3D printing is one of those things that seem almost unbelievable, that a printer could create something other than a picture or text on a piece of paper. It is something that is set to revolutionise the manufacturing industry. No longer will you need minimum order quantities and massive production lines churning out the same product time after time. It allows us to create one-off bespoke prototypes and products.

As an example, if you have a part you need for your bike, currently you would go to the retailer or manufacturer to order a replacement. Delivery would depend on whether they had any in stock and if it needed to be shipped in from abroad somewhere.

Well, 3D printing would mean that a CAD drawing file is all that’s needed to ‘print’ the replacement part for you.

How Do 3D Printers Work?

3D printers are able to use a variety of different materials and they do work in slightly different ways, but basically they create a 3D object in layers. Building up layer by layer until it is complete. In some ways it’s similar to how normal printing works now with the additional of an additional dimension. I hope that helps to keep it simple.

Still blows your mind?

I can’t say I blame you, it’s a fairly new concept that takes some getting used to but it’s definitely one that’s here to stay. Whilst the way in which it works is pretty easy to grasp it’s the simple idea of being able to print something in 3D that’s a little more difficult. But remember the first time you saw a mobile phone or a tablet? It took a little while, but now it’s a technology that’s taken for granted and one that let’s be honest, we’d struggle to do without. Could you imagine going out for the day without a phone?

It will be interesting to see how this technology is used. We are certainly excited about how it can help our customers and the way in which we work with them. Just think of the reduction in time and cost 3D printing will bring to the manufacturing industry overall.