{"id":419,"date":"2016-01-26T15:53:45","date_gmt":"2016-01-26T15:53:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/?p=419"},"modified":"2026-03-27T16:37:08","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T14:37:08","slug":"3d-printing-trends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/3d-printing-trends\/","title":{"rendered":"The Main Trends in 3D Printing Technology to Look for in 2016"},"content":{"rendered":"

3D printing acquires more territory every year, so it is no surprise that this process of creating 3-dimensional objects has so many trend followers. In this post, we will cover the main 3D printing trends<\/strong> for 2016, with a focus on consumer 3D printers, and will list their pros and cons.<\/p>\n

Coming a long way, 3D printing<\/strong> technology has recorded some magnificent achievements in different areas of human life. However, it is expected that 3D printing will get new opportunities for growth in 2016.<\/p>\n

Metal 3D Printing<\/h2>\n

One of the most exciting things that can happen to 3D printing in 2016 is the advancement in metal printing.<\/p>\n

It is already known that there are serious advancements in developing a home metal 3D printer. Such achievements were registered by a group of students from the Delft University of Technology. They state that they have built their own metal 3D printer.<\/p>\n

The 3D Welder uses metal wire which is melted to bond with the metal structure. It is expected that starting this year, new 3D printers for home will be available for sale, which will be able to print in metal. This new possibility will revolutionize 3D technology. It is a big step in printing more solid and attractive models, with a more realistic look.<\/p>\n

Currently, 3D printing technology makes use of powdered titanium, nickel, aluminum, and steel. It is considered that optimizing powdered metals for 3D printing might overcome a part of the burden and make additive manufacturing materials more cost-effective. Below you can already see how models, printed on metal 3D printers, look like.<\/p>\n

Below you can already see how models, printed on metal 3D printers, look like.<\/p>\n

\"Metal<\/a><\/p>\n

Source: i.Materialise.com<\/p>\n

A little sad Keanu Reeves. \"Metal<\/a> Source: Shapeways.com<\/p>\n

Metal 3D Printing Technologies<\/h2>\n

Currently, there are only a few technologies that are used for metal-based printing: laser and binder jetting. Both imply a gradual and orderly extrusion of material, layer by layer, to build a predetermined object. Laser metal-based printing uses high power laser to fuse metallic powder together forming 3D shaped objects on the build platform. Binder jetting is different from other available 3D printing technologies<\/a> in that it does not use heat during the printing process, thus avoiding residual stress in the parts. Also, this technology does not make use of the build plate, the object being created in the loose powder that is available in the box. It is believed that metal-based binder jetting technology is one of the most cost-effective additive manufacturing techniques.
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