The 3D printing revolution ... but what difference does 3D printing make?

"Should children be taught how to use 3D printers?" The idea might be far-fetched if it didn't come from the very serious Conseil économique, social et environnemental (CESE).

In a report, the institution recommends betting big on the expansion and teaching of three-dimensional printing. The aim is to "prepare" the "factory of the future".

Volumic 3D, whose 3D printers are based on FDM "Fused Depot Modeling" technology, is already very active in this field, equipping high schools, colleges, Polytechs and other engineering schools.

But many are asking: "What can you already do with a 3D printer? How will this revolutionize everyday life?

Here's a brief overview of the 3D printing revolution...

Fashion

The world of fashion and design has obviously caught on to 3D printing. Garments made with this technology have been presented at Fashion Weeks, and companies have already started designing for the general public.

These include Victoria's Secret and Continuum Fashion. The latter offers a seamless nylon-free bikini. Even shoes can be created using this same technology.

Here are just a few examples of Volumic3D's contributions in this sector

Houses

It will soon be as easy to build houses as it is to assemble prefabs.

Last year, a Chinese company even managed the feat of printing ten 200m² houses in 24 hours in Shanghai. For the record, the 3D printer used measured 32m long, 10m wide, and 6.6m high. It works by stacking layers of material on top of each other regularly to finish at the top of the building. Will this soon become a reality in France??

Today, many architects are already using 3D printers to print their designs, helping their clients to better visualize and connect with their creations.

Medical and R&D

This can include, for example, reconstructing parts of the body, such as when, in 2012, doctors implanted the first 3D-printed jaw into a patient's mouth.

A biocompatible ear and nose cartilage have also been printed since then, and skin research is advancing apace. Within the next twenty years, organs could also be technologically recreated.

They can also be prostheses, as was the case this summer in France with Maxence's first 3D-printed hand prosthesis.

Machine parts and miscellaneous items

Initially capable of producing simple decorative trinkets, 3D printers are now capable of reconstituting far more complex objects. These can range from simple consumer items to aircraft engines or car chassis.

The contribution can be even simpler, with the creation of ultra-customized objects (telephone covers, advertising objects, decorative objects, etc.).

One thing's for sure: 3D printing really is a revolution!