ITC505 ICT Project Management

Introduction 

The principal determination of the document is to focus on the significance of 3D technology which is a new concept in the manufacturing industry. This new technology has enhanced specifications compared to the previous technologies. The 3D printing technologies are accurate and flexible, and it is used to manufacture a wide range of materials (Lu, Li & Tian, 2015). This advanced technology works on a three-dimensional plane having the capability to print different materials just like any other printer. This printing technology can be helpful in creating objects of any material and the specifications of this technology are updated every year so that its applications are increased significantly (Berman, 2012). The prime determination of this report is to focus on the different applications of 3D printing technology and also its usefulness.

Process: The three steps involved in the 3D printing technology are:

Before starting the process, a 3D file needs to be created using CAD software with the help of a 3D scanner. The material has to be chosen in this first stages of the printing process. Different types of material can be chosen according to the requirement such as ceramics, metals, sand and textile. Different types of design can be implemented in the printing process. The continuous updating of the 3D printing technology is also giving rise to the new materials such as glass. The final stage of the printing process involves processes such as sanding, lacquering and painting as per requirement.

Applications of 3D printing technology 

Application of the latest 3D printing technology is very common in all the leading global manufacturing companies. 3D printing technology also has its influence in the marketing strategies of various organisations. This advanced technology is used in various types of sections in a construction company such as fabrication of walls or floors, construction of advanced building structures such as shopping malls as well as in complex sites such as bridges. The existing cost structure for any treatment in any hospital is significantly reduced after the usage of this advanced technology by using the advanced replica of organs foreseeing all the potential problems before operating a human body (Xing, Zheng & Duan, 2015). The 3D printing in metal and plastic significantly reduced the cost of manufacturing an aircraft. 3D printed structural part coated with titanium is a very common application in the aircraft industry (Moon et al., 2014).

Advantages and Disadvantages of 3D printing technology 

The applications of the 3D printing technology are very much useful for the manufacturing of advanced vehicles. It plays an important role in the planning, designing, marketing strategies of the manufacturing in the automobile industries. The rate of production is found to be much faster than the conventional manufacturing techniques. The risks associated with the production process are significantly reduced after the application of this technology. The use of this technology has provided greater designs and better-quality products to different types of industries. Testing of final products after the production in the industry is much more simplified after the application of this advanced technology, finding the flaws have become much easier after the application of the 3D printing technology. Modification of any kinds of a product after the testing phase is also enhanced by the use of this technology. Products can be examined in a more detailed way by the advanced technologies which are directly affecting the sales and productivity of every organisation. The extensive use of 3D printing technology helps all the industries in maintaining good relationship with their respective clients with the help of its features such as customization which allows its clients to customize their products according to their requirements. Even the waste materials of many industries are recycled with the help of this advanced technology (Banks, 2013). Whereas the significant drawbacks of using this technology is that it has a direct negative impact on our society as it replaced many workers with advanced machines which are much more productive and accurate as compared with the workers (Rayna & Striukova, 2016). The energy required for those advanced systems have an environmental issue also. Those advanced system consumes more energy than the conventional technologies so the application of this technology is best suited for the small business organisations. The other major drawbacks of this technology are the emission of carcinogenic particles and toxic materials from its production firms (Gebler, Uiterkamp & Visser, 2014). The cost of installing and maintaining the advanced technology is a huge factor regarding its global acceptance as. The materials used in the production process involving this technology is also very much expensive and its prices are always fluctuating in the market so there should be an effective planning before the implementation of this technology in any organisation (Baily & Bosworth, 2014). The apparatus used in the 3D printing technology such as 3D scanners and 3D printers are very much complex in structure. There are not that much user-friendly devices as compared with the primitive technologies so there is a need of maintaining experienced professionals to perform any task involving this technology.

Conclusion

From the above writing, it can be understood about the different applications of this technology as well as its effectiveness. This technology has both benefits and drawbacks which need to be analysed before implementing this technology in any organisation. This paper gives an idea about the application of this technology in various industries such as aircraft, health and construction. The complexities of this technology will be reduced as new optimization techniques are coming as an effect of the technological advancements.

References

Baily, M. N., & Bosworth, B. P. (2014). US manufacturing: Understanding its past and its potential future. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 28(1), 3-26.

Banks, J. (2013). Adding value in additive manufacturing: researchers in the United Kingdom and Europe look to 3D printing for customization. IEEE pulse, 4(6), 22-26.

Berman, B. (2012). 3-D printing: The new industrial revolution. Business horizons, 55(2), 155-162.

Gebler, M., Uiterkamp, A. J. S., & Visser, C. (2014). A global sustainability perspective on 3D printing technologies. Energy Policy, 74, 158-167.

Lu, B., Li, D., & Tian, X. (2015). Development trends in additive manufacturing and 3D printing. Engineering, 1(1), 85-89.

Moon, S. K., Tan, Y. E., Hwang, J., & Yoon, Y. J. (2014). Application of 3D printing technology for designing light-weight unmanned aerial vehicle wing structures. International Journal of Precision Engineering and Manufacturing-Green Technology, 1(3), 223-228.

Rayna, T., & Striukova, L. (2016). From rapid prototyping to home fabrication: How 3D printing is changing business model innovation. Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 102, 214-224.

Xing, J. F., Zheng, M. L., & Duan, X. M. (2015). Two-photon polymerization microfabrication of hydrogels: an advanced 3D printing technology for tissue engineering and drug delivery. Chemical Society Reviews, 44(15), 5031-5039.