Blue sky printing – where 3D printing could go next

We look at how new applications and breakthrough technologies could herald a golden era for the 3D print industry

The unique knowledge, expertise and disciplines needed for 3D print are being used to move humanity forward in surprising ways, and which just may offer ambitious print companies potential new business opportunities.

Let’s start with something already well known but ready for further exploration: printed electronics.

Printed circuit boards have been around in one form or another since the 1940s but the rise in 3D printing means not just circuits but complete sensors and other components can be embedded into smart clothing, such as personal protective equipment (PPE). In fact, entire garments can now become the sensor, with conductive elements or micro-sensors printed onto the fabric itself, offering real-time readings for information such as heart rate, skin temperature, motion and location.

A fascinating 2022 paper called ‘3D Printing Technology for Smart Clothing: A Topic Review’ by researchers at Hunan University,

China, predicted that the rise in intelligent materials will provide a new opportunity for the development of 3D-printed clothing.

“3D printing technology can realize the perfect combination of clothing and electronic devices while helping smart clothing to achieve specific functions. Furthermore, the application of functional 3D printing technology in clothing not only provides people with the most comfortable and convenient wearing experience, but also completely subverts consumers’ perception of traditional clothing,” the paper said.

From clothing we can look at something worn even closer to the skin: prosthetics. It’s not a huge leap to go from smart PPE – such as exoskeletons that are already being used to help workers with fatiguing manual tasks – to custom 3D-printed prosthetics.

The ability to scan a patient’s anatomy and print a custom implant or prosthesis that fits exactly to their body is already a fairly well-established technology. However, as 3D printing technology becomes more sophisticated and widespread, its potential impact increases significantly.

For example, the ability to print new types of advanced metamaterials using things like lattice structures, means that prosthesis can be become lighter, stronger and even more smart. Add to that the reduced cost of 3D printing as the technology matures, and custom-made healthcare becomes available to people who would have previously been unable to afford it.

While we all know what prosthetics are, but what about printing actual human biology? The truth might not…