COVID-19 has disrupted almost all industries, but some have seen an unexpected positive change. The 3D printing industry has always shown promise, but in the face of the pandemic, it’s become an essential resource. As the coronavirus presented the world with unique challenges, 3D printing has provided a solution.
Throughout the pandemic, industries that could adapt to change were the ones that saw the most success. Additive manufacturing was not only able to shift quickly but also offered solutions that other sectors suddenly needed. Here’s a closer look at how 3D printing was able to thrive in the middle of COVID chaos.
Manufacturing On-Demand
One of the first economic problems to rise out of the pandemic was stress on the manufacturing sector. As social distancing regulations started to go into place, factories had fewer employees and more production bottlenecks. With demand either changing or dropping off entirely, many manufacturers were left with a surplus of stock or materials.
The on-demand nature of 3D printing means it shouldn’t run into the same problems that traditional manufacturers have had in terms of surplus inventory.
More than half of American manufacturers expect having to change their operations because of COVID-19. These changes could take time for traditional manufactures to implement, giving 3D printers a noticeable advantage.
No Need for Outsourcing
Another substantial problem traditional manufacturers now face involves disruptions in the international supply chain. Many American companies outsource labor to foreign nations like China or Vietnam, or at least get materials and parts from them. As pandemic restrictions began to disrupt supply chains, however, this proved to be a problem.
These disruptions have popularized the idea of independence in the supply chain. With more companies looking for domestic sources, 3D printing stands as an attractive solution. Additive manufacturing can happen just about anywhere, eliminating the need for outsourcing.
Building a new factory on U.S. soil takes a lot of time and money. Turning to local 3D printing, on the other hand, can be fast and affordable. Additive manufacturing offers companies the best of both worlds ” the reliability of domestic production and the affordability of foreign labor.
Meeting Rising Equipment Needs
Finally, 3D printing has proved to be the ideal source for needed medical equipment. As hospitalization rates keep climbing, medical professionals need things like face masks and ventilators. The speed and versatility of 3D printers has enabled them to prototype these types of products in record time.
Another concern with medical equipment is the need for high-quality materials. Improper material choices can affect the service life of any piece of equipment. Fortunately, 3D printers are able to work with a growing variety of filaments, creating more potential for its role in medical equipment manufacturing.
As new information about the virus emerges, hospitals may need different equipment. Since 3D printers can work with virtually any design, that’s not an issue. If additive manufacturers need to switch to a new model for respirators, they can do that with minimal downtime.
COVID-19 Is Spurring Technological Shifts
The shift towards 3D printing was most likely going to happen eventually. As the coronavirus pandemic put new pressure on the world, though, changes like this have hade to happen faster. COVID-19 threatens many industries, but some, like 3D printing, are experiencing unprecedented success because of it.
When the pandemic subsides, not all of these changes will go away. Additive manufacturing has proved its worth through the virus outbreak, so this widespread adoption is likely to continue. The future may be uncertain, but it looks bright for 3D printing.
