3D printing brings production closer to the people
Jewellery, toys and telephone cases. More and more often, products come from a 3D printer. Until a few years ago, they were mostly simple products, often made of plastic, but nowadays the possibilities are as good as endless, as is the type of material being used. A lot of research is being done in Brainportregio into 3D printing, and experiments are being carried out. This is also known as Additive Manufacturing. For example, did you know that it's currently possible to print shoe soles, houses, food and even human tissue?
Additive Manufacturing is making objects on the basis of 3D drawings. Using those drawings, the products are built up by a printer, layer by layer. The technique was previously often used for 'rapid prototyping', a production method which makes it possible to manufacture physical prototypes fast.
Design freedom
Now that the technique is continuing to develop, we are seeing even more advantages in 3D printing. If you're a product designer, for example, you have much more freedom because there are more possibilities. And producing through 3D printing is often less expensive than through a traditional production process. This means you can also produce in short runs and makes you more flexible as a manufacturer. Not only that, but production can take place closer to home, which contributes to a more sustainable way of manufacturing.
Additive Manufacturing examples from the Brainport region
From lampshades to bread
In Brainportregio, there are several examples of companies that apply Additive Manufacturing on a large scale. The following are a few examples:
Brainport and Additive Manufacturing
Although Additive Manufacturing is becoming increasingly important and popular, the technology has not yet been 'accepted' in regular manufacturing. For that to happen, there will have to be more examples of mass production, something Brainport Development intends to commit to in the coming years. By combining the strengths of multiple small 3D printing companies, the technology can be further developed. And that's important, because it's clear that Additive Manufacturing is a valuable addition and could be of real help in mass production.
