Some of the industries that have benefitted greatly from additive manufacturing are the transportation industry, aerospace and medical industries.
FREMONT, CA: As additive manufacturing technologies have advanced, 3D-printed parts have moved out of R&D and into production. Through these pivotal processes, concepts previously unattainable in manufacturing are being developed and produced.
Entrepreneurs and large OEMs, have embraced 3D printing to meet their tough performance standards. New applications have emerged as a result of additive manufacturing being used as a complement to traditional manufacturing.
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The amazing capabilities of additive manufacturing have transformed production in these industries, in particular, that are noted below:
The medical field: A rapidly evolving medical industry is using additive manufacturing solutions to deliver breakthroughs to doctors, patients, and research institutions. Medical manufacturers are using high-strength and biocompatible 3D printing materials, from rigid to flexible, opaque to transparent, to customize designs like never before.
Additive manufacturing is enabling life-saving advancements in everything from functional prototypes to anatomical models to surgical-grade components. The medical industry is being shaken up by orthopedic implant devices, dental devices, pre-surgery models based on CT scans, custom saws, drill guides, enclosures, and specialized instruments. Anatomical models and custom surgical tools are among the medical applications that Stratasys Direct Manufacturing supports.
The transportation industry: Extreme speeds and heat are part of life in the fast lane. In the transportation industry, parts must be able to withstand harsh testing and be lightweight enough to avoid unnecessary drag. Transportation companies are only scratching the surface of what can be made additively manufactured for their vehicles with rugged, high-temperature materials and additive manufacturing technologies.
Among the applications that have transformed the industry are complex ductwork that cannot be manufactured with conventional manufacturing methods, resilient prototypes, elastomeric models, grilles, custom interior features, and large panels. 3D printing has transformed manufacturing and opened up possibilities for customized end-use applications.
The energy: In the energy sector, success depends on developing mission-critical components that can withstand extreme conditions quickly. A wide range of requirements and field functions can be met by additive manufacturing's advancements in producing efficient, on-demand, lightweight components and environmentally friendly materials.
Gas, oil, and energy industries have developed several key applications, such as fluid/water flow analysis, flow meter parts, mud motor models, pressure gauge pieces, and control valve components. As corrosion-resistant metal materials are developed for customized parts that may be used underwater or in harsh environments, major energy companies may achieve tremendous results with additive manufacturing.
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