It has been impossible to ignore the rise of 3D printing in recent years – what started as a tool for manufacturers has now made its way into homes because of affordable printers and materials. Consequently, you’re about to read a list of surprising products made with a 3D printer.
Aerospace Parts
Don’t adjust your screen, manufacturers in the aerospace industry are now using industrial & commercial 3D printers in Australia, to make parts. As you can imagine, the pressure on aerospace manufacturers is high. All parts need to withstand huge amounts of pressure as well as chemicals and extreme temperatures. Manufacturers cannot afford a failure, and so they rely on the concise and precise process of 3D printing. As well as precision, it allows engineers to test various designs at a lower cost.
Dental Parts
The products and solutions designed to fix dental concerns are also now commonly made using a 3D printer. Orthodontists especially are using 3D printers to create orthodontic models, make bridges (and caps, dentures, crowns, and other products), and make surgical tools. Rather than buying from expensive suppliers, they buy the materials and print their own. This reduces the cost of production, some of which is passed down to customers.
Musical Instruments
Have you been surprised by the items on this list yet? As long as you have the right materials and software, there’s no reason why you can’t design and print your musical instrument. Since you probably don’t have a use for dental parts and aerospace parts in your life, this one is hopefully more functional.
Of course, the beauty of this is that you can print the instruments of your idols. Want to own Ed Sheeran’s guitar? While you might not have thousands for the real thing, you can print an imitation.
Camera Lens
Ever find yourself dreaming of a long camera lens to improve the quality of your photographs? Well, this won’t surprise you, but you can print one with a 3D printer. While you can’t print glass, you can replace the lens with an acrylic screen for interesting results. People in the photography niche are getting excited about the fun and unique results they get with 3D printed lenses.
Food
Wait…what? 3D printers can make food? Search online and you’ll see all sorts of stories about people using their new devices to print food. Recently, somebody decided to print ‘meal cubes’ that contained powdered carbohydrates, protein, and sugars. The 3D printing took place as a potential resolution to the unsustainable farming and food manufacturing processes that the world currently relies upon.
Eventually, experts believe that users will be able to print specific meals based on the nutritional needs of the individual.
3D Versions of a Child’s Drawings
If you’re interested in getting a 3D printer, imagine the look on your child’s face if you were to walk in with a 3D version of a dinosaur that they drew a few hours before. Children can design their toys and you can print them.
Jewellery
Finally, more manufacturers are starting to use 3D printers to make jewellery. Soon enough, you won’t be able to tell the difference between traditional jewellery and printed jewellery. Naturally, printed jewellery is much cheaper, it doesn’t place a strain on natural resources, consumers can reduce their carbon footprint, and it allows for more flexibility.
Were you surprised by anything on this list? If not, know that 3D printers are also being used to print weapons, organs, prosthetics, skin, power drills, and robots!