Informatics: 3D Printing and Traditional Manufacturing Comparison

This report provides a comprehensive overview of 3D printing within the context of informatics. It begins by defining 3D printing and its relationship to additive manufacturing, explaining how computer-controlled material layers create three-dimensional objects. The report then delves into production levels, specifically focusing on Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology and its distinction between industrial and desktop applications. It highlights situations where 3D printing offers significant advantages, such as rapid prototyping and customized solutions, and discusses current research and investment trends across various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and retail. A comparison of 3D printing with traditional manufacturing methods underscores the benefits of the former, such as reduced material waste and design flexibility. The report concludes with recommendations for further research and development in the field, emphasizing the growing importance of 3D printing in both practical and commercial applications.

Introduction to Informatics
3D Printing

3D Printing
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Table of Contents
Introduction...........................................................................................................................................2
3D Printing – Additive Manufacturing..................................................................................................3
3D Printing – Production Level.............................................................................................................3
Situations in which 3D Printing is more valuable..................................................................................4
Leading Research & Investment in 3D Printing....................................................................................4
3D Printing vs Traditional Manufacturing.............................................................................................5
Recommendations & Conclusion..........................................................................................................6
References.............................................................................................................................................7
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Executive Summary
There are several advancements and enhancements that have been done in the area of informatics.
One of the additions in the series of latest additions is 3D printing.
The document covers the meaning and various aspects that are associated with 3D Printing. These
include the relationship between 3D printing and additive manufacturing, production level associated
with 3D printing processes, situations wherein this form of printing proves to be more valuable,
leading research in the area of 3D printing along with the comparison between 3D printing and the
traditional manufacturing processes that are carried out.
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Introduction
Informatics is a process of informatics processing and also includes science and engineering that is
associated with information systems. In is an applied branch of information science. There are several
advancements and enhancements that have been done in the area of informatics. One of the additions
in the series of latest additions is 3D printing. It is a process in which three dimensional objects are
created which makes use of computer controlled material layers for the formation of the object. The
report covers the information on 3D printing and the concepts that are associated with it.
3D Printing – Additive Manufacturing
3D printing is also commonly referred as additive manufacturing. It is because of the reason that the
electronic data sources as additive manufacturing files are used in this case. Three dimensional objects
are created using these electronic data sources along with computer controlled layers of materials.
These materials are used for the creation of the objects by adding the material layer by layer.
Computer aided design (CAD) model is also used for 3D printing. Additive Manufacturing is an
umbrella term that came into existence in 2000. With the development of evolved senses, 3D printing
began to be referred as additive manufacturing (Livescience, 2017). There are several processes and
categories that come under additive manufacturing and these include binder jetting, material
extrusion, sheer lamination and power bed fusion.
These categories and processes are also used in the process of 3D printing and manufacturing. In this
process, binder material is used on the power bed by making use of inkjet printer. Additive
manufacturing is a term that is used in a broader sense to describe the details of 3D printing.
3D Printing – Production Level
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a technology which is used behind the execution of the process
of 3D printing. This is the reason that these forms of printing processes are most suitable for low
volumes of production.
FDM technology is similar to the high-end industrial counterparts in which material extrusion and
layered deposition of the materials take place. The capabilities of the printers however differ. There
are two categories of FDM as industrial and desktop FDM. The standard accuracy in both the cases
are around 0.15% and 1% respectively. The higher accuracy in case of industrial FDM is because of
the reason of increased control of processing parameters in the process of printing (Varotsis, 2017).
PLA and ABS are the two categories of materials that are most commonly used for the purpose of
printing. These materials can be used for various printing applications, such as, prototyping, fir and
function along with the low level production volumes.
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Industrial 3D printers that make use of industrial FDM have the low and medium production levels.
However, in the case of desktop 3D printers that make use of desktop FDM have the low production
levels. The difference in the capability and production levels between the industrial FDM and desktop
FDM is because of the reason of difference in accuracy, material utilized, maximum build envelope
and minimum wall thickness. The printing envelope in case of the industrial printers is larger as
compared to the desktop printers. This can allow the simultaneously printing of one or more models.
There are also additional features that are present in industrial FDM that include reliability and
repeatability. This is also one of the reason behind better production levels and volumes for 3D
printers making use of industrial FDM. The same parts and objects can be produced and created time
and again. The calibration level is better in the case of desktop FDM printers.
Situations in which 3D Printing is more valuable
