Technology has come a long way, with things possible right now only being lofty ideas a few decades ago. One of these things that are changing the way many things are done is 3D printing tech, which has infiltrated a large number of industries. Here are five areas where 3D printing is changing the world.
1. Construction
First off, 3D printing has changed construction as we know it. With the first machine tools that were ever made having been crafted by hand and dating back to 1200 B.C., it’s clear that this is one industry that’s set to grow a lot. It’s currently possible to design construction components like sockets and floor panels and print them out with a 3D printer. While it’s also possible to print whole buildings, not many people have the know-how to design safe, habitable houses using 3D design software. It will be completely doable in the near future on a large scale, and it’s clear that the construction landscape will change completely then.
2. Medicine
Another industry that has been disrupted by 3D printing is medicine, with difficult procedures becoming safer and more efficient to do. Prosthetic parts, medical models, and more are all possible to obtain easily and more affordably than was the case some years back. This has made it possible for more people to receive better medical care and regain abilities that they had lost. Personalized health care just got a lot easier and more accessible thanks to 3D printing.
3. Transport
The transport industry has not been left behind. With the largest container ships costing more than $200 million to construct, 3D printing may make it cheaper and faster to get them. That aside, it will become a lot easier to simply print out the necessary parts to repair broken or missing parts of cargo ships, planes, trucks, and cars. This may make it affordable for more people to get cars and move around, making the world even more interconnected than it already is.
4. Education
3D printing tech is also changing the educational landscape, with more classrooms obtaining a 3D printer to use as an educational tool. Things that had to remain in two dimensions in books can now be put in the hands of students thanks to technological advancement. These include replicas of historical artifacts, fossils, and bones, which can help students learn better as they get to interact with the item and have a deeper understanding of it. From science to history, there’s a lot that can be taught with the help of 3D printers and it’s up to educators to implement all the changes that can be brought about by this technology.
5. Trade
Finally, trade will be changed forever by 3D printing technology. The trading volume across the seas dropped by 9.5% in the first half of 2020, while global trade dropped by 16% when compared to the same period the previous year. This may be a familiar trend over time because, with the advancement and accessibility of 3D technology, it won’t be necessary for people to buy everything they need. They will have the option of printing it outright in their homes or where they need it. This will help curb the effects of transporting large numbers of things in trade, possibly even minimizing pollution across the world.
The five industries above show clearly the far-reaching effects of 3D printing. Soon enough, every industry will be touched by the capabilities of 3D printing, and in this way, the revolution will be complete. The future holds a lot of exciting things in store and we are currently seeing just the tip of the iceberg.
