What we print is changing. I look around my office today and imagine all the things that I would print – a coffee cup, stapler, iPhone case. Technology is making what once seemed impossible, possible. As I started thinking about this blog, printing a duck foot, bionic ear, and food made headlines. Jay Leno already is using the technology to print parts for his classic cars.
It won’t be long before the devices in our offices – at work or at home – print in 3D. I expect Marco to begin selling 3D printers in the next two years, and possibly sooner based on customer demand.
The major manufacturers are developing quality devices – and the prices are becoming affordable. Copier technicians already are trained to service similar devices so the adoption and escalation likely will happen quickly. By 2016, prices for business-grade 3D printers are expected to fall under $2,000, according to Gartner Group.
The technology actually is quite similar to an inkjet printer. The difference is that instead of printing horizontally, the device prints layers of material vertically to create the 3D object.
The technology will have a significant impact on the manufacturing sector. 3D printing, in some ways, allows people to become their own manufacturer. School projects and corporate presentations soon will be enlivened with 3D displays.
It’s the next disruptive piece of technology – expected to completely change the way we work (and live). Here are few of the ways I see it affecting business in the near future:
1. Rapid prototyping
Got an idea? Soon, leaders can turn their vision into a scale model. CNC machines do that today in manufacturing, but cost six figures, or more. A 3D printing device brings the capability to the masses.
2. Promotional items
From pens to coffee cups, virtually every business buys promotional items to showcase themselves or bring attention to a new product or service. 3D printing allows organizations to develop their own creations and print on-demand.
3. Fix the broken
It seems like something is always breaking at home – or the office. With 3D printing, we will be able to download a drawing and print the replacement part.
4. Renderings creation
The architectural impact is obvious, but other industries also benefit from the ability to easily create renderings. Surgeons can make guides to improve accuracy and reduce time in surgery, museums can replicate their warehoused treasures and education can bring concepts to life for students at all levels.
The possibilities are unimaginable. If you can think it, you can print it. What would you print in 3D? I’d like to hear it. Message me today.
