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3D PRINTING #3 (4D Printing (As discussed by Mahto + Sniderman [2019] +…
3D PRINTING #3
4D Printing
- As discussed by Mahto + Sniderman [2019] + others, in the future we may see the emergence of 4D printing, with the 4th dimension being time
- The difference between 3D + 4D printing is that 4D printed objects can transform themselves over time, while 3D objects maintain a fixed shape
- 4D printing refers to the additive manufacturing of objects from smart materials that are able to transform their shape/structure after printout if exposed to water, heat, light or a magnetic field
- This may include pipes, valves or other components able to respond to the environment, or bioprinting materials capable of self-assembly
- One of the sectors most interested is the medical sector - e.g could print cells that adapt to the human body according to its temperature
- However, the tech still has many limitations + many companies are still testing the manufacturing process
- Bc it's more complex it probably won't become as widely available + accessible as 3D printing, but it will definitely have a significant impact on the industry
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The Road Ahead
- The industry has been ahead of schedule for years - 3D Printing is a rapidly developing tech
- The 3D printing hype of 2013/14 is over, w traditional manufacturers like GE, HP, Canon + Toshiba now key market players
- New processes continue to be developed, while hybrid tech [e.g combining 3D processes w CNC milling] are also being introduced by machine tool makers
- Computer Numerical Control Milling: a machining process that uses computerised controls + multi-point cutting tools to progressively remove material from the workpiece + produce a custom part/product
- Manufacturers are also starting to focus on continuous production
Challenges Ahead
- As 3D printing becomes more widespread, cheaper + sophisticated, how can intellectual property be controlled to prevent 'Object Piracy'?
- InfraTrac, for example, are a company dedicated to the battle against fraudulent 3D-printed products
- Holograms or laser-etching are easy to replicate for modern fakers
- InfraTrac's anti-piracy system uses full-spectrum spectroscopy to scan for a chemical fingerprint using light, + checks it against the manufacturer's database
- However, some say that there isn't much use in worrying about piracy
- Despite improved software + printers, it's still a challenge to produce high-quality replicas of things
- Most things are made of several kinds of materials, e.g a pencil: wood, metal, rubber + a graphite-clay compound. It will be years before consumer-priced 3D printers are capable of making a multi-material object
- Need to keep mechanical safety, electrical safety + risk of burns in mind
- 3D printing is increasingly being used in schools to inspire a new generation of engineers - schools must conduct a risk assessment + maintain the equipment to a high standard
- Prolonged exposure to fumes from some materials could be hazardous
- Impact on Corporate + Employment Systems
- 3D printing is a component of the 'maker movement' which helps foster the creation of new products/companies, + benefits communities, education, entrepreneurship etc
- Can lower the barrier for entrepreneurship bc it makes it a lot more affordable -> creation of more jobs
- BUT, the slow takeover of automated systems in manufacture has been happening for some time. Developments in 3D printing could accelerate this
- It's cheaper, + often faster, to use machines instead of workers
- May also see retail job losses, as if people can download designs + print items at home they won't need to visit shops
Industrial Convergence
- The adoption of 3D printing potentially challenges traditional industrial boundaries, as the technology can be rapidly re-applied across sectors
- 3D printing allows the additive manufacture of objects in lots of layers
- "Suppose you have rows of printers in your facility that build auto parts one day, military equipment the next day, + toys the next. What industry are you part of? Traditional boundaries will blur" [D'Aveni, 2015 HBR]