All about 3D Printing

Why in news?

Recently India inaugurated its first 3D-printed post office in Bengaluru.

What is 3D Printing?

• Additive Manufacturing (AM) – It is the industrial production name for 3D printing.
• It is a process that uses computer-created design to make 3-dimensional objects layer by layer.
• It is an additive process, in which layers of a material like plastic, composites or bio-materials are built up to construct objects that range in shape, size, rigidity and colour.
• It differs from the traditional subtractive manufacturing techniques involving cutting large blocks of material to form the desired object.
• The addition of material can happen in multiple ways, namely powder deposition, resin curing and filament fusing.
• The deposition and solidification are controlled by computer to create a 3D object.
• Potential of India- India has an excellent opportunity as the world begins to adopt AM techniques.
• Additive manufacturing development and adoption can help India in become a leading manufacturing hub.
• To achieve this, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) formulated the ‘National Strategy on Additive Manufacturing’.
• The strategy aims to increase India’s share in global AM to 5% with a target to add nearly US 1$bn to the GDP by 2025.

What are the advantages of 3D printing?

• Simplified Supply Chains- It is likely to simplify supply chains as semi-fabricated products substitute raw materials and suppliers consolidate.
• Cost effective-Procurements and labour costs will decrease.
• This will help Make in India campaign and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan as successful.
• Gross Value Addition Growth- It can lead to democratisation in innovation by empowering individuals to create and actively participate in the global value chain.
• Many product designs are freely available and individuals can purchase a 3D printer and start manufacturing and selling products.
• Employment Opportunities- It is expected to increase productivity which may lead to reduction in employment.
• However, higher productivity and new products create new employment opportunities.
• Workers may need to be provided upskilling opportunities to ensure they remain competent.
• Sustainable Development- It would lead to significant reduction in raw material due to
  • Material-efficient designs
  • Reduced wastage and
  • Less need for manufacturing tools, moulds and dies.

• Energy efficient- The products will be more energy-efficient. This will help India reduce its carbon footprint and lead to eco-friendly environment.

• Flexibility-It allow manufacturers the ease to redesign their products.
•  This reduces design constraints and associated costs.
• Foster innovation-Flexibility in AM will allow small businesses to innovate and experiment, thus making their products more efficient and enabling product differentiation.

What are the applications of 3D printing?

• Prosthetics- It has revolutionized how prosthetics are created. As 3D printing processes and techniques are refined, the creation of custom, tailored prosthetics becomes more straightforward.
• Replacement Parts- It has the ability to fabricate replacement parts easily. 3D printing enables consumers and businesses to maximize the value of their purchases.
• Implants- It allows the construction of more specialized products for patients.
• Patient outcomes are improved when parts with complex geometries can be fabricated quickly.
• Example- Tooth implants, heart valves, knee replacements etc.,
• Pharmaceuticals- 3D-printed drugs to have special delivery profiles that can be tailored to patients’ specific needs.
• Emergency structures- 3D printing can help alleviate the hardships of affected families by building houses, hospitals, and other structures much faster than by traditional means.
• Automotive- Testing and production of lightweight, high strength parts.
• Electronics- Production of light weight, impact resistant structures with multiple functionality.
• Example- Wearable devices, soft robots etc.,
• Consumer goods- Fabrication of complex internal and external structures compels innovative product design.
• Aerospace- Relativity Space launched a test rocket made entirely from 3D-printed parts, measuring 100 feet tall and 7.5 feet wide.
• Healthcare industry- During Covid-19 pandemic the healthcare industry used 3D printers to make much-needed medical equipment, like swabs, face shields, and masks.

What are the concerns of 3D printing?

• Scalability- In conventional techniques, once a design has been set, multiple copies can be made much faster. But 3d printing is slow.
• High cost- The initial set up of 3d printing and pre and post processing in healthcare is costly.
• Job loss- Due to automation it may have impact on employment opportunities.
• Limited materials- Raw materials is not exhaustive in 3d printing, it poses a serious challenge.
• Skilled labour- It needs talented individuals to work with additive manufacturing.

What are the initiatives taken to promote 3D printing?

• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)- It is a flagship initiative to create and promote entrepreneurship and innovation across the country.
• Atal Tinkering Labs - It is launched under AIM which aims to foster creativity and innovation in young minds.
• It focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) concepts.
• Dedicated workspaces have been set up with do-it-yourself (DIY) kits including 3D printers, robotics and miniaturised electronics are installed.
• National Strategy on Additive Manufacturing- The strategy aims to increase India’s share in global AM to 5% with a target to add nearly US 1$bn to the GDP by 2025.

What lies ahead?

• Private Partnership Model- Establish National Additive Manufacturing Centre as a dedicated agency to promote the adoption of AM technologies.
• Strengthening Technology Leadership-There is a need to address the skilled workforce.
• Research- There is a need to promote Research and Development in AM, encourage competition, and create a next generation workforce.
• Supply Chain Development- The government can provide incentives to small businesses aligned with the AM Technology Advancement Plan and include AM in various schemes and incentives.

References

1. Indian Express- How does 3D printing work
2. MEITY- National Strategy on Additive Manufacturing