Future of 3D Printing in Australia

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Future of 3D Printing in Australia
2
Introduction

• The world of 3D printing has achieved commendable
  feats ever since this technology was realized
  that could print anything from prosthetic limbs
  to simple household items.
• Many industries now deploy this technology to
  create accessories faster and cheaper. This
  includes the building industry, though it still
  uses 3D printing technology in its experimental
  stage.

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3D Printing in Melbourne

• Melbourne, being undoubtedly among the more
  cultural areas of the Southern Hemisphere, has
  been privy to a variety of influences.
• It is rich in history in terms of sport and
  innovation, and also has an inclination towards
  class.
• This is the setting that has bred in it the
  spirit to stand out and raise itself for the
  advancement of society, while also consciously
  encouraging sustainability.
• There is a plethora of ways in which the
  technology of 3D printers in Melbourne is helping
  the city grow.

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Use of 3D Printers in Sports

• The aspect that stands out while discussing
  Melbourne is sport, since the city hosts
  prestigious events such as Australian Grand Prix,
  the Melbourne Cup and The Australian Open.
• Even as the core of these events is not likely to
  transform much, it is undoubted that the
  equipment used in them will.
• Near the end of 2014 there was an Italian
  technology company that worked with a couple of
  students to produce the prototype of a racquet
  incorporating futuristic grip.
• This benefited the players performance by
  improving aerodynamics and absorbing shock.

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Use of 3D Printers in Sports

• Even though this is still in early development
  stage, it is the kind of innovation that top
  national players can use.
• The added advantage is that this can be produced
  close to the players in the city itself.
• The next Grand Prix has an expected turnover of
  more than 300,000 people. This makes it the
  largest event incorporating the use of 3D
  printers in Australia.
• Local institution and companies have been
  steadily becoming more involved in the production
  and design process, thereby helping expand the
  skill set of the cities.

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Use of 3D Printers in Sports

• Formula 1 adopted the 3D printing technology
  pretty early, thus benefitting extensively from
  it.
• Although at the moment the technology is used
  only on race cars for specific parts such as heat
  exchangers, majority of the functional and wind
  tunnel testing done incorporates the use of parts
  that are printed with 3D printers as this
  practice saves a lot of money and time as
  compared to traditional methods.

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Use of 3D Printers in Transport

• Another arena the city of Melbourne is popular
  for is transport.
• The images of bicycles and trams come to mind in
  this regard. Infamous for its cycles, it even has
  a company that is well known for producing high
  performance bicycles with the use of 3D printed
  titanium components.
• Carbon Fiber tubes are used to connect 3D printed
  joins that help create a bike that is light and
  strong.
• There are other companies too that create bikes
  with 3D printed lugs.
• Unknown to most people, Melbourne is becoming a
  pioneer in the technology of 3D bicycle printing.

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Use of 3D Printers in Transport

• It is quite challenging for blind or visually
  impaired people to navigate a city. Traveling
  through a city without the gift of vision is
  indeed confusing.
• This is why a team from Melbourne has created
  maps that are 3D printed so that the streets are
  presented in the form of protrusions that make it
  easy for people to feel tram stops.
• The concept is pretty amazing and can be extended
  for bars, cafes, leisure centers, landmarks etc.,
  for visitors and tourists.