3D printers are a cool toy with massive potential. As technology advances 3D printing is quickly becoming another staple of the future of industry. The abilities of a 3D printer are growing and offering design in different materials such as metal, steel, titanium, carbon fiber, wax, and plastic. With 3D printing the designer also becomes the manufacturer.
Engineers and designers can use 3D printing to speed up innovation in the early stages of production by making prototypes, parts, and designs in house. This means getting products to market at an accelerated rate. Outsourcing a part or prototype may take several weeks and come at a high cost. And if the prototype needs adjustments that could means another few weeks. 3D printing abilities cut out this process by allowing producers to design and hold a part or product in just a couple of days.
The possibilities of 3D printing are becoming reality. Medical professionals are using 3D printers to manufacture parts and medical devices such as hearing aids, prosthetics, dental fixtures, hip replacements, medical implants, and surgical tools.
3D printing is already being utilized by aerospace technology manufacturers. Lockheed Martin is one aerospace company taking advantage of 3D printers to design and produce customized parts. Lockheed Martin is in the business of improving and producing technology for national security, space exploration, communications technology. 3D printing makes affordable parts that are quickly accessible. Here is a look at what they’re up to:
Brian Burke 