Global engineering has started its journey towards cloud computing. This transformation is not just a fashion – the move from traditional business models to Internet has been gaining hold over the past decade. The 451 Research says, “Cloud market’s revenues will go above $20 billion by 2016. Cloud computing is making the manufacturing process smarter and leaner – and welcoming to Industrial Revolution. John Koten says, “Although there is little similarity between digital manufacturing environment and traditional way of making things, the industrial revolution is shattering the existing business models”.
How does 3D printing do that? Here is a simple example: just draw a design on your computer, add data, and drive the machine that spreads very thin sheets of metal or plastic powder on the layers one-by-one. A sinterer or a laser welder solidifies these layers; as soon as the process ends the product you sketched on the computer comes out into physical form. This is how 3-dimensional technology brings your visions to reality. Most users tend to use 3D printing objects in a way they use paper-based print objects. For 3D printing output, you just have to hit the button ‘Print’ on your Windows machine and operating system starts producing products. Emerging 3D printing trends are bringing transformations in almost all spheres of life such as:
Faster product innovation: Everything from home appliances to the latest car models is going to be produced more rapidly. Since the faster 3D technology has turned production ideas into production-ready designs, the manufacturers focus on the utility of products instead of worrying about cost and design – and results are faster and better products.
Improved life expectancy: Using 3D printing and cloud computing technology, medical industry has started producing custom-matched orthodontic devices, prosthetic limbs and better bone implant products. Experts are also trying to print soft tissues, arteries and veins to be implanted in operations – this is how 3D printing improves life expectancy.
3D printing is saving today for tomorrow: 3D printers combine printed electronics, nanoscale and new materials to produce products with distinctive features. The secret behind competitive advantages of 3D printing lies behind its power to control printing materials to atoms and molecules. It reduces manufacturing costs and materials for future use.
Factories are turning towards 3D printing: The more skills in integrating 3D printing into business applications manufacturers acquire, the more favor 3D printing gains. Factory owners are improving supply chains and production lines using hybrid production methods and hybrid manufacturing process also includes 3D printing machinery. However, if customers’ demand for 3D-printed products increases, manufacturers will continue investing in 3D printing. Besides speeding up the manufacturing process, 3D printing has the capacity to meet next-generation production needs within the means.
By Walter Bailey
