Artificial Intelligence & 3D Printing Can Revolutionize The Future Of Manufacturing

It is undeniable that Artificial intelligence is influencing the future of almost every business and every person on the planet. Artificial intelligence has functioned as the driving force behind advanced technologies such as big data, robotics, and the Internet of Things, and it will continue to do so in the future. AI has prevailed in almost all industries, and now is the time to revolutionize the additive manufacturing industry. 

Before we get into details, let’s learn what 3D printing technology is! 3D printing is an additive manufacturing technique. It’s ‘additive’ in the sense that it doesn’t require a block of material or a mould to create physical things; instead, it stacks and fuses layers of material. It’s usually quick, with cheap fixed setup costs, and it can build more complicated geometries than ‘conventional’ technologies with a growing array of materials. It’s used in the engineering world, especially for prototyping and designing lightweight geometries.

3D printing is a game-changer that is always growing and allowing people to enhance themselves in new ways. When it is combined with Artificial intelligence, it results in new and intriguing additive manufacturing applications.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad field of computer science that focuses on creating intelligent applications that can accomplish activities that typically need human intelligence. These AI-enabled devices can imitate intelligent human behavior and may iteratively improve themselves depending on the data they collect. This AI and automation approach may be used in a variety of situations. Additive manufacturing, once again, is no exception. 

According to Dr. Thomas Wilde, an entrepreneur and investor, especially in the field of AI, “AI as a discipline initially includes all the processes that help machines to perceive, think and act like humans. As a result, we are dealing with an extensive range of linguistic techniques, image processing, but also processes in the fields of motor skills and robotics”.

AI in 3D Printing

Artificial intelligence may undoubtedly aid in the improvement of the printing process and the prevention of mistakes. This will always be available in order to optimize the additive manufacturing process and provide the finest possible items. Also, the efficiency of the application would increase as it reduces errors and automates the production processes. Therefore, many businesses are planning to integrate AI into their applications and services. To 3D print a project, you’ll need to use CAD software to create your 3D model. In order to assist you in building the most outstanding 3D printable models, AI is progressively being included in various 3D modeling systems.

What is the benefit of combining artificial intelligence with 3D printing?

The fusion of these technologies with additive manufacturing is, of course, what we are most interested in. The goal is to figure out what possibilities exist when these two technologies are combined and what advantages may be realized. 

Automates 3D printing workflow

The automation of the 3D printing workflow is one example of a first application. From the construction of the model as a CAD file through its preparation for printing in a slicing program to its final printing, there are several phases involved. A solution is offered by AMFG (Autonomous Manufacturing), a London-based firm, wherein it allows the automation of crucial stages such as production management with their software solution intended for the 3D printing workflow. AMFG employs artificial intelligence to automate manual operations such as data collecting, cost tracking, and construction planning. The program may be used to increase production capacity by increasing machine usage and scheduling production orders based on availability – all of this can be done with the software.

Enhances production capacity

Artificial intelligence may be used to improve production capacity by increasing equipment usage and arranging production orders based on availability. Material selection may also be automated using AI: the program offers recommendations for the best material to use based on the needs of the component to be printed.

Increases the number of materials available

Artificial intelligence combined with 3D printing can also assist in expanding the spectrum of suitable materials, meeting the needs of industries like aerospace, which frequently demand high-temperature materials.

What role exactly does artificial intelligence play here? “The processing of new high-performance materials is quite difficult and involves meticulous tweaking of all process parameters. That’s why they use a range of sensors to track the 3D printing process. Then they use AI to analyze this data stream and find hidden correlations that people aren’t aware of. This is precisely where artificial intelligence excels: it can handle massive amounts of data fast, a task that is far too time-consuming for humans. Researchers can now treat complicated alloys while maintaining material properties, thanks to this effort.

3D printing process optimization

AI can also assist in the improvement of the 3D printing process. Before beginning any operation, for example, the printability of an object may be assessed. A part’s quality may also be anticipated, and the process can be managed to eliminate printing mistakes, resulting in significant time savings.

Conclusion

Every new technology has its own set of restrictions and hazards. We’re talking about 3D-printed firearms, for example, in the 3D printing market. When it comes to artificial intelligence, we frequently hear that computers may be able to outperform humans. Today’s 3D technology, on the other hand, makes it feasible to easily duplicate a wide range of items. If artificial intelligence is integrated into these, our privacy and safety may be jeopardized in the future. But let’s not look at the half-empty glass: Artificial intelligence and 3D printing both have a promising future!

It is clear that AI, machine learning, and other Industry 4.0 technologies have the ability to improve the production process and let engineers and operators focus on value-added activities rather than monotonous manual duties. And both technologies will certainly play a significant role in the next years, particularly in industrial applications.

For the production of parts, today’s additive manufacturing necessitates a high level of specialized knowledge. In the 3D printing workflow, AI will adopt essential rules. Algorithms that are faster and smarter will lower the amount of manual work. AI will then provide access to vast volumes of data, allowing 3D technologies to be better managed.

However, this combo is still in its early stages, but it surely offers a promising future. We don’t yet know how far this revolution will go, but one thing is certain: it will be fruitful.