expects its spending to reach $20 billion, with a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.5%. Global 3D printers and materials will account for two-thirds of this total spending, estimated at $6.9 billion and $6.7 billion respectively in 2021.


(Image source: IDC data)

Which sectors contributed to this enormous figure? Let's take a look at the key points presented by various industries at the TCT conference.

Cross-industry trends

From an economic perspective, Formnext is the most important business trade show in the 3D printing industry, and this year it is the largest ever, with 632 exhibitors from 32 countries and 26,919 professionals from various industries; from automotive to pharmaceuticals , design to engineering, the diverse industries create opportunities for experts in various fields.

.auto industry

The automotive industry is closely watching rapid prototyping, and BMW has developed a strategic blueprint to use 3D printing for mass production of metals and plastics. According to BMW's technical expert, Peter Mischke, they are currently using 3D printing to replace a small number of fixtures and improve part design.

This year, Audi also added another key figure, Martin Bock, to head its internal metal 3D printing center using SLM (laser melting) technology. Partner Christian Foltz also emphasized the driving force behind 3D printing in his speech: "To fully leverage the advantages of 3D printing , the key for large enterprises will be how to integrate 3D printing into their current business models." (Further reading: How did Ford Motor Company win the war on the production line? )



Aerospace Technology

In recent years, the aviation industry has continuously benefited from 3D printing , with aircraft manufacturers presenting various new developments at this Formnext TCT conference. Premium AEROTEC GmbH showcased the design process of the Airbus A320 auxiliary stabilizer, as well as its developed Engineering Data Management (EDM) and automation systems. ASCO Industries also discussed its recent additive manufacturing testing project on the "gooseneck" of the aircraft's motion system. (Further reading: Royal Netherlands Air Force: 3D Printing Technology Takes Flight! )



Healthcare industry

Compared to all the industries that have benefited from 3D printing , healthcare may be the most significant advancement; saving lives or alleviating pain is priceless, and thanks to rapid prototyping, people can make diagnoses more easily and affordably.



At the TCT conference on medical applications, a surgical resident from Elisabeth-Tweesteden Hospital in the Netherlands discussed the added value of 3D-printed models in preoperative work for X-ray imaging and CT scans, as well as the cost-effectiveness of 3D printing . Following this, researchers from the University of Padua presented their product and features of a porous scaffold made from biocompatible materials such as titanium and shape memory alloys.

Design field

The impact of 3D printing on future design and aesthetics may be more significant than we currently imagine. 3D printing influences not only the appearance of new devices but also their feel and how they are used. Adidas also unveiled its groundbreaking new shoe, the Futurecraft 4D, launched at the end of 2017, at this conference; eliminating some traditional manufacturing processes, the sole is produced using 3D printing . This not only provides an excellent experience in the process of product innovation but also confirms that the inclusion of 3D printing technology will become a reason to revise or update business models.




(Image source: Adidas official website.)

New industrial applications

Kai-Uwe Mietzner from Siemens showcased a case study of using FDM molding technology to overcome the challenges of supplying parts in the railway industry. The head of NAMIC in Singapore addressed the challenges of combining AR, VR, and robotics in a range of 3D printing products, demonstrating how virtual reality, integrated with modern CAD software, is a powerful tool for engineers and designers applying 3D printing technology.

Emerging materials

At the same time, Sinterit also announced new materials specifically for desktop SLS ( laser powder sintering ) 3D printers ; desktop devices are still rare for SLS 3D printing technology. Only a few manufacturers can make them available to small and medium-sized enterprises for under $10,000.

Sinterit has expanded its powder range to seven different materials; PA12 nylon is the standard, while PA11 Onyx is more impact-resistant and stronger. There is significant market demand for rubber-based materials, primarily TPU materials Flexa Black and Flexa Gray , followed by Flexa Soft, which boasts the lowest Shore A hardness among materials.



Flexa Bright is Sinterit 's first white powder that is easy to dye. The latest product is TPE, a polymer of elastomers and thermoplastics.



This year's TCT conference saw the exchange of many new ideas, materials, and technologies across various industries. These improvements in workflows and business models brought about by 3D printing will continue to impact the global economy and manufacturing landscape. We look forward to seeing even more amazing advancements at Formnext 2019 next November. (Further reading: Formnext 2018 Exhibition Correspondent: 3 Major Innovative Technologies You Should Know! )

Want to learn more about 3D printing technology? SanDiMa will be hosting a 3D technology sharing session on December 21st (Friday)! In addition to learning about different 3D printing technologies and their applications, and seeing various samples, there will be hands-on operation of 3D printers (tutorial price originally over NT$3000) and an introduction to and application demonstration of the 3D software Autodesk Inventor (this session's theme: Achieving optimal design and extending to manufacturing through Autodesk Inventor). Click here for details or to register directly !

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Original link: https://www.sinterit.com/our-kind-of-show-the-formnext-is/