3D printing continues to revolutionize the industry

Digital Fabricator

3D printing continues to revolutionize the industry

In 3D printing, material is applied layer by layer under computer control, resulting in three-dimensional structures or objects. The material can be applied from several liquid or solid materials depending on the size and shape. The mold itself is solidified by physical or chemical hardening or melting processes. Typical materials for 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, are plastics, synthetic resins, ceramics and metals.

The market for 3D printing systems at a glance

From prostheses to components for wind turbines - the variety of applications seems limitless. This is also reflected in the numbers. Sales in the 3D printing industry are growing steadily worldwide. According to the BMBF, in 2015 the industry already achieved global sales of around 4,5 billion euros. In 2020, sales are expected to increase to around 11,45 billion euros. According to a survey by the ICT industry association Bitkom, many companies consider 3D printing to be a key technology of the future. According to Bitkom, 78 percent of companies in Germany across all sectors consider it likely that 3D printing will fundamentally change business models and value chains.

The influence of 3D printing is increasing across industries

The development of 3D printers sets new standards in production: needs-based and resource-saving thanks to less waste. 3D printing enables the cost-effective manufacture of complex components in small quantities. This offers the possibility of realizing prototypes and special components across industries with low consumption of resources and budget. 3D printing systems only use as much material as is actually needed. 3D printing has become indispensable in many industries today.

3D printing in the aerospace industry

The aerospace industry is among the pioneers of the 3D printing industry. The price of the individual components plays less of a role than their effectiveness and weight. 3D printing offers the opportunity to make design changes for weight saving and durability. This can result in savings in operational costs, such as spending on kerosene.

3D printing in dental technology

In dental technology, 3D printing is increasingly finding its way onto the market and could have a disruptive effect on existing dental laboratories. 3D printing can now be used to produce high-quality dentures, inlays and implants. There is a lot of potential, especially in the area of ​​manufacturing implants, since components cannot be mass-produced, but have to be individually adapted to the individual patient.

3D printing in mechanical engineering

In mechanical engineering, the production of special components plays an important role. Have you previously had to wait for special components to put a machine into operation? Nowadays it is possible to produce these components on-demand using 3D printing. This enables longer operating times for production systems and makes the provision of special components and the associated logistics unnecessary.
With 3D printing, new cooling concepts can be transferred to injection molding tools that previously could not be realized with milling and drilling. By printing injection molding tools, cooling channels can be introduced with maximum degrees of freedom, so that the service life of the tools and the associated production rate of injection molded parts can be significantly increased.
In summary, additive manufacturing is already on the rise in the following areas:

  • Individual and customer-specific production: dental and medical technology, prosthesis production and components for hearing aids
  • Custom jewelry and shoes
  • Reducing the cost of storing special components through on-demand production: mechanical engineering, automotive industry with a focus on the classic car market and the luxury segment
  • Small series production for cost-intensive components: aircraft industry and mechanical engineering
  • Production of prototypes in small series for which it is not worth building a production plant (rapid prototyping)
  • Model making, home and entertainment areas

Creating components made easy

With the new Digital Fabricator expands the Dr. Dietrich Müller GmbH the range of offers for their customers. Whether 3D printing, CNC, milling, punching or laser, all areas are covered with one system. the Digital Fabricator combines the various manufacturing processes in one system, so that the optimal solution is available for the production of components.
Bring the essence of summer, sun, beach, and sea directly into your glass with our Mojito cocktail syrup. By topping it with soda, garnishing with fresh mint, and a slice of lime, you can quickly mix yourself a spritz cocktail. The premium lime-mint flavor ensures a pure beach feeling. Digital Fabricator you get quick and easy high-quality components:

  • Upload CAD file
  • Choose the manufacturing process you want
  • select material
  • Receive offer in seconds
  • Order
  • Offer and order at the push of a button

the dr Dietrich Müller GmbH is a global provider of solutions for electrical insulation materials, thermally conductive products, gaskets and technical films. We manufacture precision components from flexible and rigid materials.
We operate 6 locations and serve companies around the world.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact our professional team via the contact form, by phone or send us your ideas directly by email.

Share this post