Are 3D scanners or 3D printers the future of the industrial automation industry? One could argue that both play a vital role in the industry. However, in this blog post, we will dive deeper into the comparison between the two and find out which one has a more significant impact on the industry.
3D Scanners
3D scanning is the process of creating a three-dimensional representation of an object using a scanner. It captures the shape and size of the object and converts it into a digital format. This digital format is then used to create a 3D model. 3D scanners have a wide range of applications in industrial automation. They are used in product design, reverse engineering, quality control, and many other fields.
One of the main advantages of 3D scanners is the accuracy they provide. With modern 3D scanners, accuracy levels of up to 5 microns can be achieved. This makes them an ideal tool for tasks that require high precision. For example, in the medical industry, 3D scanners are used to create custom-made implants. The implants are designed using the 3D scan of the patient's affected area, resulting in a perfect fit.
3D Printers
3D printers are the opposite of 3D scanners. They are used to create a physical object from a digital file. The digital file is sliced into multiple layers, and the printer creates the object layer-by-layer. 3D printers have a wide range of applications in the industrial automation industry. They are used in prototyping, production, and repairs, among many other things.
One significant advantage of 3D printers is customization. With 3D printers, it is possible to create an object in any shape or size. This is why they are commonly used in the production of customized products. For example, in the aerospace industry, 3D printers are used to create lightweight and complex designs that cannot be achieved through traditional manufacturing methods.
3D Scanners vs. 3D Printers - The Verdict
It is challenging to say which one has a greater impact on the industrial automation industry. 3D scanning and 3D printing are both essential tools that are used in different ways. 3D scanners are mainly used in product design and quality control, while 3D printers are used in prototyping and production.
Nevertheless, in terms of growth, 3D printing has seen a larger increase in demand. According to a report by Deloitte, the global market for 3D printing was worth $5.2 billion in 2015. By 2025, the market is expected to grow to $50 billion. In contrast, the 3D scanning market was worth $2.8 billion in 2015 and is expected to grow to $5.1 billion by 2020.
In conclusion, both 3D scanners and 3D printers have their advantages and are crucial for the industrial automation industry. The 3D printing market is growing at a faster pace than the 3D scanning market, but that does not necessarily mean it is more important. Each tool serves its purpose in the industry, and both will continue to play a vital role in the years to come.
References
- Deloitte. (2018, April 27). 3D opportunity for industrials: Additive manufacturing trails industrial applications. https://www2.deloitte.com/global/en/pages/manufacturing/articles/additive-manufacturing-industrial-applications.html
- Statista. (2022). 3D Scanning Services Market Worth $5.1 Billion by 2020. https://www.statista.com/statistics/739738/3d-scanning-services-market-size-worldwide/