3D Printers – Popping Up Everywhere
Everywhere we turn, we seem to be hearing about 3D printing. There have been stories about 3D printing on BBC news, we’ve seen the introduction of the UK’s Precious Project, an additive manufacturing project for precious metal jewelry, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute in the US, called AmericaMakes, was introduced, there are major efforts underway to support and promote 3D printing and manufacturing in schools, and there has been and continues to be phenomenal interest and growth in 3D printing around the globe.
The result of this increased interest and awareness in 3D printing has been greater availability and accessibility to 3D printers for the public. While we’re not at the point where everyone has their own desktop 3D printer, we are certainly seeing 3D printers made more available. There are public libraries in the US, Canada, Australia, and several European countries with 3D printers for public use, 3D printer clubs (called makerspaces) have popped up in many locations and lately, 3D printer cafes have even sprouted (Buenos Aires, Berlin, and Tokyo). At 3D printer cafes, you can not only get your designs printed, but you can have a cup of coffee and a snack while you wait!
And there is no shortage of designs for products that can be 3D printed. One of the industries to benefit most from 3D design and printing is Jewelry. 3D jewelry design software is highly advanced and allows for more detailed, intricate, and precise designs. This in turn means fewer limitations and greater creativity. Jewelry design and fashion are being taken to new heights with 3D design software and the talented designers that use the software. Jewelers are also taking advantage of 3D design and printing as they seek out greater variety and design flexibility. Today, we are seeing a growing number of jewelers who are buying 3D printers, purchasing 3D designs and then printing and casting them locally. Indeed, this is a very exciting time in jewelry fashion.