3D Printing is more valuable in many cases and situations. These cases and situations are as listed
below.
 This form of printing is used when the time to market that is required is less. This is because
the development of the ideas can be done quickly by making use of 3D printing. This
provides the companies with competitive edge and advantage.
 The companies that are startups and are new in the market have limited budget and funds.
These firms wish to have the printing mechanisms that are relatively low on costs. This can be
made possible by using 3D printing techniques as the production runs and mold test used in
the case of traditional manufacturing are more expensive.
 3D printing is also valuable in the industries, such as, medical, dental, fashion and jewelry
world. This is because of the reason that custom fits can be made possible with the aid of this
printing mechanism and technology (Openbiomedical, 2015).
 The applications and business processes that include increased use of communication and
interaction need such tools and pictures that are visually appealing and attractive. In such
cases, 3D printing methods and mechanisms are preferred and prove to be more valuable.
Leading Research & Investment in 3D Printing
There is a lot of research work that is going on in the field of 3D printing. A lot many research and
investment firms are carrying out various projects in this subject to come up with many innovations
and latest applications.
 Automotive and industrial manufacturing firms are focus upon the methods and mechanisms
for the consolidation of different components as an integrated unit. Production of spare parts
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and creation of production tooling is also being extensively researched. The method to create
faster production cycles and prototyping is also being looked into (Abrams, 2016).
 Aerospace industries and firms are also researching on the possibilities in the area of 3D
printing. Creation of the geometrical parts and processes that are otherwise not possible in the
case of traditional manufacturing is being researched. Creation of the lighter parts so that the
bulky nature of the equipment can be avoided is also being researched along with the control
of density and stiffness.
 Healthcare and pharmaceutical industries are finding out the methods for advanced medical
trainings with the use of 3D printers. Development of the custom orthopedic implants along
with bio printing of live tissues and planning of medical surgeries using 3D printing is also
being researched for the development and improvement of the state of health services
(Curran, 2016).
 Retail industries are look for methods to create advanced design and products using the
process of 3D printing. Printing of the repair and spare parts is also being looked in to with
the aid of 3D printers and technologies.
 Fitness and sports industries are making protective gear with the aid of 3D printers that are
high on demand in the market. Creation of the specific and particular geometrical shapes
cannot be possible with the use of traditional practices and manufacturing processes.
3D Printing vs Traditional Manufacturing
3D printing has started to replace traditional manufacturing processes due to the advanced
technologies and features that are used in the former process.
There are no special tools that are required to be included in the case of 3D printing which is not
possible with traditional manufacturing processes. Due to this reason, a lot of time, effort and money
is saved in the process of creation of the prototype. There can also be changes that may come up in
terms of the design and customer expectations. These changes can be handled in a better manner using
3D printers. There is lesser material that is utilized in 3D printing processes as only material that gets
utilized is in the extrusion process. The amount of waste that is generated and created by 3D printers
is also lesser as compared to traditional manufacturing (Sculpteo, 2017).
3D printing can be made possible by making use of many different materials such as different metals
along with the polymers. The number and type of material that can be used in this case is also higher
in number as compared to the traditional manufacturing processes (Dong, 2017).
There can be many benefits that will be provided to the organizations and business units in terms of
competitive edge and advantage. There will also be benefits that will be provided to the end users as
their expectations will be met (Attaran, 2017).
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Recommendations & Conclusion
It is recommended that the latest research mechanisms and methods are used in case of 3D printers for
the enhancement of features and functionality. The efficiency and production levels will also improve
with the use of these practices and operations. There are various situations in which 3D printers are
more valuable, such as, medical, dental, fashion and jewelry world. This is because of the reason that
custom fits can be made possible with the aid of this printing mechanism and technology. There are
no special tools that are required to be included in the case of 3D printing which is not possible with
traditional manufacturing processes. Due to this reason, a lot of time, effort and money is saved in the
process of creation of the prototype.
There are several areas and sectors that 3D printers are being used and applied. These include
practical objects along with commercial tools and applications. This has been possible due to the use
of enhanced technology and the latest mechanisms that have been developed.
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References
Abrams, M. (2016). Top 6 innovations in 3D Printing. Obtenido de
https://www.asme.org/engineering-topics/articles/manufacturing-design/top-6-innovations-
3d-printing
Attaran, M. (2017). The rise of 3-D printing: The advantages of additive manufacturing over
traditional manufacturing. Business Horizons, 677-688.
Curran, C. (2016). The road ahead for 3D Printing. Obtenido de http://usblogs.pwc.com/emerging-
technology/the-road-ahead-for-3d-printing/
Dong, L. (2017). 3D Printing vs. Traditional Flexible Technology: Implications for Operations
Strategy. SSRN Electronic Journal.
Livescience. (2017). 3D Printing. Obtenido de https://www.livescience.com/topics/3d-printing
Openbiomedical. (2015). Medical Applications are Leading the Next Generation of 3D Printing Hype.
Obtenido de http://www.openbiomedical.org/medical-applications-are-leading-the-next-
generation-of-3d-printing-hype/
Sculpteo. (2017). Comparison between 3D Printing and Traditional Manufacturing Processes for
Plastics . Obtenido de https://www.sculpteo.com/en/3d-printing/3d-printing-and-traditional-
manufacturing-processes
Varotsis, A. (2017). Industrial FDM vs Desktop FDM. Obtenido de
https://www.3dhubs.com/knowledge-base/industrial-fdm-vs-desktop-fdm
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