More and more OEMs are offering locally sourced raw materials
Published on : Monday 11-11-2019
From composite sculptures to metal watches, 3D printing is rapidly evolving – what are the limitations?
The limitations in 3D Printing vary depending on the application. Largely however, we see limitations in productivity for mass manufacturing, specialty end use materials and in some cases extensive post processing make it unviable. On the other hand, availability of skilled labour is also a bottleneck.
Cost of materials is right now an issue. How can this be controlled?
More and more OEMs are offering locally sourced raw materials as well working with legacy materials from traditional manufacturing processes to cut down costs. This also helps for adoption of the technology for end use parts.
Skills is another major problem in this area, as in other emerging technologies. Time for a thorough overhaul of engineering education?
Totally agreed. More than ever there is a need for a complete overhaul of engineering and technical education with reference to additive manufacturing (AM). We need to include aspects of design, operations, post processing and a detailed study of various AM technologies available in the market. A lot of colleges across India have taken the initiative to set up AM Labs, but lack specific lectures and projects on the topic.
How could companies exploit the potential of Additive Manufacturing to gain an edge?
The use of AM to design better products faster. And this only for New Product Development or even end production. Would highly depend on the nature of each business. AM lends itself easily for not only customisation but also repeatability and consistency of manufactured parts.
Experts believe additive manufacturing calls for new business models like leasing of printers and job shops. Will this work?
It’s already working and there is of course a much bigger potential out there.
Nidhi Shah is the Managing Director of voxeljet India Pvt Ltd. Prior to joining the management team, she has played a significant role in improving and expanding the visibility for voxeljet in India and driving its development and sales activities. Nidhi Shah has over a decade of experience in the 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing technology. She was at the helm of Imaginarium, one of India’s largest Additive Manufacturing service bureaus. During her tenure at Imaginarium, she extended her knowledge in various 3D Printing technologies like SLA, SLS, MJM, DLP and Vacuum Casting as well as their applications.
Nidhi Shah, Managing Director, voxeljet India Pvt Ltd.
From composite sculptures to metal watches, 3D printing is rapidly evolving – what are the limitations?
The limitations in 3D Printing vary depending on the application. Largely however, we see limitations in productivity for mass manufacturing, specialty end use materials and in some cases extensive post processing make it unviable. On the other hand, availability of skilled labour is also a bottleneck.
Cost of materials is right now an issue. How can this be controlled?
More and more OEMs are offering locally sourced raw materials as well working with legacy materials from traditional manufacturing processes to cut down costs. This also helps for adoption of the technology for end use parts.
Skills is another major problem in this area, as in other emerging technologies. Time for a thorough overhaul of engineering education?
Totally agreed. More than ever there is a need for a complete overhaul of engineering and technical education with reference to additive manufacturing (AM). We need to include aspects of design, operations, post processing and a detailed study of various AM technologies available in the market. A lot of colleges across India have taken the initiative to set up AM Labs, but lack specific lectures and projects on the topic.
How could companies exploit the potential of Additive Manufacturing to gain an edge?
The use of AM to design better products faster. And this only for New Product Development or even end production. Would highly depend on the nature of each business. AM lends itself easily for not only customisation but also repeatability and consistency of manufactured parts.
Experts believe additive manufacturing calls for new business models like leasing of printers and job shops. Will this work?
It’s already working and there is of course a much bigger potential out there.
Nidhi Shah is the Managing Director of voxeljet India Pvt Ltd. Prior to joining the management team, she has played a significant role in improving and expanding the visibility for voxeljet in India and driving its development and sales activities. Nidhi Shah has over a decade of experience in the 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing technology. She was at the helm of Imaginarium, one of India’s largest Additive Manufacturing service bureaus. During her tenure at Imaginarium, she extended her knowledge in various 3D Printing technologies like SLA, SLS, MJM, DLP and Vacuum Casting as well as their applications.