Accelerator: 3D Printing

Process of creating physical objects from computer-generated three-dimensional models usually by building up layers of plastic or other materials (also known as “Additive Manufacturing”)

3D Printing

Accelerator > Intelligent Devices

3D printing makes manufacturing more accessible, local, scalable and efficient, enabling both industries and consumers

Definition
  • Process of creating physical objects from computer-generated three-dimensional models usually by building up layers of plastic or other materials (also known as "Additive Manufacturing")

Outlook
  • Lower cost of 3D printers, raw materials, peripherals and softwares
  • Creation of new marketplaces focused on design specifications rather than physical products
  • Increased co-localization of design and manufacturing functions
  • Widespread adoption and larger scale applications in fields such as medicine, construction and automotive

Implications
  • Enabling individuals and small businesses to become successful manufacturers as part of Do-It-Yourself movement
  • Promoting personalization and customization of products
  • Decreasing cost of innovation with low-cost, rapid turnaround prototypes
  • Contributing to migration of manufacturing from low-cost to high-skilled geographies

How might you use 3D printing to accelerate product innovation, customize products, reduce inventory, monetize designs, or improve manufacturing processes?

Briefings

Additive manufacturing firm ADDere demonstrated capability to 3D print large metal parts for trucking and aerospace industries

January 13, 2020

Taiwanese company XYZprinting unveiled da Vinci Color 5D, world’s first combined 3D printer and 2D paper and laser printer at Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2020

January 9, 2020

Italian 3D printing company Lumi Industries introduced free and open source smartphone-operated 3D printer

January 7, 2020

Industrial robotics company ABB introduced 3D printing software that enables its robots to be programmed for additive manufacturing in 30 minutes

December 17, 2019

Aluminum alloy powder from Equispheres verified by third-party certification facility to have greater density, leading to faster production and better material performance potentially for aerospace and defense applications

October 25, 2019

University of Maine receives three Guinness world records in 3D printing, including largest 3D printed boat

October 24, 2019

Australian menswear brand Tailors Mark applies 3D printing to produce clothes that better fit customers after getting 3D body scan from mobile app

October 23, 2019

Singapore’s Housing Development Board (HDB) exploring 3D printing landscape furniture and architectural features in public housing projects

October 7, 2019

German bathroom fixtures manufacturer GROHE develops new line of 3D printed faucets and taps

September 30, 2019

3D printing company Digital Metal produced two new superalloy grades, DM 247 and DM 625, for aerospace, automotive and industrial applications

September 10, 2019
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