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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HP Inc. is surely smiling a little brighter today, as it has deployed a number of Jet Fusion 3D printing systems to teledentistry pioneer SmileDirectClub, for a total of 49 operating systems. SmileDirectClub, which specializes in doctor-directed, remote clear aligner therapy, now has the capacity to produce over 50,000 unique…
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American Magic, a New York Yacht Club challenger for the 36th America’s Cup, is furthering its use of 3D technologies to gain a competitive edge in the world renowned sailing competition. Recently, the company divulged how it is utilizing Creaform’s 3D scanning to simulate and verify boat components. Now, it…
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Danish footwear brand ECCO Group is no stranger to innovation, as it has taken the advancement of 3D printing in stride with its footwear production. Most recently, the shoe manufacturer announced its alliance with BASF 3D Printing Solutions and Origin, a San Francisco-based startup known for its Open Additive Manufacturing…
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3D printing company Stratasys has signed a deal with NTT IndyCar Series competitor Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports. The agreement sees the professional racing team integrating Stratasys’ Fortus 450mc and F370 3D printers for the production of functional prototypes, tools and end-use components for its race cars. Stratasys’ technologies and additive…
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In a world that can be tailored to fit an individual’s needs at the click of a button, it is not surprising that customization is king. In a field such as 3D printing, the appeal of custom products draws people in. Though it promises mass customization in a variety of…
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Sneaker News is reporting that adidas is about to launch a new version of its Alphaedge 4D sneakers, yes the ones that sport 3D printed midsoles. The modified part is not expected to be in the midsoles as much as in the upper part of the sneaker. According to images…
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Despite a fire at the Jerez circuit in March that destroyed many MotoE motorcycles and equipment, things are back on track for the Energica Motor Company and the FIM Enel MotoE World Cup, thanks in part to CRP Technology’s additive manufacturing know-how. The fire broke out on March 14, and…
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Consumer applications have long been the Achille’s heel of additive manufacturing but all that may now be set to change. With the potential to generate as much as $6.3 billion per year within a decade, according to the latest report from leading market research firm SmarTech Analysis, footwear industry AM…
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The recent death of rapper Nipsey Hussle shocked the world, and many mourned the loss of the talented lyricist and community activist, who strove to better the Los Angeles neighbourhood he grew up in. Hussle’s long time partner, Lauren London, received outpourings of support in the wake of his death…
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Russian-American tech startup Endurance has become known in the maker community for its laser cutting and engraving tools which can be integrated with various 3D printers and CNC machines. The company, founded by George Fomitchev, offers a number of products, including laser kits and diode lasers ranging from 2.1 to 20 Watts.…
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