Recently India inaugurated its first 3D-printed post office in Bengaluru.
What is 3D Printing?
Additive Manufacturing (AM) –It is the industrial production name for 3D printing.
It is a process that uses computer-created design to make 3-dimensional objects layer by layer.
It is an additive process, in which layers of a material like plastic, composites or bio-materials are built up to construct objects that range in shape, size, rigidity and colour.
It differsfrom the traditional subtractive manufacturing techniques involving cutting large blocks of material to form the desired object.
The addition of material can happen in multiple ways, namely powder deposition, resin curing and filament fusing.
The deposition and solidification are controlled by computer to create a 3D object.
Potential of India- India has an excellent opportunity as the world begins to adopt AM techniques.
Additive manufacturing development and adoption can help India in become a leading manufacturing hub.
To achieve this, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) formulated the ‘National Strategy on Additive Manufacturing’.
The strategy aims to increase India’s share in global AM to 5% with a target to add nearly US 1$bn to the GDP by 2025.
What are the advantages of 3D printing?
Simplified Supply Chains- It is likely to simplify supply chains as semi-fabricated products substitute raw materials and suppliers consolidate.
Cost effective-Procurements and labour costs will decrease.
This will help Make in India campaign and the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan as successful.
Gross Value Addition Growth- It can lead to democratisation in innovation by empowering individuals to create and actively participate in the global value chain.
Many product designs are freely available and individuals can purchase a 3D printer and start manufacturing and selling products.
Employment Opportunities- It is expected to increase productivity which may lead to reduction in employment.
However, higher productivity and new products create new employment opportunities.
Workers may need to be provided upskilling opportunities to ensure they remain competent.
Sustainable Development- It would lead to significant reduction in raw material due to
Material-efficient designs
Reduced wastage and
Less need for manufacturing tools, moulds and dies.
Energy efficient- The products will be more energy-efficient. This will help India reduce its carbon footprint and lead to eco-friendly environment.
Flexibility-It allow manufacturers the ease to redesign their products.
This reduces design constraints and associated costs.
Foster innovation-Flexibility in AM will allow small businesses to innovate and experiment, thus making their products more efficient and enabling product differentiation.
What are the applications of 3D printing?
Prosthetics- It has revolutionized how prosthetics are created. As 3D printing processes and techniques are refined, the creation of custom, tailored prosthetics becomes more straightforward.
Replacement Parts- It has the ability to fabricate replacement parts easily. 3D printing enables consumers and businesses to maximize the value of their purchases.
Implants- It allows the construction of more specialized products for patients.
Patient outcomes are improved when parts with complex geometries can be fabricated quickly.
Pharmaceuticals- 3D-printed drugs to have special delivery profiles that can be tailored to patients’ specific needs.
Emergency structures- 3D printing can help alleviate the hardships of affected families by building houses, hospitals, and other structures much faster than by traditional means.
Automotive- Testing and production of lightweight, high strength parts.
Electronics- Production of light weight, impact resistant structures with multiple functionality.
Consumer goods- Fabrication of complex internal and external structures compels innovative product design.
Aerospace-Relativity Space launched a test rocket made entirely from 3D-printed parts, measuring 100 feet tall and 7.5 feet wide.
Healthcare industry- During Covid-19 pandemic the healthcare industry used 3D printers to make much-needed medical equipment, like swabs, face shields, and masks.
What are the concerns of 3D printing?
Scalability-In conventional techniques, once a design has been set, multiple copies can be made much faster. But 3d printing is slow.
High cost-The initial set up of 3d printing and pre and post processing in healthcare is costly.
Job loss-Due to automation it may have impact on employment opportunities.
Limited materials-Raw materials is not exhaustive in 3d printing, it poses a serious challenge.
Skilled labour- It needs talented individuals to work with additive manufacturing.
What are the initiatives taken to promote 3D printing?
Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)- It is a flagship initiative to create and promote entrepreneurship and innovation across the country.
Atal Tinkering Labs - It is launched under AIM which aims to foster creativity and innovation in young minds.
It focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) concepts.
Dedicated workspaces have been set up with do-it-yourself (DIY) kits including 3D printers, robotics and miniaturised electronics are installed.
National Strategy on Additive Manufacturing- The strategy aims to increase India’s share in global AM to 5% with a target to add nearly US 1$bn to the GDP by 2025.
What lies ahead?
Private Partnership Model- Establish National Additive Manufacturing Centre as a dedicated agency to promote the adoption of AM technologies.
Strengthening Technology Leadership-There is a need to address the skilled workforce.
Research- There is a need to promote Research and Development in AM, encourage competition, and create a next generation workforce.
Supply Chain Development- The government can provide incentives to small businesses aligned with the AM Technology Advancement Plan and include AM in various schemes and incentives.
