The feedback and impact of 3D printing on society in the post-epidemic era

Under the influence of the epidemic, the shortage and uncontrollable manpower has become a problem in production and manufacturing. Many manufacturers have set their sights on intelligent manufacturing technology, replacing labor with machines to reduce risks. Among them, the performance of 3D Printing technology is particularly outstanding. It has been applied to many industries and has made corresponding contributions to the normal operation of society.

Medical care-3D printing medical supplies to fight the epidemic Since the outbreak of the epidemic in Europe and the United States, 3D printing has played a huge role in quickly providing supplies to these areas. Many 3D printing companies have used the company’s technology in the medical field. Carbon produces more than 1 million nasopharyngeal swabs and 18,000 protective masks each week; Formlabs uses more than 250 internal 3D printers to produce up to 150,000 test swabs per day, and Markforged’s production scale has also expanded to daily 100 thousand; Photocentric company of the United Kingdom uses light curing technology to print respirator compatible valves, with a weekly production volume of 40,000. 3D printing mass production of nasopharyngeal swabs 3D printing protective masks In the face of the epidemic, the advantages of rapid 3D printing have solved the shortage of product supply in some countries. These examples show that 3D printing can respond quickly in emergency situations.

Design-3D printing assists PepsiCo’s new bottle design This year, PepsiCo has redesigned the two-liter bottle shape. In the design process, it relies on 3D printing and virtual reality technology more than ever. 3D printer printed bottle model design finished product In a two-year redesign project, due to the coronavirus, office workers have been working from home. In this case, the designers of PepsiCo use a 3D printer to print the design model in their own home, and then complete product testing in virtual reality. In the future, this may be the direction of the entire industry.

Building-3D printing isolation ward During the domestic epidemic at the beginning of the year, Shanghai Yingchuang used 3D printing technology to print 15 sets of isolation wards to support Wuhan and provide corresponding medical protection for Wuhan. The 15 sets of isolation wards donated were formerly 3D printed shared houses independently designed and developed by Yingchuang. The building is integrated with 3D printing technology, with an area of ​​about 10 square meters and a height of 2.8 meters. It adopts a shell structure and integrated printing. The overall force is uniform, wind and earthquake resistance, and heat preservation and heat insulation effects. The room contains a bedroom and a toilet, which can guarantee the basic living and daily needs of the quarantined person. Manufacturing—3D printing technology calmly faces labor fluctuations. Traditional mass production is based on industrial chains and assembly lines. In a manufacturing plant, machines produce the same parts, which are then assembled by workers. The more product components, the longer the supply chain and product line, and the more labor required. And 3D printing technology is the epitome of “digital intelligence” and has the advantage of one-time molding. The printed products do not need to be assembled again, thus shortening the supply chain, saving a lot of labor, and realizing unmanned production.