The 3D printing market continues to experience massive innovation as engineers and researchers unveil new advanced methods. From printing in zero gravity to printing entire neighborhoods, the future for this technology is bright. Here Are a few 3D printing advancements that could impact your life soon.
3D Printing Active Electronics
A team of engineers from MIT has successfully printed an active electronic circuit that can act like a semiconductor. Semiconductors play a vital role in today’s electronics where they are used to receive, store, and process data. However, the problem with semiconductors is that they are difficult to produce, requiring specific conditions, and machinery.
Source – MIT
This latest development showed how researchers could print a new version of a semiconductor using low-cost, biodegradable material. The study revealed they could produce a device that can operate as a resettable fuse using polymer filament with copper nanoparticles.
3D Printing Advancements in Electronics
This tech could one day make creating a smart device as easy as setting up your at-home printer. The concept of semiconductor-free electronics has long been a desire of engineers and now the technology exists to make it happen with less energy and waste.
Multi-Property 3D Printing
Speed-modulated ironing is another interesting development in the additive manufacturing sector. Researchers from MIT and Delft University of Technology have introduced a method of printing details and intricate surfaces on items using heat and a dual nozzle setup.
The speed-modulated ironing 3D printing method utilizes dual nozzles with separate purposes that work together. The first nozzle lays down a heat-sensitive film while the second nozzle adds the details to the material. These details are a response to changes in the heat and can include color, shade, opacity, coarseness, and more.
3D Printing Advancements Improve Utility
For example, imagine printing a hammer with a textured grip. This system can accomplish this task using less material, faster, and with more detail than other 3D printed methods. As such, it opens the door for more complete single prints.
As part of this approach, the team developed a new 3D printing interface. The upgraded interface allows designers to integrate color, shade, and texture requirements, making it an ideal solution for multiple applications. In the future, this method will allow a designer to add their personal touch like specific textures that improve utility.
Another important breakthrough in additive manufacturing is holographic Direct Sound Printing. A team of researchers from Concordia successfully printed complex 3D designs using a holographic 3D printer. This system is an expansion of the Direct Sound Printing method which uses cavitation caused by sound waves to precisely and quickly harden polymers.
Cavitation occurs when there is a stark difference in pressure and can result in flash moments of intense heat and pressure. This heat locks the design in its place based on the holographic image provided. Impressively, the chemically activated acoustic cavitation bubbles provide on-demand regional polymerization with detail.
The HDSP printer is capable of creating intricate multi-material prints with minimal waste. Additionally, this method provides a lot of flexibility. Designers can change their prints during the process, print multiple items during the same session, and print onsite in hard-to-reach locations.
HDSP printers can even print through thin layers, such as human skin. As such, the team envisions their technology being able to 3D print organs for patients. It could also one day be used to repair parts located deep within a device without taking it apart.
In the coming years, your house will likely be printed rather than built. Advancements in 3D printing on a large scale have resulted in entire communities being additively manufactured. There are currently multiple large 3D printing construction projects globally.
The housing crisis is getting dire and with the prospect of conflict, worsening environmental conditions, and other possible disruptions to the global logistics sector, analysts predict the shortage to expand. To combat the need for new homes, there has been a lot of effort put toward alternative manufacturing methods. Demand has led researchers to explore printing buildings which many see as the best option to reduce this lack of supply.
These devices can print using thin layers of concrete, local dirt, or other materials that are built up in layers over time. Because concrete or dirt is very inexpensive, these printers can create structures for a fraction of the cost of other construction methods, making it the ideal solution for developing nations.
Additionally, these large 3D printers can produce buildings with intricate designs meant to regulate temperature and reduce operational costs while retaining strength. Notably, there are already hundreds of 3D-printed buildings and you can expect to see some locally as the technology improves.
3D Printing that Builds Community
The best part about this strategy is that the 3D printer can be left with the community. This approach opens the door for communities to create buildings on demand with minimal cost to meet the needs of their community.
There are a lot of reasons why it’s vital to understand how to 3D print in zero-gravity scenarios like space. For one, future space travelers will not have access to lots of resources, tools, or workers. As such, the more items that can be produced completely and without their effort, the higher the success rate of the mission.
Major advancements have been made in the zero gravity 3D printing sector. Recently, a group of researchers from the University of California Berkeley introduced the world to the SpaceCAL printing method. This method builds on the original CAL “computed axial lithography” approach which utilizes dual lasers to harden the materials into place and is ideal because it doesn’t require layering.
The team succeeded in printing multiple benches and print-quality testing items in seconds. The new method proved much faster, with a single bench only taking less than 20 seconds to be completed. The results showed that it would be possible to quickly and efficiently 3D print in space.
3D Printing Advancements Make Space Travel Possible
This capability will be important for many reasons. Aside from the obvious, like creating parts for the ship or tools, there are many benefits that you didn’t consider. For example, future travelers will need to print organs and other items to remain healthy.
Interestingly, the SpaceCAL 3D printer is extremely flexible and was tested using 60 different materials. It can print items in seconds as it doesn’t require layering like its predecessors. Additionally, it can print designs that gravity-bound devices are incapable of replicating.
Companies Leading the Way in 3D Printing Advancements
Many companies now rely on 3D printing to accomplish crucial tasks within their business model. This demand has led 3D printing manufacturers to step outside the box to create more effective and efficient methods. Here is one company that has helped pioneer 3D printing technologies.
FARO Technologies Inc.
FARO Technologies originated in Montreal when PhD students Simon Raab and Greg Frasier decided they wanted to enter the 3D imaging and measurement sector. In 1990, the project pivoted towards the industrial manufacturing sector, eventually leading the company into the 3D manufacturing markets.
FARO Technologies, Inc. (FARO -2.75%)
FARO Technologies, Inc. (FARO -2.75%)
Today FARO is a dominant force in the 3D printing sector. The company is known for making smart acquisitions which it has completed 17. Notably, the firm continues to expand its products and services and is currently headquartered in Florida.
Those seeking an active and in-demand 3D printing stock should consider FARO Technologies as it has experienced far less volatility compared to its competitors. It’s currently in the top 10 3D printing stocks and is included in Cathie Wood’s 3D Printing ETF. All of these factors make FARO Technologies a stock to track.
3D Printing Advancements – A race to the Top of the Market
It’s no surprise competition within the 3D printing sector is on the rise. Engineers and governments are keen to be the dominant force in the market moving forward. Additionally, legislation like the Additive Manufacturing Forward initiative will ensure this momentum does not dissipate. For now, there are many 3D printing advancements worth celebrating.
Learn about other cool 3D printing advancements today.
