Companies large and small are catching on to the innovation that comes from 3D printing. Today, we want to spotlight a few of those big companies that are utilizing this powerful technology to invent new ideas!
Let’s take a look at how these brands are adding their own twist to 3D printing!
Coca Cola- This big brand invented the EKOCYCLE Cube that prints with a filament cartridge that was created, in part, from assorted post-consumer-recycled, 20-ounce PET plastic bottles. Each cartridge transforms the recycled plastic into an array of products that includes items such as music accessories and wearable fashions. With sustainability in mind, The Coca-Cola Company partnered with music artist will.i.am to use technology, art, style and inspiration to change an entire culture. Through this invention, will.i.am explained, “We will create aspirational lifestyle products made, in part, using post-consumer waste. We will make it cool to recycle. And we will make it cool to make products using recycled materials.”
The EKOCYCLE takes the idea of 3D printing to the next level, which gives people all over the world the chance to transform rejected plastic into more useful, functional and fashionable objects.
Hershey- As the first big food company to attempt to 3D-print confections, Hershey has the opportunity to set the standard in the world of 3D-printed treats. Hershey is partnering with 3D Systems whose product known as the ChefJet will be used by the largest chocolate producer in North America. Due to the price of 3D printers like the ChefJet that run between $5,000 and $10,000, consumers are more than likely not going to run out and make a purchase. That’s why, through this partnership between Hershey and 3D Systems, both companies hope to invent a better way to make stronger, more portable 3D-printed chocolates. If this can be done, it will make 3D-printed food a more accessible and mainstream option for everyone.
Boeing- As one of the earliest users of 3D technology, Boeing has created more than 20,000 3D-printed parts for 10 different commercial and military planes. For instance, the 787 Dreamliner is equipped with 30 3D-printed parts, which include hinges and air ducts. Boeing also used Stratasys 3D printers to print an entire cabin! One of the many reasons why Boeing, in particular, creates lots of 3D-printed parts is because this technology reduces the amount of time between the design and manufacturing stages, which has created a more cost-efficient production process for the company.
As you can see, from the land to the sky, the amount of companies using 3D printing is getting high! Though the usage of 3D printers for consumers is slowly, but surely, on the rise, companies all around the globe small and large are using this technology to invent more creative, cost-and-energy efficient products that can be designed, developed and manufactured at a more rapid rate than ever before. As time goes on, we are sure that we will be seeing more and more companies employing the use of 3D printing!
Copyright Inventionland 2014
Sources:
https://mashable.com/2014/01/19/3d-chocolate-printer-hersheys/
https://www.theverge.com/2014/1/16/5315248/hershey-3d-systems-3d-printed-chocolate-candy-partnership
https://www.techrepublic.com/article/3d-printing-10-companies-using-it-in-ground-breaking-ways/
https://www.businessinsider.com/boeing-uses-3d-printers-for-airplane-parts-2013-6
Images:
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2656/5717642627_8d3a599de8_z.jpg
https://geekologie.com/2014/01/16/hersheys-chocolate-printer.jpg
