Consumer 3D Printing
Final users of 3D printing technologies were the last category to emerge. This category includes primarily adopters of consumer 3D printing technologies. These may be enthusiasts and hobbyists who have purchased a 3D printer as a garage tool to further explore the production of drones, miniature models, RC cars or accessories.
This category of adopters was created when the RepRap movement made many of the technologies and processes necessary to build 3D printers available to everyone through open source sharing of information. Focusing primarily on filament extrusion and – in minor part – on DLP stereolithographic technologies, this movement led to a further, drastic reduction in the price of some 3D printers, taking it from the $5,000 professional and prosumer cost level to below $1,000 (with some systems running as low as $200).
Early RepRap adopters and developers often evolved their expertise thus creating a new business segment for affordable desktop 3D printers. This trend was – and continues to be – driven by the Maker movement, which is largely made up of amateur engineers and artists who have embraced digital manufacturing technologies and make things for the sake of making.
While in many cases this passion for making leads to failures or products that prove to be useless on unattainable, there is no doubt that the maker movement and amateur 3D printing adoption has been instrumental in raising global awareness around the use of these technologies, proving much more effective – to this day – than initiative promoted by governments and large corporations.
Latest consumer 3D printing news:
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Florian Jouanny is almost completely paralyzed. He is also the second man to complete the infamous Ironman Triathlon. 3D printing technology is helping him overcome barriers in this grueling race. Even able-bodied people struggle to complete the infamous Ironman Triathlon. Contestants must complete three stages in less than 17 hours:…
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Satisfying a sushi craving is already an incredibly rewarding thing. Japanese startup Open Meals, however, believes it can make that experience even more rewarding, not just for your taste buds but for your overall body. The innovative company, which sparked interest at last year’s SXSW event for its 3D printed…
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During the latest webinar organized by 3dpbm for the AM Focus on eyewear 3D printing, the discussion centered on the fact that, after a few years of envisioning a future made of directly 3D printed products, AM technologies are now ready to cater to the demands of the eyewear industry for…
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Bruges-based Hoet Studio can be considered one of the first pioneers in seriously introducing 3D printing for eyewear frames production. The studio, led by Bieke Hoet, has been 3D printing frames since 2011 and is to date the only manufacturer of luxury 3D printed metal frames in its Couture collection.…
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Mark Beecroft, a researcher from the Manchester Metropolitan University, believes that the future of textiles will be closely intertwined with 3D printing. Not only does he believe it—he is actually paving the way for it in an innovative additive manufacturing-based project called Digital Interlooping. Conducted at the Manchester School of…
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Swedish furniture giant IKEA has recognized the benefits of 3D printing, launching limited 3D printed collections and exploring the technology with partners such as UNYQ. Most recently, the company released a series of DIY 3D printed add-ons to make its existing products more accessible to those with special needs. The…
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Among the thousands of companies that make up the rapidly evolving global landscape for additive manufacturing, there are some that stand out for the uniqueness of their technology and applications. Companies that have driven their technological approach to AM in new directions, such as the production of houses, food, electronics…
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Copenhagen-based MONOQOOL brings the effortlessly sleek and functional elements of Danish design into the eyewear field with its stylish 3D printed frames. Founded in 2008, the company has been working with 3D printing for roughly eight years, initially using the technology to prototype new eyewear designs and eventually transitioning into…
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It’s been a tough week for the Energica Motor Company and the rest of the MotoE community, after a fire at a paddock at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain on March 14th destroyed the majority of the motorcycles and equipment inside. CRP Group, which provides high performance 3D printing…
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In the next AM Focus webinar series, 3dpbm is presenting an in-depth analysis of additive manufacturing opportunities in the eyewear industry. Leveraging the findings from the latest report on additive manufacturing in the eyewear segment, published by 3dpbm’s partner for industry data SmarTech Publishing, key industry stakeholders and technology leaders will…
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