3D printers are part of the future of manufacturing, but hardly all of it. I think it's more like computer inkjet printers once were. Sure, 20 years ago they were rare and novel, but now everyone can have one if they want. They never ended up being the future of the printing industry. They're for home users to do a few things with, but will never replace or play a serious part of production for commercial printers of books, magazines, photos, etc. Any serious office has a much more expensive laser model that a hobbyist couldn't afford. This is all fine-people are now able to print off a few photos, documents, flyers to post around and more. An inkjet doesn't replace a book printer and binder machine anymore than a small fused deposition modeler (3d printer) replaces a CNC lathe or casting furnace. They have different roles and that won't change.
Not be negative, but I see a lot of hype and I don't think all of it is warranted.
I agree, they certainly don't represent the entirety of the future of manufacturing. (title written for dramatic purposes & the sake of simplicity).
However, I do believe that 3d printing will launch a paradigm shift in certain consumer behaviors, due to the creative possibilities it opens up. This, combined with the availability of diverse "open source" designs on the internet, will allow individuals and small businesses to provide customized solutions to a variety of problems they face.
Additionally, learnings from the technology will transform how manufacturing is done for select items/goods. For example, toys can be created cheaply and with greater customization - reaching niche markets at lower costs for smaller players.
There will always be hype when innovative technologies receive public praise. However, I think that discounting the new opportunities it unlocks would be unwise - especially for entrepreneurial types (like me).
I have been evangelizing and engaging in hyperbole myself on this subject for the last 2 years..it seems media at-large is catching up.. but more and more these days I find myself wondering when the job postings for "experiened 3d modeler wanted" or "additive manufacturing engineer neede ASAP" show up...not that those are end-all be-all indicators or anything, but those are the kinds of things I would expect to see. Thoughts?
I feel like most, if not all mechanical engineering grads could 3D model something in a CAD system based on a few sketches or clearly written requirements. I had to do it as an undergrad (studied manufacturing). Running a proper CAD system (CATIA, NX, ProEngineer, Solidworks, AutoCAD, etc) is a basic requirement of many traditional engineering jobs.
As for 'additive manufacturing engineer', I don't see that title coming up soon. What are commonly known around here as "3D printers" are more often called "rapid prototypers" in industry. That's about all they're used for-prototyping, not production. Additive processes such as fused deposition modeling aren't able to reach (note even close for the most part) the throughput and detail abilities that other process using the same materials are, such as injection molding or rotomolding. If a company was using 3D printers to make a product they were selling to customers, they are best off selling it for a very high price and making relatively few of them. Otherwise, if they need low per unit costs or large throughputs, there are other ways to make what they need to sell.
Interesting - do you think that might change as 3d printers get more affordable...I.e. it would be viable to use the printer as the primary production method instead of just a prototyper?
Compared with capital investment costs of other machines for making plastic parts, 3D printers are already cheap, so I don't see price coming down as a huge player yet. Right now machine cost and part flexibility are the advantages that current 3D printers have in relation to other production methods. They will be, and are, used for production of one off custom pieces without precise tolerance and surface finish requirements.
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[ 2.7 ms ] story [ 24.1 ms ] threadNot be negative, but I see a lot of hype and I don't think all of it is warranted.
However, I do believe that 3d printing will launch a paradigm shift in certain consumer behaviors, due to the creative possibilities it opens up. This, combined with the availability of diverse "open source" designs on the internet, will allow individuals and small businesses to provide customized solutions to a variety of problems they face.
Additionally, learnings from the technology will transform how manufacturing is done for select items/goods. For example, toys can be created cheaply and with greater customization - reaching niche markets at lower costs for smaller players.
There will always be hype when innovative technologies receive public praise. However, I think that discounting the new opportunities it unlocks would be unwise - especially for entrepreneurial types (like me).
Point taken.
As for 'additive manufacturing engineer', I don't see that title coming up soon. What are commonly known around here as "3D printers" are more often called "rapid prototypers" in industry. That's about all they're used for-prototyping, not production. Additive processes such as fused deposition modeling aren't able to reach (note even close for the most part) the throughput and detail abilities that other process using the same materials are, such as injection molding or rotomolding. If a company was using 3D printers to make a product they were selling to customers, they are best off selling it for a very high price and making relatively few of them. Otherwise, if they need low per unit costs or large throughputs, there are other ways to make what they need to sell.