While automated processes and algorithms are becoming increasingly sophisticated in the field of 3D printing, human interaction remains invaluable for leveraging creativity, addressing complex challenges, and ensuring the successful integration of 3D printing technology into various industries and domains.

The main advantage of 3D printing over traditional manufacturing is the ability to iterate quickly and cheaply. This makes the technology revolutionary in its ability to spur innovation. For a long time, 3D printing was best used for prototyping parts. Now, there are new durable and functional materials hitting the market nearly every day.

For various reasons, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are not always the best source for replacement parts. A growing number of people and companies are looking to 3D printing as a way to replicate parts that they otherwise would struggle to procure. This is especially true in the automotive, construction, and hardware technology industries.

Like other tech companies and startups, additive manufacturing – aka 3D printing – benefited greatly from an influx of capital in 2020-2021. Over the past two years, several 3D printing companies have gone public, raised large funding rounds, been acquired, or merged with other companies in an effort to further scale their businesses. However, the recent decline in valuations of public 3D printing companies is raising some questions about the market potential of the technology.

Recently, a client came to us wanting to reverse engineer and 3D print an automotive trim clip for certain models of Mercedes-Benz’s. The original injection molded parts are no longer being produced yet there are still car enthusiasts that need them for restoration purposes.

Prototyping is the iterative process used by product designers to create new parts and inventions, and it's also what 3D printing is most well-known for. However, 3D printing is also extremely important to the restoration and recreation of old and existing parts. Thanks to the help of 3D scanning technology, architects, engineers, scientists, doctors, historians, archaeologists, and beyond are now able to create near-perfect 3D printed replicas of almost anything. Existing and emerging 3D technology is working hard to preserve history and in some cases, save lives.

We live in a world that demands affordable products on a rapid timeline. We are also increasingly seeing more demand for sustainably produced products. It is difficult to reconcile these two seemingly contradictory requirements. However, additive processes such as 3D printing are offering up resource-saving solutions that are changing the game. Here are some of the ways 3D printing can help make production more sustainable.