3D Printing May Make a Warehouse a Thing Of The Past

Every day we are witnessing advanced technologies that are revolutionizing the global industry development with introducing innovative, smart and efficient tools for performing certain manual tasks. The technology has reached so far that nowadays the things we could only see in science fiction movies are actually coming to life right before our eyes. 3D printing has become one of the latest biggest inventions that is bound to change the way the world functions as a whole. The warehouse business is for once becoming quite threatened by this newly-developed invention, as soon enough it just might become the next big step in the manufacturing business process. Let us see how:

3D Origins

While many believe that 3D printing is a futuristic patent, it actually follows its roots right back to the 80s. The first patent application was filed in Japan by the alleged Dr Kodama. The Rapid Prototyping Technologies as they were called back then unfortunately failed the opportunity to see the light of day. On the contrary, fast forwarding a few years into the future when Charles Huck issued the first patent for stereolithography apparatus (SLA) making it a true 3D miracle. Today, the same Chuck Hall is the co-founder of 3D System Corporation, one of the leading and most lucrative companies operating in the 3D sector.

What Does The Future Hold For Us?

Observing how far has technology reached, it is only a question of time when our world will reach complete automation and become replaced by fully functioning machinery. 3D printing could soon enough change the way the global industry functions inside and out, as this automated method of producing prototypes will play a significant role in the supply chain, making warehouses truly a thing of the past. This upturn is not a distant future thing, as experts claim that a method as progressive as this one has enormous benefits for the manufacturing industry. This could completely alter the way business is being conducted, from ridding the world from storage facilities up to completely wiping out the need for inventory or spare parts.

Advantages of 3D Printing

Every technological advancement has some major advantages. For instance, imagine needed a certain product or a spare part and simply printing it right there on the spot. Talking about the positive side of this prototype, it is safe to say that benefits here are humongous. Not only can this method of producing prototypes affect the shipping lines, but the speed of producing certain goods would be drastically decreased. Another crucial factor for upgrading to any advancement is of course the finances. Relying on the 3D printing technology means no more mechanical parts and no more human labour. Products are also manufactured individually, meaning it is ideal for mass customization techniques. Other than this, products which are manufactured by 3D printing are lighter but just as strong and produce less waste, which is just another plus in the industry department.

Merely a Stepping Stone

While the benefits for the global industry are enormous and quite obvious as well, it is safe to say that a prototype as this one is merely at the beginning of its career. Adopting a technology as advanced as this one will need some time, as well as trainings and specialization in this field. Not only this, but the financial benefits of 3D printing are still not enough to overweight the global supply chain. Another issue concerning this would be the enormous downsizes in the human labour department, which are simply not rational right now. Until this takes over the industrial world, we can rest easily knowing that trained professionals are dealing with our products, managing the pallet racks and providing us with top quality service.

The future is almost here and is shining brightly. But do not be blinded by the light and remember the ancient proverb – not everything that glitters is gold. One day the human race will become fully prepared to adapt to new advancements, but today is not that day.