How do you understand, by your experience the areas of application of 3D printing with the use of plastics (biopolymers)? Which areas of practical application are likely to become the fastest and achieve breakthrough value? I mean real industrial applications. I suggest maintenance (spare parts, consumables) as the direction. Machine spare parts can be printed without involving the supply chain. This applies to elastomeric elements, seals, shock absorbers, bearings, etc. The 3D printer can additionally secure the supply of critical spare parts that do not need to be kept in stock and can be restored in a short time.
What other directions of mass use of 3D printing in FDM / FFF technology (polymers) do you see for which research is worth doing?
Hi Robert, interesting topic. For what it is worth here is my take on the question:
I believe spare parts to be a promising domain for the semi-industrial use of 3D printing but it is still heavily limited by the low mechanical properties of 3D printed parts compared with mold injected parts. Spare parts are often needed because the original part broke due to high mechanical requirements.
Instead i believe that a market could develop in the future for personalized items. Everybody likes to personalize his items, look at the variety of phone protections on the market. If 3D printed part can be dissociated from the "cheap plastic" image it has now, luxurious items would be an available market. imagine designing your product in the same way you design your character in online games...
I also believe that dual material printing should develop rapidly with the apparition of low cost IDEX printers. Those printers make high quality dual material much more simple and affordable.
Automotive spare sparts (plastics) using 3D Printing with localized manufacturing using FDM technology. Also, 3D printed jigs and fixtures for automobile assembly.
https://amfg.ai/2019/05/28/7-exciting-examples-of-3d-printing-in-the-automotive-industry/
Dear,
See this work, it shows a very innovative application.
Article 3D printed mesh reinforced geopolymer: Notched prism bending
I am currently researching an aspect of the use of 3D print for repair. There is a lot of good literature on industrial spare parts supply chains out there, and possibly by now, substantial literature on industrial spare parts themselves.
As to other directions for mass use of 3DP, I think we need multi-material printing before it can reach its full potential, plus a much wider range of print materials in general. And maybe either an improvement in the way 3D print makes parts or a completely new printing technology which offers better mechanical properties at low cost and high speed.
In terms of uses, I think we will see a lot more deployment in remote parts of the world, or in parts of society which do not have access to premium products. I am hoping it will eventually be tied in to the re-use of material from old products, which is currently an aspect of the circular economy under investigation.
I really like the topic of your thesis. Home user applications will require 3D design. Pay attention to the availability of tools and the skills of the users.
Thank you. Yes, they will. People are very resourceful when they have access to time, tools, and knowledge, but as with all commercial concerns, controlling supply to make profit means some people may be kept away from its benefits.
I am looking forward to getting stuck in properly!
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