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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When the 2020 Tokyo Olympics roll around, Australia’s cycling team will be mounted on some fairly high-tech bikes. Constructed in partnership with Australian bike brand Bastion, the bikes each feature a set of three 3D printed titanium components: the stems, Madison handlebars and cranksets. Bastion is arguably as well known…
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Sportswear brand Adidas has introduced a new sneaker model as part of its ALPHAEDGE 4D series. The new shoe, which leverages Adidas and Carbon’s 3D printed FUTURECRAFT concept, stands out for its reflective style. The new shoe, the ALPHAEDGE 4D for FW19, was designed for better training in low light…
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Jay Leno is no stranger to 3D printing. The former Tonight Show host is a massive car aficionado and has, through Big Dog Garage and Big Dog Productions, utilized AM to help restore and refurbish all manner of vintage and rare automobiles. From here on out, it seems the comedian…
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After nearly 80 years with minimal innovation, the foam industry is now employing 3D printing to produce products that are more comfortable, safer, lighter, and can be customized for each individual. Now EOS North America and its Additive Minds applied engineering team launched their Digital Foam program – a hub…
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Spanish footwear brand Camper, recognized for its stylish yet casual and comfy shoes for men and women, has found its own way to benefit from 3D printing technologies. At its headquarters in Inca, on the island of Mallorca, Camper has installed a number of desktop 3D printers from Barcelona’s BCN3D…
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One of the most production-capable photopolymerization technologies, digital light synthesis (DSL) from Carbon, had not yet gotten involved in the eyewear business. Until now, that is, as J of JINS, a luxury eyewear brand from Japan, just launched its Neuron4D brand, with two models integrating a lattice cushion made using Carbon technology.…
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Texas-based bourbon brand Bulleit is taking its recent 3D theme in stride. In April, the company unveiled an elaborate 3D printed bar (as well as 3D printed cocktails) as part of a marketing campaign. Now, it is taking things a step further with a pair of 3D printed sneakers. The…
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Despite major developments in technology, 3D printing still intimidates many newer users. Many of the assumptions regarding 3D printing are steeped in confusion about its uses, popularity, and price. Consumers often view 3D printers as million-dollar devices when, in reality, consumer-grade tech costs $700 on average, with professional quality printers…
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Digital manufacturing company Voxel8 has completed a Series B funding round led by the investment arm of DSM, DSM Venturing. The investment round also saw funding from HP Tech Ventures and existing backers Bræmar Energy Ventures and ARCH Venture Partners. The funding—though unspecified in its amount—will enable Voxel8 to ramp…
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One Piece manga fans had a chance to get interactive with their favorite One Piece characters 3D printed in huge sizes for the publication’s 20th Anniversary celebrations. Fans used the event app’s augmented reality videos to film themselves together with the 24 giant 3D printed props and to customize the…
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