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What is the future of 3D printing?

I need to know if 3D printing will be popular or not and if it will be a good career choice for a mechanical engineer. # #mechanical-engineering #mechanical-engineering #engineer #engineering #3D
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Stephen’s Answer

Hi Rainer,

Your idea to pursue 3D printing will provide you with several opportunities. I would recommend that you continue your investigation into all additive manufacturing technologies. Mechanical engineering, and several other degrees will expand their use 3D printing in the learning process in the next few years. The ability to fabricate a mechanical design without a traditional manufacturing process is revolutionary. In some case the part created will only represent a model or a prototype of a real part but this can be very beneficial for evaluation.
3D printing and other additive manufacturing process technologies will provide solutions to problems where subtractive manufacturing methods fell short. That being said there are major advances in subtractive manufacturing process automation technologies, like a table top milling machine, that provide a model or part without a traditional factory.
Keep in mind that 3D printing requires a CAD solid model from which the model or part is built. You should consider 3D printing as a step in the design process. You might consider it a method to help you innovate.
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Alyssa’s Answer

Hi Rainer,

Two articles that I think showcase the importance of both a) 3D printing, and b) manufacturing in the United States. As we look at gaps in the supply chain unfolding in this current crisis, we see the need to increase not only our R&D capacities, which 3D printing can do through rapid prototyping, but also our need to innovate on the manufacturing processes. We can speculate that there will be a call on all levels of government to increase their investments in reshoring the manufacturing of critical equipment, and there will be opportunities in the field in both additive and subtractive manufacturing processes.

Article 1: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/14/opinion/coronavirus-industry-manufacturing.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage

Article 2: https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2020/03/27/coronavirus-3d-face-sheilds-mount-sinai/
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John’s Answer

Hi Rainer, 3D printing is in it's infancy and as innovators and entrepreneurs start to harness the power of the technology the applications of the technology into everyday use will increase. We see it's current impact on the Covis19 crisis in developing prototypes and even finished products , but there are still many areas of improving and refining the technology to drive benefits. If your curiosity is taking you in this direction then go! Applying your engineering skills across one technology will not limit you if you decide to move in a different career path down the road.
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Arun’s Answer

I think till now a big chunk of the 3d printing market was focused on developing prototypes. The next big wave should be when the industry moves towards mass producing things using 3d printers. Additive manufacturing (or metal 3d printing) would be a great choice for someone having a mechanical engineering background. Best would be to get into companies such as Renishaw/EOS/Autodesk etc. through their graduate recruitment programs.
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Uma’s Answer

In my view, the future of 3D printing is very bright, from prototyping to making small things (like which could be used to aid any machinery part...) 3D printing can be used extensively, so it could be a good career choice. Even the NASA is conducting competition like 3D printed habitat challenge to see any possibility of habitat on other planet also 3D printing in space is a big thing they are working on. There are lot of researches going on over 3D printing and many companies are experimenting with 3D printed model before going in production and that will create job opportunities. You can start with learning with basics of CAD and becoming familiar with CAD software because ultimately before 3D printing you will need to design what you wanted to print...
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BRETT’s Answer

Hey Rainer,

As you can tell from the other answers, 3D printing is very valuable and will exceed demand if anything. The amount of possibilities that lie within that field are exponential. Whether it be proto-typing or manufacturing, 3D printing can be used to create any graph model you create on its software. It gives endless possibilities and whenever it gets progressed further you can be sure to see medical equipment and products itself being created solely with 3D printing. It will be a field that doesn't go away that I don't see going away anytime soon.
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Tony’s Answer

HI Rainer,

3D printer is the next best thing in the engineering world, especially in Mechanical Design Engineering. In regards to career choice, you already did, and I congratulate you for that. 3D printers are great for building prototypes and even during pre-production. Take drafting and CAD classes and you will be a vaulable engineer.
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Parviz’s Answer

3D printing is a relatively new area of manufacturing for digital prototyping and additive manufacturing (as opposed to substrative manufacturing). There are a lot of research and development happening in 3D printing industry, from generating parts for cars, to medical supplies all the way to building entire houses.
There are companies working on 3D printing such as Autodesk, HP, ... and consortium such as 3MF Consortium, etc...
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Prasanna’s Answer

3D printing could be the 4th Industrial revolution.
Definitely the cost of producing a particular product and the turn around time to manufacture will go down.
So 3D printing is the future for manufacturing industries.
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Emily’s Answer

I know at my job (Dow Chemical) 3D printing is getting a LOT of investment and attention.
There are so any ways this technology is going to change the way companies do business.
This field is not a fad that is going to go away!! If that is what you love, pursue it!
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NiLeSh’s Answer

I believe current 3D priting is still in its premitive form. And going to evolve more. As Mechanical engineer you can research more on additive manufacturing. As 3D printing is one form of the additive manufacturing. There will be more industrial opportunities in it.
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