In the past three years 3D printing has grown from a new technology to a game changer across several industries. This is happening now in Australia with the product design and prototyping sector. From innovation hubs in Sydney to research facilities in Melbourne and Brisbane, 3D printing is opening up new avenues for designers, engineers, start-ups and manufacturers. As Australian companies are looking for faster, more affordable and more environmentally friendly ways to design and test products, 3D printing is becoming a key tool to re-engineer traditional design processes.
Faster Prototyping
One of the biggest advantages of 3D printing in product design is the ability to speed up the prototyping process. Traditionally prototyping was expensive and time-consuming, at times requiring overseas production, long lead times and high tooling costs. With 3D printers in universities, design studios and office spaces across Australia, a model can be designed, printed and tested within hours or days. That rate of work provides several iterations in an instant, with trial and error that drives innovation. Australian start-ups and small businesses are doing well with this, as they can keep pace with large corporations without needing large resources to create products.
More Design Freedom and Customisation
And 3D printing is also changing the manner in which Australian designers handle complex product geometries and customisation. In traditional subtractive manufacturing with cutting or carving away of material, additive manufacturing constructs objects layer by layer. This gives some design freedom that was not available previously. For example intricate lattice structures, bimorph shapes and light weight components that are too expensive or too complicated to produce using traditional methods can now be achieved with ease. This is particularly useful in medical devices where patient-specific fitted implants and prosthetics are fitted to patients. The accessibility of 3D printing and design support across all of Australia is enabling amateurs to experiment with customized products, widening creativity and innovation potential.
Sustainable Manufacturing
The sustainable manufacturing potential of 3D printing is another area where it’s making a real impact in the Australian design world. With national focus on green methodologies and circular economy, there are several environmentally beneficial aspects of 3D printing. First, it reduces material wastage as it prints just enough amount of material necessary to produce the product. Secondly, it allows for localised manufacturing that reduces carbon emissions from distances shipping and moving. Local Australian companies embracing 3D printing are increasingly using more biodegradable or recyclable materials to reduce their environmental footprint. For a country that aspires to be a sustainable development 3D printing leader is a path to greener production.
Innovation and Education
One of the biggest benefits of 3D printing in Australia is the democratisation of product development. With low-cost desktop 3D printers and online design tools becoming more accessible, individuals and small teams can bring their ideas to life without needing large industrial facilities. This has led to a proliferation of maker spaces, educational programs and innovation labs across Australia. Universities like RMIT, UTS and QUT are teaching students hands on 3D modelling and printing, so we have a new generation of designers and engineers who are 3D literate. This ensures Australia remains at the forefront of design innovation and has a workforce ready for the changing demands of various industries.
Collaborative Innovation
Finally the collaborative nature of 3D printing is changing how Australian companies and research institutions work together. In sectors like aerospace, automotive and biomedical engineering partnerships are forming around shared access to high end 3D printing facilities and knowledge exchange. In these sectors development costs are reduced and innovation speeded up by having different parties contribute their expertise at different stages of the design process. For example a start up with a strong product concept can partner with a university for materials research and then partner with a local manufacturer for production trials. This ecosystem of shared innovation is growing fast in Australia with government grants and private investment to strengthen the country’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.