Industries That 3D Printing Is Poised To Change

3D printing technology has the potential to change many parts of our society for the better. Below, we’ll look at some industries that 3D printing is poised to change in the future, including aerospace and healthcare.

Aerospace

Aerospace was one of the first industries to embrace 3D printing technology and its potential wholeheartedly, so it’s only right to start there. Today, aircraft engineers and designers use 3D technology in various ways—from creating quick and cheap prototypes and models to producing small components like fixtures, jigs, and gauges affordably.

3D printing has only scratched the surface of its potential in aerospace. It could significantly lower the costs of producing aircraft parts, allowing manufacturers to produce intricate, large-scale aircraft parts quickly and cheaply. These parts are much lighter since they’re 3D printed, making aircraft more lightweight and efficient.

Construction

A technology that changes how we create and build things will massively affect the construction industry. 3D printing is changing the construction industry in many ways, but sustainability is perhaps the most remarkable change.

The construction industry is one of the biggest contributors to the growing waste problem in the world and is one of our environment’s greatest threats. With the speed and efficiency of 3D printing and recycled materials, the industry can drastically reduce waste production and environmental impact. Who knows—we may someday be able to 3D print every part of a building, so there’s no waste!

Education

3D printing technology also has huge potential for changing our education system and classrooms. 3D printers can be teaching tools to help students across various scientific disciplines like physics, engineering, and chemistry.

Even beyond the sciences, 3D printers can be invaluable classroom tools. There could soon come a day when 3D printers create topographic maps or detailed replicas of historical artifacts. These devices can already replicate human body parts like joints or organs, which are undoubtedly helpful to students learning biology and human anatomy.

Healthcare

The industry with the greatest potential and is most poised to change from 3D printing is healthcare. As discussed in the education segment, 3D printing technology can replicate human body parts, and even a patient’s body, to help doctors diagnose them. Today, 3D printers create implants and custom prostheses for patients.

The future for 3D printers in healthcare is practically limitless, with many scientists researching ways to create living tissue with 3D organ bioprinting. It may be years or decades before the technology is possible, but it’s just one way that 3D printers could change healthcare forever.