One new technology that’s gotten a lot of press in the past few years is 3D printing, or the physical construction of digital computer-aided design (CAD). This can be used to create any number of products with computer-generated assets, and is increasingly being used in industry, one example of which is Tesla employing 3D printing in their car manufacturing. With this in mind, what would the future of industry look like when 3D printing is applied more?
One example of this is the medical industry. Recent developments in 3D printing have increased the feasibility of prosthetics for use as limbs, which must be specially fitted for the patient to work. Additionally, the future could see 3D printing with organic material, which could lead to 3D printed organs. This would be a real game-changer, enabling easy access to care in the wake of an accident and reducing the need for organ donations. Another industry is in aeronautics and the space industry. NASA has reportedly looked into building a 3D printing operation on the International Space Station, for use as a tool maker when astronauts lose their supplies.
How could 3D printing itself change in the future? It could, for example, utilize more metal materials, allowing for mass production of many heavy-duty products such as vehicle frames. It could also become automated, which could lead to more efficient mass production of these heavy-duty products.
The additive manufacturing industry will only grow in size and efficiency, and I think that this could represent a significant opportunity for investors, provided the firms being invested into are pioneers in their fields and are legitimate.