1. Reduce environmental pollution
Traditional manufacturing is often synonymous with pollution and waste, while 3D printing can effectively reduce the waste and carbon dioxide generated during the production process, thus having a positive impact on the environment. Since 3D printing is essentially material-on-demand, it not only significantly reduces material waste but also allows people to conveniently produce replacement parts, thereby extending the overall lifespan of products. People only need to transport raw materials, which take up much less space than finished products.
2. Create new artistic mediums
Currently, fewer and fewer people choose to create art by hand. The emergence of 3D printers has brought a new form of modern art to people. For example, American artist Joshua Harker showcased his series of 3D printed hollow sculptures at the 2014 New York 3D Printing Expo.
In addition, 3D printers can also be used to replicate world-famous artworks, allowing more people to appreciate the works of great artists. The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands, collaborated with Fujifilm to replicate a large number of Van Gogh's paintings.
3. Achieve educational innovation
Recently, 3D printer manufacturer Makerbot announced a crowdfunding initiative called 'Makerbot Academy', aimed at providing a 3D printer for every school in the United States. The company's CEO, Bre Pettis, stated, 'This will change our children's views on innovation and manufacturing technology.'
Additionally, Makerbot plans to gradually introduce its innovation centers into American universities. On February 13, 2014, the first innovation center in the U.S. was established at the State University of New York. This center is equipped with over 30 3D printers and several 3D scanners, paving the way for local students and residents to access 3D printing technology.
4. Achieve space printing
An important application of 3D printing technology is the ability to produce parts and other items used by astronauts in space. It also helps accelerate the construction of the International Space Station. To address these issues, a space manufacturing company formed by a group of 3D printing enthusiasts collaborated with NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center to launch a 3D printer suitable for space. This printer can produce parts in a weightless environment, making astronauts' work and life in space more self-sufficient.
It is worth mentioning that an engineer has also designed a 3D printer capable of printing food with funding from NASA, reportedly producing food that is more suitable for astronauts than freeze-dried options.
5. Spark a manufacturing revolution
Mass production poses a significant challenge for 3D printing technology, but with the emergence of high-output printers and continuous technological advancements, 3D printers are competing with traditional manufacturing technologies in the following areas.
Food. All liquid or powder food can be produced using 3D printers, so printed food is expected to become a hot topic in the future.
Military. Military supplies are often customized and frequently need updates. The full application of 3D printing technology for firearms in the military is just a matter of time.
Electronics. The size, shape, and materials used in electronic products determine that they will be one of the easiest targets for 3D printing technology.
Toys. Home 3D printers and open design resources will change the way children play.
3D printing technology has been widely applied in the automotive manufacturing industry.
6. Reshape the healthcare industry
Bioprinting is the fastest-growing field in 3D printing, and this technology can produce living tissues using inkjet printers.
Researchers involved have stated that they have found a more effective way to manufacture cells, increasing the survival rate from the current 50%-80% to 100%. All of this has sparked significant interest in 3D printing complex organs, but due to the ethical, moral, and political issues involved, it is bound to provoke intense debate.
7. Change family lifestyles
Everyone hopes that their family life can become more convenient, and home 3D printers are becoming smaller and cheaper. People can use these printers to create their favorite jewelry, home goods, toys, tools, and items of various sizes, shapes, or colors.
Additionally, people can use 3D printers to produce parts for household appliances at home, thus shortening the ordering and waiting periods. According to market research firm Strategic Analysis, the global market value of home 3D printing is expected to reach $70 billion by 2030.
8. Enter underdeveloped areas
Even the most basic products often have a gap between developing countries and the global supply market, but 3D printing can bring developing countries into the globalization process. For example, 3D clothing production and printing experiments using recyclable materials.
3D printing technology can also help developing countries through collaboration with 3D printing researchers. For instance, many developing countries have a high demand for prosthetics but lack the capacity for independent production. A Canadian professor invented a prosthetic limb using 3D printing technology, which has about 80% of the functionality of a normal human hand, and many disabled individuals in Uganda are now enjoying the convenience brought by this prosthetic.
9. Impact the global economy
The 3D printing industry will have a profound impact on the global economy. The McKinsey Global Institute pointed out in a report that 3D printing will have a disruptive effect on the global economy, significantly shortening the development cycle of new products. More and more companies will pay attention to customer feedback and design opinions in the process of adopting new technologies or developing new products. The 3D printing industry will also reduce the costs of bringing new products to market, thus providing more market opportunities for small businesses.
The growth rate of 3D technology in China is almost indistinguishable from that in the United States and Europe. In June 2013, China launched what was claimed to be the world's largest 3D printer at the time, with a diameter of 1.8 meters. The emergence of 3D technology will promote localized production in various countries and have a certain impact on China's manufacturing industry.
10. Trigger a crisis in intellectual property rights
Now, it is easy for people to find 3D printing design blueprints on websites, which seems simple, but free designs are bound to raise a lot of intellectual property issues. Since most designs are not patented, they can be copied or sold by anyone, and an item that was designed at a huge cost can be replicated and sold at a cheaper price. It is evident that the intellectual property crisis triggered by 3D printing technology will become a pressing issue that the 3D printing industry needs to address.