3D Printing Has the Potential to Change the Face of Industry

Recently 3D printing become a hot topic of discussion. His ability to print three-dimensional objects attracted the attention of many audiences. This is a technological advancement that is predicted to become an idol because it can cut costs and production time. Opening a cottage industry to produce a more specific product, customized and reach the market super niche might happen in the near future. In Indonesia, there is already Solution3D offering this service for the last three years.

The first industrial revolution occurred when the system of society changed from agriculture to industry that used steam engines and fuels. The presence of new technologies that bring mass production capabilities to bring the world into the second industrial revolution. This kind of industrial base reigned from the 19th to the 21st century, and it seems that the advent of 3D printing will bring about the third industrial revolution by re-breaking the established foundations of economy and production.

With 3D printing companies can quickly and cheaply make models and prototypes of goods to be produced. As for small industries, goods can be printed at once with unique items per product. If the factory machine prints one model of an item massively and simultaneously, 3D printing allows printing several models in one print.

3D printing capabilities can be applied to many industries, from the simplest such as souvenirs and miniatures to the complex ones such as aircraft components. However, it seems that the industry that will be most affected is automotive, aerospace, media, and high fashion.

Solusi3D is a startup that has been operating as a company offering 3D for three years printer. “We offer the cheapest UP Printer at a price of 25 million (suitable for hobby and industries that need to make mockups and prototypes in small sizes). Printer production scale with high printing quality. The price is more than 1 billion and can be used for the manufacturing industry moulding and tooling , jewelry, or medical,” said Roy Gunawan, co-founder of Solusi3D.

According to Roy, the public's interest so far has been very good. “With the 3D printer, anime fans can create action Figures according to their wishes, and some even made parts of action figure as a backup, in case of damage."

Besides fans action figure for hobbies, or parents who just want to make their own toys for their children, the client of 3D solutions also comes from the company. Roy revealed companies from various fields. Starting from food, beverage, fashion, souvenir making, aviation, interior design, tableware & glassware, jewellery.

One of the idols is that 3D printing can reduce production costs. Roy said that 3D printing can make significant savings with savings cycle time and material savings. Another plus, a engineer can make an item with a complex and sturdy geometric structure.

3D printing has indeed become so popular that many people are amazed by this technological advancement. In addition, 3D printing is considered as an industrial revolution that can get rid of the need for centralized manufacturing, which means not only cycle time trimmed, transportation costs, and directly carbon print an effort will be reduced.

Although it is still under debate, this could be the answer for a more environmentally friendly business. "Maybe it has an impact on the environment, there is 3D printing technology that uses powder as raw material. When we make products from powder In this case, the remaining powder can be used again. Therefore, wasteis minimal.”

Not only plastic, materials that can be used for 3D printing consist of: paper, ceramics, resin, titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, polyamide, gold, and silver. Meanwhile, apart from plastic, the 3D Solution provides a printer that can print using polyamide (nylon) and resins. In the future Roy said he would add a machine that could print using metal powder and paper.

Currently, Solusi3D's revenue has increased by 25 percent and in a month can sell up to two printers. "Item favorite is UP printer.”

Many industries can take advantage of this technology, so don't be surprised if it will become a technology for consumers. For example, parts of broken household items, handles pintu, parts from washing machines, or other small parts in the home that are damaged can be printed at home without having to order. Quick and easy.

However, considering the price is quite expensive, Roy admits that all of that can happen if the price is high printer can be reduced cheaper than or equivalent to the price of a computer. "I think people are more interested in printer which can produce colorful products.”

[photo illustration: Shutterstock]