3D PRINTING TRENDS FOR 2015
We at Photoline are very interested in 3D printing and will continue to monitor its commercial uses on behalf of our clients. Here’s a short list of the 3D printing trends to follow this year.
Increase in Materials & Filaments
2014 saw a steady rise in the number of materials being used to produce prints; 2015 will see this increase at an even greater rate. Last year was about creating the wow factor with the pieces produced, this year will see an even greater emphasis put on the practical application of prints and that means you should expect to see food produce, a rubber explosion and a greater focus on alloys and amalgamated materials that make up the more complex and fiddly pieces of equipment the 3D printer will be tasked with producing this year.
2014 saw the healthcare sector take an almost full embrace of the 3D printing boom with successful production of everything from prosthetic limbs, facial implants and full skull constructions. With the increase in knowledge, education and those able to use the technology this stands only to increase further with a raft of new findings, solutions ad ideas all in the offing as the year progresses. Where handmade has been used to create up to this point, printing means cheaper and faster which, given this time of austerity, the NHS would very much welcome.
Fully functional organs are still a dream at this point, but expect a much more tailored and structured approach to individual cases and the production of remedies geared to a specific case as opposed to the more general production 2014 ushered in.
The 3D Photo Booth
The evolution of the selfie was only ever going to lead to this and 2015 will give birth to both the 3D headshot and the full body replica (in miniature form, of course!). A few companies have already trialled in store booths and the response, as you’d expect, in the age of the “selfie” has been very positive.
With 3D scanning devices gaining universal availability and being easily accessible and useable for consumers expect these trials to become the norm and find their ways to birthday’s, weddings and other such events where the traditional photo booth has already become one of the more sought after features of fun.
Wearable Printing
Fashion has and always will be a huge part of the everyday popular culture; it’s an extension of our personality and a reflection of the way we want to be perceived. With the ever increasing amounts of people attempting to display their individuality, the ability 3D printing gives its users to custom print patterns, shapes and designs lends itself brilliantly to this clamour and 2015 will see the print game make its assault on the fashion world by giving users complete control over accessories, clothing and jewellery.
Educational Investment
Universities, colleges, primary schools, secondary schools and all other educational establishments will begin to incorporate the 3D printer both into the classroom and ultimately into the curriculum. The demand for 3D printing is only going to increase as the years pass and so the need to educate people in their function as art and as science will be strong and so programs will be developed and the experts of tomorrow will begin to be shaped as the watching world hurtles into what is sure to become the future of many different fields.
Businesses and associations are already well on their way to developing coursework around the subject and Apple – having recently entered the 3D printing market – will be looking at creating a stream of courses through their iTunes University program.
Whatever your creative ideas or printing needs, we at Photoline can provide the perfect digital print solution for you. And if you need your printed materials same day and super fast check out the printing services we offer at www.photoline.co.uk.
We also have our very own in-house design team with whom you can discuss your creative and artwork requirements.
For more information on Photoline and the services we offer, email us at print@phototline.co.uk or call us on 0191 2325454.