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3D printing, or additive manufacturing as it is alternatively called, is the process of creating objects without requiring molds or separate components.  It creates a physical item from a digital model by layering multiple layers of thin material.  The process is most often associated with creating small objects made from plastics or resins but is now expanding to include the use of metals and other materials and has even been demonstrated for creating objects as large as houses, by layering concrete to create internal and external walls.

Due to the continuously decreasing cost of 3D printers, this process has been rapidly growing in popularity even for private use.  Hobbyists have quickly embraced private 3D printing as it for the first time gives them the ability to see their ideas come to life.  However, this technology isn’t just for fun.  It’s also increasingly being used by major manufacturers.

For example, industrial 3D printing is proving to be a game-changer in new product development.  It allows organizations to rapidly accelerate design and prototyping.  Whereas previously providing a first prototype was costly and time-consuming, now prototypes can be created cost-effectively in a matter of just days.  It quickly makes a digital concept a physical reality and allows both the manufacturer, and their end customer the ability to hold the part in their hands and easily confirm critical concepts like how it fits relative to other components.

And that’s not all.  Industrial 3D printing is even starting to transition from the laboratory  into the shopfloor for serial and mass production.  In the past 3D printing was technically feasible for many applications but financially not attractive. As costs decline, available 3D printing materials expand, and 3D printing speeds go up, 3D printing gets more and more attractive for industrial serial and mass production. 

TE is at the forefront of using 3D printing for both prototyping and serial production and our subject matter experts can serve as valuable resources to discuss this topic and the benefits it is delivering in a number of industries.