How Big Data Impacts 3D Printing
It's safe to say that this technology has disrupted modern life. More than 20 thousand commercial 3D printers are in use worldwide, and a growing number of consumers are using these devices too. They offer a myriad of applications, and big data is making them all the more useful. Every two days, we create as much information as the dawn of humanity up until 2003. Big data takes advantage of this wealth of knowledge, using it to optimize virtually any process. Big data can even improve technology as revolutionary as 3D printing. Advanced Visual Aids Big data provides new uses for 3D printing. Any information is only helpful to the extent that you can understand it, and 3D printing can improve your knowledge through visual aids. In one example, researchers at MIT used 3D printed models to visualize data gathered from around campus. By overlaying the information on the model of the area, experts were able to see a better picture of their data's geographic context. People from all industries can use this concept to analyze their information with greater accuracy. As a visualization tool, 3D printing becomes an asset for researchers and analysts, not just manufacturers. Companies could use it to visualize local traffic patterns or internet usage. It makes the broad concept of big data a practical, actionable resource. More Efficient Manufacturing 3D printers already make manufacturing a more cost-effective process. Because they add material instead of cutting it away, these devices are far less wasteful than traditional production methods. With advances like Bowden tubing, the process of filament delivery and extrusion, 3D printers have become more efficient. As helpful as it is, this technology isn't perfect, and minuscule changes can lead to defects in production, just like any other manufacturing method. With big data, companies can catch these errors before they create problems later. Analytics can predict printing flaws and alert workers to inspect or discard the part in question. Using these metrics, workers can also pinpoint where things went wrong. Big data can identify the source of the error and provide users with suggestions on how to avoid similar mistakes in the future. With this info, manufacturers can increase the efficiency of an already productive process. Future 3D Printing Applications People use 3D printing for everything from making hubcaps to constructing houses. Plus, we may only be scratching the surface of what the technology can do. Big data can help find new applications for this disruptive concept. Big data is exceptional at highlighting areas where companies can improve their processes. You could safely assume there are plenty of things that 3D printers could optimize that we're not noticing right now. As we generate and analyze more information, potential 3D printing uses will reveal themselves. Both big data and 3D printing are revolutionary in their own right. When we start to use them together, they will only improve. http://dlvr.it/RRXsDL