Resource Person/ Facilitator:

Mr. Nikhil Chonde & Mr. Akshay Bamnote
Co-Founder, Solar Basket & 3D Incise Pune

Summary:

The expert lecture on “Advancements and Limitations in 3D Printing Materials and Technologies” provided students with a comprehensive understanding of additive manufacturing and its growing importance in modern engineering and manufacturing sectors. The session explained how 3D printing has transformed product design, prototyping, and production by enabling rapid fabrication, customization, and material efficiency. The expert discussed recent advancements in 3D printing materials and technologies, along with current limitations and challenges faced by the industry.

The lecture also highlighted the applications of 3D printing across industries such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare, construction, and consumer products. Students gained insights into material selection, process capabilities, design considerations, and future trends in additive manufacturing.

Key Takeaways:

1. Introduction to 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing) – Concept, evolution, working principle, and significance in modern manufacturing.
2. Advancements in 3D Printing Technologies – FDM, SLA, SLS, DMLS, Binder Jetting, and Multi-material printing.
3. Advancements in Materials – Polymers, composites, metals, ceramics, bio-materials, and high-performance alloys.
4. Design Freedom & Customization – Complex geometries, lightweight structures, rapid prototyping, and mass customization.
5. Industrial Applications – Use in automotive parts, aerospace components, medical implants, tooling, jigs, and fixtures.
6. Limitations of 3D Printing – High material cost, limited build size, surface finish issues, slower production speed, and post-processing requirements.
7. Material & Process Constraints – Mechanical strength, thermal resistance, anisotropy, and material availability.
8. Future Trends – Sustainable materials, metal and hybrid printing, automation, AI-driven design, and large-scale construction printing.

Objective/Purpose:

1. To introduce students to the fundamentals and importance of 3D printing in modern manufacturing.
2. To explain recent advancements in 3D printing technologies and materials.
3. To make students aware of the limitations and challenges associated with additive manufacturing.
4. To familiarize students with industrial applications of 3D printing across various sectors.
5. To develop understanding of material properties, process selection, and design considerations in 3D printing.
6. To provide insights into emerging trends such as sustainable materials, metal printing, and automation.
7. To motivate students to explore research, innovation, and career opportunities in additive manufacturing and advanced production technologies.