Removing the design bottleneck unlocks the full potential of 3D printing

The value of 3D printing is huge. It has the potential to change industries by making manufacturing faster, more flexible, and more accessible. 

But here's the problem: Design complexity puts a limit on who can take full advantage of it. While millions of 3D printers are used worldwide, many aren't using this technology to its full potential because the process of design is too complex and time-consuming.

Why is design such a challenge in unlocking the value of 3D printing? 

Design for 3D printing needs expertise

Creating 3D-printable designs needs specialized CAD and engineering knowledge that most people don't have. This slows down the adoption of 3D printing, leaving a small group of design experts with the ability to fully utilize the technology. This means 3D printing is stuck in a niche position where it is not used to its full potential.

What would happen if we could remove these barriers?

The full potential of 3D printing becomes accessible to everyone 

With the ability to design, the full power of 3D printing is in everyone's hands, rather than a select few people with design skills. Designs for practical purposes can be realized quickly, enabling faster prototyping, more efficient manufacturing, and greater product innovation.  

How can we simplify design to make this happen? 

Design automation simplifies design and enables creativity 

This is where design automation comes in: It captures design expertise in software to automate complex manual design steps, simplifying the design process. Ready-to-3D-print designs can be created with a few simple inputs. 

A growing number of design automation apps streamline design processes and empower anyone to create designs, no matter their skill level. These apps use simple, intuitive interfaces with features like click-and-drag, sliders, and number inputs. Beneath the surface, expert knowledge and best practices are built into algorithms that automate complex design steps, allowing designs to be created in minutes and automatically optimized for a reliable manufacturing process. 

What does this unlock for individuals and industries? 

You can unleash the full potential of 3D printing 

With design automation, anyone – regardless of expertise – can create high-quality designs in minutes and fully benefit from 3D printing. 

This streamlined design workflow enables the flexibility to switch from niche to scalable applications, allowing your business to leverage 3D printing faster and more efficiently, without the need for specialized skills.