With the many advancements in additive manufacturing, it's no longer unheard of large-scale 3D printing systems that can create everything from car bodies to tires and even rocket engines. However, Boeing is looking even further to the future with a new system that will be able to print Aircraft parts that are suspended in space.
Boeing recently patented the system, which would involve multiple 3D printers, magnetics and a free-floating printing object. Formally, this patent from the aerospace company is known as a 'Free-Form Spatial 3-D Printing Using Part Levitation.'
This idea presents entirely new way to print objects. The use of more than one extruder and a levitating 3D printing platform could have huge implementations for the travel and transportation industry and beyond.
Levitating 3D Printing Systems
Boeing Patented a New Process for Making 3D-Printed Aircraft Parts
Trend Themes
1. Levitating 3D Printing Systems - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Revolutionize the additive manufacturing industry by enabling the printing of complex objects in a suspended state.
2. Large-scale 3D Printing Systems - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Transform various industries by enabling the creation of entire products, such as car bodies and rocket engines, through 3D printing.
3. Free-form Spatial 3D Printing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce a completely new approach to object printing by using multiple extruders and a levitating platform.
Industry Implications
1. Aerospace - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Enhance aircraft manufacturing by printing suspension parts, potentially reducing weight and improving performance.
2. Automotive - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Streamline car manufacturing processes by leveraging large-scale 3D printing systems to create full car bodies.
3. Transportation - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Revolutionize transportation industries by utilizing levitating 3D printing systems to produce lightweight and efficient components.