Three gates hinder the development of 3D printing and large-scale application
The development of the 3D printing industry is still relatively slow. In addition to industrial applications, 3D printing has achieved relatively rapid development. In the more extensive and widespread commercial applications and mass consumer applications, 3D printing still stays at the very first stage. Most companies are struggling to survive. So, what exactly is the reason that has prevented 3D printing technology from being rapidly popularized and commercialized like Internet technology?
Popularity
3D printing currently has a great supporting role for the manufacturing industry, but it is not practical for the general public, so users are narrow. The current domestic use of the most 3D printers for FDM models, the price range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands, is the range that the general public can afford. However, FDM can only be used as a printing plastic model. Consumables can't be used in a practical way. It is dispensable to the general public, resulting in a shrinking 3D printing user base and the expansion of commercial applications.
High threshold
The rapid spread of Internet technology has benefited from innovations in the Internet that are extremely easy to use. A group of companies that have succeeded in the ultimate user experience have emerged, such as Apple, Google and Tencent. Then, in the field of 3D printing technology, such user-oriented innovations are lackluster.
There are few people who use the 3D modeling software to model and fix molds. This is one of the reasons that prevents the popularization of 3D printing. Excessive technical barriers have blocked most people who are even interested in 3D printing. 3D printing requires three-dimensional model maps to print out real models, so it does not model, 3D printers are also useless, can only be placed at home when the furnishings. At present, among ordinary people, there are not many people who can use 3D software such as CAD and 3Dmax. In addition to those engaged in modeling professions, mechanical manufacturing students, and modeling enthusiasts, others are completely new to it.
Limited material
For the 3D printing industry, equipment, software, and materials are three very important aspects. The emphasis on equipment and software in the market is far greater than the emphasis on materials.
Although current industrial printers can print a variety of materials, they are mainly based on gypsum, photosensitive resins, and plastics. Other materials are often faced with the following problems: 1) Applicable material maturity cannot keep pace with the development of the 3D market; 2 ) Insufficient print fluency; 3) Insufficient material strength; 4) Contradiction between the human body's safety and the environment's friendliness; 5) Standardization of materials and the formulation of serialization specifications.
In the actual production process, the demand for metal workpieces is often greater. According to different uses, the workpieces made of metal materials require high strength, corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance, small specific gravity, and good sinterability. At the same time, the materials are also required to be non-toxic and environmentally friendly; the performance must be stable, and they can meet the continuous and reliable operation of the printer. The function should be more and more abundant, for example, some materials have been put forward requirements such as conductive, water-soluble, wear-resisting and so on. This requires the further development and innovation in materials, which is also the reason why the 3D printing industry is hot but slow to develop.
"I believe that with the continuous efforts of our generation of 3D printers, the development of 3D printing will be more rapid, and will not only play an indispensable role in the industry, but also in civilian use. This 'Quality 315' event is a joint initiative in the industry. It is my honour and privilege to express my feelings and thoughts to the media and the big brothers who have spoken together. I hope that in the future, we can develop the small geek communities and allow more people to gain free professional knowledge to better promote the industry.†Chen Ronghua, the founder of geek community, said.
There are still many twists and turns in the future of the 3D printing industry, which seems to be beautiful, but there are still deficiencies in its development on various levels. The prospects are bright, and the roads are indeed tortuous. As the earliest group of 3D printing people in China, we have a long way to go.
Three gates hinder the development of 3D printing and large-scale application