Helios; that would be nice, but calling this 3D printing understates the truth of this technology, giving the novice the wrong impression. These systems produce physical Objects from original CAD Drawings.
These Rapid Prototyping Systems are in most cases ready for use, several companies are using them for manufactured in process production parts already.
Two important things are happening which basicly ensure this technology is disruptive.
1. The number of CAD users designing products, components, sub systems is growing at a phenomenal rate. The conversion of installed base of all past manufactured parts to CAD is only now beginning. Say you want a casing for an alternator of a 1954 Ford, the part may be out of production for years using this technology Even old hand style drawings can be put into CAD and the component parts can go into production on an As needed basis. There are literally millions upon millions of products out of production, without spare parts that could be affected by this technology.
2. These systems will be drivers for a whole range of materials science applications, by way of example these systems can now output ABS plastic parts, that are ready for use.
Next generation systems will embed nano particles into various carriers by layering novel materials onto specific substrates creating amorphous materials with unique properties, you might layer cobalt or titanium into ABS giving these parts unique capability. Its truly a remarkable technology that within the field of engineering and design, is the closest thing to a Replicator that science fiction envisioned.
I dont trade this stock, only accumulate, I intend to hold it for many years. I 've spend many hours studying this field, and hands down, its a huge winner, the only thing lacking is awareness of a broader audience. |
