Companies across the globe benefit from 3D printing methods. From the entrepreneur looking to start their own business to the giant corporation that has been around for more than 100 years, these companies use the latest in printing methods to create new items, improve existing ones, and simplify their business processes when doing so. The success they have achieved encourages others to benefit from this technology as well. The following ten companies have used 3D printing to their benefit.
American Pearl
American Pearl, a jewelry company, allows customers to create one-of-a-kind jewelry with the help of 3D printing technology. They choose the metals and gems online, and the company prints the final design using a 3D printer. The customer chooses from several metal options and multiple gems to create the perfect piece. However, this is only one way the company is using the technology to meet the needs of consumers.
Men and women find they can have a piece replicated using the technology. The company only offers this option for a short period of time, so consumers must act quickly. However, it allows individuals to replicate a piece they have been unable to find elsewhere, making it the perfect gift for that special someone.
Boeing
Boeing stood among the first companies to adopt 3D printing technology, such as the 3D printing service by JawsTec. Since doing so, the company has created more than 20,000 parts using the machines, and these parts now exist on ten types of commercial and military aircraft. In fact, the 787 Dreamliner contains more than 30 parts made using 3D printers. Boeing went further and created an entire cabin using Stratasys 3D printers. To advance the industry, the company supports two additive manufacturing programs at United Kingdom universities. These schools continue to carry out research for manufacturing sectors, such as the aerospace industry, using this technology.
DIY Rockets
DIY Rockets encourages individuals to think outside of the box and create new technology that will advance our understanding of space. The company remains dedicated to lowering the cost to explore space, doing so with the help of 3D printing. It runs a competition that encourages people to build rocket motors using the technology, with the only rules being to create open-source designs and present a business case.
Ford
Ford continues to look for new ways to improve its offerings. In the 1980s, the company started using 3D printing technology. Since that time, it has created more than half a million parts using 3D printers, including an engine cover designed for use with its popular Ford Mustang. If the company used traditional methods to create this cover, it would spend four months and $500,000. With the help of a 3D printer, it made the same cover in only four days at a cost of $3,000.
With the help of 3D Systems Sugar Lab, the company built an edible 2015 Mustang. This vehicle was made completely from sugar and chocolate. Imagine eating that. Today, they are expanding on their use of this technology by branching out into direct metal printing and sand printing. Furthermore, they have used the technology to create a parking brake bracket for the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 and other vehicle parts.
General Electric
When General Electric needed 85,000 fuel nozzles for the new Leap engines, they turned to 3D printing technology to create them. The printers construct the nozzles using one metal piece, and the company quickly found they were lighter and stronger than those manufactured using conventional techniques. Nevertheless, they encountered one problem when using 3D printing.
The printers available today cannot produce the amount needed at the pace currently required. General Electric brought Greg Morris on board last year to help with this issue. He founded Morris Technologies, a 3D company, and will help expand GE’s printing staff along with the production of these nozzles and additional equipment. At this time, GE owns over 300 3D printers, and the company is working with partners to create a system that will capture CO2.
Hasbro
Hasbro understands people want access to items in a timely manner. Today, the company allows for the printing of certain products at home for those who have access to a 3D printer. The company believes this option allows kids to have better play experiences.
Hershey
Imagine being able to print chocolate whenever you want a treat. Hershey wants to make this possible for consumers. In collaboration with 3D Systems, the company continues to advance in the area of printing chocolate with the help of 3D technology.
Matter.io
Cornell and MIT engineers joined forces to establish Matter.io, a company dedicated to helping individuals create, download, and share their 3D printing technology designs. CAD files, those used by 3D printers, are created with engineers in mind. This makes it difficult for the average individual to understand them, so Matter.io worked to embed the files in websites. Users could then download and customize the designs before printing them or sending them off to have the object created. This website made 3D printing technology understandable for all, an important goal in ensuring the adoption of 3D technology by the average consumer. Sadly, it is no longer in operation.
MakieLab
Kids the world over love flexible fashion dolls, and they could create their own with the help of MakieLab. The customer chose all features of the doll before the company’s London headquarters created it. This ensured every child had a doll that looks like them. Unfortunately, this company closed its shop in 2017, but kids don’t need to despair. Disney obtained the tech during the closure, so these dolls may make a return in the future.
Nike
People the world over know Nike for its “Just Do It” slogan. The company applies that in all that it does, including when it comes to 3D printing. This technology allows the company to innovate with speed, and many of its products contain 3D printed materials. Cleats used during the 2014 Super Bowl included 3D printed parts, and the company continues to expand on the use of the technology through its Consumer Direct Offense program. However, the company must do more in this field, as many experts believe Adidias, a direct competitor of Nike, has the edge in this area.
3D printing continues to expand in popularity. People the world over benefit from the use of this technology without even knowing they are doing so. Anyone unfamiliar with the process should learn more today to see if it is right for their needs.
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