The industrial future is 3D. According to this report, the global 3D printing industry is expected to reach $5.2 billion in 2020. However, additive manufacturing involves certain obstacles that are yet to be overcome in order for it to become standard industry practice.
For example, online 3D printing requires constant monitoring of several variables in order to achieve accuracy in printing. Trial and error solutions to achieve this accuracy are not sustainable. This is where AI applications can step in to improve manufacturing processes and lower costs of production.
In this article, we explain how AI systems can aid 3D printing design services.
The image used for illustration purpose. Zeal3Dprinting is not the owner or creator of the image. Image source: (Tayeb MEZAHDIA from Pixabay)
Understanding Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence is intelligence demonstrated by machines. Thus, it is also called machine intelligence. Machines can be designed to perform advanced tasks by imitating intelligent human behavior.
AI Applications in 3D Printing
3D printing is a revolutionary technology. However, it is also a complex tool requiring precision and monitoring at the highest level of efficiency. And, artificial intelligence does just that.
- 3D software
In order to 3D print any object, a 3D model has to be prepared first, using CAD software. AI can contribute to the improvement of these 3D models by helping to eliminate errors in real-time.
- Detection of defects
Computer vision technology allows for the detection of even the most microscopic cracks in 3D printed machine parts. This helps to increase the quality of additive manufacturing manifold. Real-time control of errors could potentially reduce production time and materials wastes. AI applications improve the geometric accuracy of CAD models. Their use also leads to improved consistency, ensuring the same degree of performance of the 3D printed parts even if it’s printed on a different machine in the future.
Creating the Factory of the Future
Additive manufacturing has become an essential tool because of the several advantages it brings to the manufacturing process. However, it is yet to reach the level of perfection that it can potentially achieve. This is largely because the processes are still very dependent on human supervision.
3D printing also faces a scaling problem. This means that while small components are easier to 3D print, larger ones can become cumbersome and expensive to produce. The development of machine learning can substantially negate these shortcomings.
The combination of machine learning and 3D printing promises a great future together. Artificial Intelligence has actually made the possibility of autonomous 3D printing factories, with their time-saving capabilities, a reality.
The image used for illustration purpose. Zeal3Dprinting is not the owner or creator of the image. Image source: (Christian Reil on Pixabay)
Zeal 3D Printing: Why Hire Us
Providing state of the art 3D printing at unbelievably low costs that can deliver prints with exceptional accuracy has been the mantra of success for Zeal. This has made us one of the leading 3D printing services in Victoria.
- Zeal is a one-stop-solution for all your digital manufacturing needs, including designing and scanning, apart from printing.
- Zeal delivers high-quality, cost-effective rapid prototyping services, using FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), and SLA (Stereolithography), along with advanced 3D scanning and CAD technology.
- Our custom tool designs cater to every industry with their unique requirements.
Contact us today for a complete brochure of our products and services. Help us help you build the factories of tomorrow!
