It is important to generate awareness about 3D CAD (computer-aided design), 3D scanning and 3D printing technologies and their availability and capabilities, says Bernhard Vogt, CEO at SA 3D technology company CAD House.
A host of 3D technologies are revolutionising design, prototyping and manufacturing processes across every industry, and using these technologies will soon be commonly "part of a job description", says Vogt.
To celebrate Global 3D Printing Day (3 December), CAD House is opening its doors to school groups and other members of the public, offering live demonstrations of the various 3D CAD, 3D scanning and 3D printing technologies it offers and inviting other distributers of these technologies to join them in this demonstration.
Beyond what 3D printing can do to drastically simplify and speed up the prototyping process, 3D CAD technology can play a vital role in helping designers and their clients understand and interact with the physicality of a design before it is made, says Tanya Erasmus, marketing communications manager at RS Components, which in October celebrated one million downloads from its DesignSpark 3D model catalogue.
Experiencing their designs virtually through 3D CAD technology helps designers and engineers understand what adjustments and changes they need to make, says Erasmus. Being able to show clients what a custom-designed product will look like in the design phase can also help ensure they will be satisfied with the product when it is manufactured, she adds.
Ironing out creases
Yet while 3D technologies equip designers and manufacturers with a wide array of new options, they currently lack capabilities that would see them applied across the board, says Vogt.
One major disadvantage of 3D printing is the relatively narrow selection of materials it can currently print with, he explains - although this selection is constantly broadening, he adds.
Another challenge developers are squaring up to is increasing the speed of 3D printing, Vogt says.
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