Recently, the number of objects of different sizes and purpose, printed on a 3D printer, growing at an incredible rate. Details, cars, houses, clothes, food, organs, the list is endless. Let’s try to look into the near future and see prospects of 3D printing in our daily life and in the military industry.
In the edition of Proceedings of the U.S. Navy published a paper on the future of the Navy, which, according to the authors, is closely associated with 3D-printing. In the foreseeable future, with the help of three-dimensional printing will be manufactured in almost all parts and household goods on ships. Moreover, in the future, giant 3D-printers will print ready to go to sea submarines and surface ships.
Today, the majority of 3D-printers are used as raw plastic. The flexibility of the use of such printers is very high: it is enough to draw a three-dimensional model of the object, and after a while it will be made the printer. However, except for the plastic parts often require rubber and metal, and such modern printers are still exotic. Nevertheless, printers, printing rubber and metal, and there is even used in aerospace. For example, NASA has already tested the item for the J-2X engine rockets SLS, manufactured using selective laser melting technology.
Apparently encouraged by this achievement, Proceedings Specialists describe the production line and the future of the shipyard, where ships and planes literally grow up on the tables of the giant of 3D-printers. Naturally, primarily the three-dimensional printing is used as a miniature factory ship, which could produce the powder of any desired or liquid items. This will save the internal volume and improve the survivability of warships. Especially useful is the ability to quickly make complex parts for robots that the fleet is growing. Moreover, 3D-printer allows us to produce some of the robots body as a whole, such as on board the ship, you can print the fuselage and wings of the UAV, while on the ship’s stock for him to keep only the electronics and battery.
In the more distant future development of 3D-printing technology will produce submarines, surface ships, aircraft and other equipment as a whole. The advantages of this mode of production are obvious: a minimum of human labor, the possibility of applying the most sophisticated architectural solutions, fast track projects, easy fabrication of prototypes, etc. Also on hand will always be a production line, ready to switch to different types of products. Imagine that the conditions in theater and change is needed, for example, the technique the previous generation — enough to load a 3D-printer old drawings. Also, the same printer can produce a different range of weapons: aircraft, helicopters, missiles, cars, etc.
After 3 years, 3D printing will change the world!
3D-printing technology does not cease to haunt the minds of their followers. They describe a world where clothing will not buy in the shops and on the Internet will be downloaded and printed. A world where everyone can create things on their own discretion.
However, currently significant 3D-printers are fairly expensive, and generally not available to the mass consumer. Analysts at Gartner say that by 2016 industrial quality printers will cost less than 2000 dollars.
Of course, now there is a 3D-printer for $ 75, but it is intended, rather, to create a hand-made crafts, not for serious print patterns and objects. Despite the high cost, the market is now implementing a new technology. For example, in Japan, people and digitize printed on the 3D-printer, their figures with amazing accuracy. One inventor even started printing full cars. It is difficult to imagine what the application will find 3D-printing after the technology becomes widespread and common.
In the report, Gartner states that the distribution of 3D-printers will result in a rapid drop in their prices. Gradual development and cost reduction technologies will make it all the more popular. Widespread use of the potential of three-dimensional printing will save time and money, and increase productivity.
«Business must constantly monitor the process of developing technology to determine where improvements can be used», — said Pete Baziler, research director at Gartner. 3D-printing — is a tool for empowerment. Already, it allows you to create parts and products that change the life of the countries in distress, and the areas affected by the crisis.
Already, some small businesses, if they can afford a 3D-printer, you do not see it as absolutely necessary. In connection with this 3D-printing needs something more than a low cost. It needs the retail market, where designers can sell professional-level work. 3D-printers to be sold in retail outlets and repair shops have. 3D-printing technology to penetrate into the lower level of education (at lower prices). This is necessary because, according to Gartner, it is — our future.
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