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At Brock Office Automation, we are all about the latest innovations and we love sharing the details with you. Nothing beats being on the cutting edge of technology in the workplace, and we want to keep you in the loop. Our Office Automation Innovation Series brings you the goods on what is going on in the world of office technology so you can make sure your workplace has the best innovations out there.
Today we’re talking: 3D Printing
One of the most talked about innovations recently is the release of 3D printing capabilities. NASA is sending a 3D printer into space, the first 3D-printed house is rumoured to be built in 2014 and medical advances using 3D printers to create organs are on the horizon. But what exactly is 3D printing?
3D printing is exactly what it sounds like – the ability to print three-dimensional solid objects from a digital rendering. That means anything a computer program can specify, your printer can create.
Now that 3D printer prices are plummeting, it’s time to consider the capabilities of these machines and discover what they can do for your business.
How 3D Printers Work
3D printers use a raw material (typically rolls of acrylic, ABS or metal) which is fed into the device. Using the appropriate software on any personal computer, a three-dimensional rendering is created and sent to the 3D printer to be created. The raw material is melted down and repurposed into a solid object as droplets are are sprayed layer by layer to create the design. As the layers are added, the object will begin to take shape until fully formed – taking your digital image into a real object.
What 3D Printers can Print
As 3D printing technology is improved upon at a rapid pace, the question is quickly becoming what can’t they print? With bicycles, cars and even houses being printed, the sky’s the limit.If you can design in using a computer-aided design (CAD) program, a 3D printer can create it.
But how can your office benefit? Rather than outsourcing promotional items for employees and clients, design and create them in-house. Think cell phone cases, business card holders or other small confections with your company logo. Wow your clients with a branded look and personalized thank you.
If you are a company that uses prototypes in your sales pitches, print 3D models to show your creations in a hands-on form instead of digital images or sketches. There is an beneficial difference in being able to hold something in your hands to examine it, rather than imagining a sketch as a three-dimensional object or watching a digital image being manipulated onscreen.
It is even possible to print on-demand replacement parts for appliances and machinery – no more ordering and waiting to complete a repair. If you provide service to your clients and want to cut their wait time and up their satisfaction, consider the possibility of being able to manufacture parts in-house.
How to get Started
If you think 3D printing could make a world of difference in your office, call Brock Office Automation to learn more and take plunge into this new innovation. Remember, new innovations may mean more improvements to come, so talk to us to find out everything you need to know about where 3D printing can go from here.
