3D printing is getting more popular worldwide. (Photo : YouTube)
According to a China Business News report, the country is currently feeling the impact of the recent developments of 3D printing platforms, citing Jiang Hao, a former architect and founder of a 3D printing firm, iRiffle.
Jiang recounted how he gave up his job as an architect and pursued establishing a 3D printing platform. He said that "a construction project may take five years from design to completion but designing something on a smaller scale can be completed within one to two months."
Jiang also shared that he already encountered the technology when he studied architecture in the U.S. However, the models back then were crude, and that he still had no plans of giving up his intent to take up jewelry design.
Since then, 3D printing technology has grown rapidly and has been employed in the manufacturing process of traditional crafts.
The use of wax in forming metal molds has also helped in drastically trimming down costs. Jiang noted that four years ago, printing an SLS mold cost around $900, but now it only costs $100.
Relating the technology with the career he wanted to pursue, Jiang said that 3D printing is great for jewelry design, where cost requirements for precision and manufacturing are typically high. He added that with 3D printing, clients can get the finished products 10 to 15 days after they placed their orders.
Several 3D printing platforms have obtained additional financing during the recent period. As of June, U.S.'s Shapeways received an additional financing worth $30 million.
In China, the outlook for the said market is also increasing steadily. From a scale of around 1 billion yuan in 2012, it rose to 2 billion yuan and 4.7 billion yuan in 2013 and 2014, respectively.
