Choosing the application…. Which is something about the way to the world of 3D printing

Always uphill, so the flashes of Genius!

Before 2009, #3Dprinting was mainly used in industry, and in a large field for scientific research, incl. medicine or at universities. It was not widely known, mainly because of a closed group of users, limited knowledge and expensive equipment. This first period significantly influenced the perception of #additive #technology as one intended for prototyping, modeling and research. There have been some spectacular successes of applications, shown to the world - such as the use of a printed bladder covered with the patient's cells, which was implanted in 1999. In other sectors, 3D printing was not so visible. It can be firmly said that coming out of the shadows was slow that time. What happened after 2009 and significantly accelerated after 2011 - caused by the release of knowledge, was unimaginable. In just 2-3 years, the group of users of 3D printers has grown from several thousand to millions around the world. The question was justified then - if not for patents and earlier limitations, the current 3D printing would be on a completely different level. There are many indications that it would be - but there are also a few key elements that would preclude the rapid growth and development of this technology.

Do something serious, 3D printing is only for hobbyists

At the time when the first printers were being created - the computer was not a common commodity, as it is now. The 3D printer had a narrow space to show its capabilities. But it was the 1980s. The breakthrough came after 2009 and 2011, when some of the technologies were released from the rigors of patents. Since then, 3D printing has started to develop at a pace that has not been known to other technologies. It was a time - where in much of the world - the computer was already something regular, present in many homes, and society became more innovative and even wanted the innovations more. Of course, it took some time to learn and develop the technology, but this period did not stop the popularization of 3D printers in 2010-2015. On the contrary, hundreds of thousands of small printers flooded the market and the group of 3D printing enthusiasts grew every day. Small, cheap - relatively easy to use devices, often limited to only one application (e.g. #filament), have changed and strengthened the image of the technology into a more hobbyist one. Industrial applications have hid deeper. Coming out of the shadows and changing consciousness has been a huge challenge.

Not only amateurs, i.e. getting out of the shadows and returning to the roots of 3D printing applications.

Everyday work of everyone involved in the world of 3D printing should be building knowledge about “3D printing”. This must be some king of guide for anyone who believes in additive technology. The multitude of applications and the new materials appearing every week should constitute the knowledge base that needs to be communicated and the meaning of this should be explained. So that the group of "admirers" of 3D printing grows and emerges beyond hobby, research and prototype applications. As I wrote earlier, in the first stage of development (i.e. before 2009), 3D printing was directed to industrial applications, where cheap prototyping fueled companies and created their development, and very often constituted the basis for their competitive advantage. With the release the knowledge of technology, as well as the heyday of amateur applications, there were attempts to develop industrial 3D printing faster, but it encountered a "material" blockage. It is true that at that time, so in the 2000s and shortly after 2010, large chemical plants, producers of plastics, did not notice the opportunity that this technology could offer. Therefore, with the dissemination of 3D printers in 2010-2015 and the lack of access to new, more advanced materials - the image - of “amateur use of 3d printers” has been established. From 2015 and beyond 2021 it began to change this picture. Professional materials appeared - printers began to print from nylon, polypropylene, the materials were slowly reinforced with fibers, metal. We could see materials with properties similar to or even exceeding those of metal, ceramics - such as ultem or PEEK - we also print from metal itself. A new approach to 3D printing has opened the door to a multitude of #applications and diversifies the devices in terms of their use. Currently, the market offers printers for amateurs, semi-professional, #engineering and #industrial, and even those that are dedicated to only one application. The additive industry is slowly coming back to the thatched roof of professional industrial applications. Giving a clear signal on how the future of the industry will be created.

Let's print something…….. from an amateur to a professional

As knowledge of additive technology grows, the list of possible applications is growing too. From the amateur ones, which can be the basis for building the first businesses, to professional, industrial and unique ones, such as printing a rocket or, for example, shoe elements. All new doors are opened in the same way - by trying. The current 3D world still does not fully understand its capabilities. However, there is a growing group of enthusiasts who grew up in 2010-2015, who try to push 3D printing a step further - every day. This is one of the reasons why I love to work in the environment of 3D printing technologists, because they are the strength and determine the future. It is great to see how they adjust the printouts for a given application. Sometimes I envy their knowledge, but by looking at them I also learn how a creative approach can solve even the most complicated problem. In my opinion, this is the greatest challenge and also the greatest chance for 3D printing – so that is, The Unknown Possibilities. That is why it is so important to nurture people who dare to do something new, try something they have not tried yet, go into the unknown. Even the smallest steps often reveal new paths, new applications that 3D printing can develop. This is what I love about the additive world and look forward to it every day.

But, where with this 3D printer? So what I think, will be printed.

The motto that should be guided by everyone who works or will work in the world of 3D printing should be "try something new and share knowledge". In my opinion, this is crucial for the development of the use of additive technology in the future world. Showing what can be done with a #3Dprinter, what materials can be used, where to use the printed element, how to effectively print it, this should become a priority for everyone. Spreading knowledge is the only way that will accelerate and consolidate the professional use of 3D printers. #Prototyping, #production of spare and final parts, models, test elements, tools, organs, there are already a lot of applications, but each new thought, trial, material, printing method can extend the use or show a new path. When looking for our way to 3D printing, we are often flooded with basic knowledge and finding answers to bothering questions is not easy at all. Moreover, 3D printing may not know the answer to all of them. However, if you believe in additive technology, you are brave, you are not afraid of failure and love to discover something new, 3D printing will find application in your environment. I am sure it will improve your world and you will find your used cases ....and not only one of them.

The way to use a 3D printer is simple. Take the first step and the rest will follow.

Motto for today and the future. Stay with me and See You next time #aaditivemanufacturing World