The technology and applications of 3D printing have increased exponentially since the concept of 3D printing was first invented in the 1980s, involving the placement of raw material layer by layer which would fuse together to create a three-dimensional model. Even by the 1990s, it was considered that 3D technology would be suitable only to create static prototypes, however, now, 3D printing has evolved into additive manufacturing, to create complicated and fully functional shapes and products useful for multiple industries.
Early applications of the 3D printing market include in the fields of construction, aerospace, and defense, which are growing at an approximate CAGR of 15-20 percent, while the sectors of energy and fashion are projected to grow at a CAGR of 25-35 percent. The customization ability of 3D printing and production further drives the growth of the field, as 3D printing can be easily modified for whichever purpose required, using a variety of materials.
Impact of 3D Printing In Power Industry
Already 3D printers are used for rapid prototyping and in the manufacturing of direct parts, in addition to which 3D printing is now also used to produce functional models and patterns for castings. Specifically, in the power industry, 3D printing is used in different sectors to build prototypes and mainstream products that aid in boosting operational efficiency and promote process simplification in a speedier timeframe, while using less raw material and energy and generating less waste.
Conventional Power Generation and 3D Printing: In the conventional generation of power through fossil fuels, 3D printing serves several roles, by manufacturing gas turbine parts such as turbine blades, vanes, radial impellers, burner nozzles and more. Since prototypes can be manufactured quickly, testing can take place and adjustments made, the overall product goes through a series of revisions to ensure top functionality. The functioning efficiency of the turbines can be increased considerably and the manufacturing process also becomes cheaper, making the supply chain simpler overall.
Nuclear Power Industry and 3D Printing: There are considerable applications of 3D printing in the generation of power through nuclear energy, including the manufacture of parts such as diameter impellers, reducing costs of production as well as the time period involved. However, the most significant benefit of 3D printing is that obsolete parts that are no longer manufactured officially can be produced, thereby allowing nuclear power plants to continue functioning normally, regardless of whether the original manufacturers of the parts are still available to produce the needed part.
Solar Power Industry and 3D Printing: Solar power is an ideal power source for many reasons, for example, it is available in abundance, is free, a renewable resource and can be harnessed from nearly everywhere in the world. Also, the process is simple, allowing non-professionals to set up miniature solar energy converters in their own homes. However, solar cells generate comparatively less power and there are hefty costs involved in the manufacture of solar panels, resulting in a higher cost of power generation overall, as opposed to the power that has been mechanically generated. Both problems can be solved by 3D printing. Still under research, 3D printing is being tested for the use in manufacturing solar panels with more closely located cells to generate more power. Also, the 3D printing process reduces manufacturing costs, making the entire process more cost-effective.
Wind Power Industry and 3D Printing: Serving similar roles as in conventional power generation and nuclear power generation, 3D printing can be used to manufacture working parts for turbine components that require repair, as well as produce parts that have been discontinued. The use of light-weight and effective raw materials can further enhance the generation of power through wind turbines. The traditional means of manufacturing wind turbines is time-consuming as well as labor-intensive, both aspects which can be optimized by means of 3D printers. Transportation costs can also be saved as large wind turbine blades would not have to be brought across long distances but instead can be produced on site.
Batteries and 3D Printing
Research is underway across the world to develop 3D printing based technology that can be used to produce the complex inner structure of batteries to boost capacity and flexibility. The variety of raw materials that can be used in 3D printing offers immense potential to produce batteries that are cost effective, long lasting and perform well.
The technology of 3D printing can be still considered to be in its nascent stage, especially considering the unlimited potential it offers, pan industries. The applications of 3D printers are expanding into the commercial arena as well as in industries, offering users the option to generate virtually any design in three-dimensions which can be designed on a computer. In the power industry, 3D printing serves several roles, by producing replacement parts, older parts, testing new designs and new materials. The process of 3D printing is cost-effective and saves time and human labor while still producing full results.
