Although 3D printing has been around since the 1960’s, it has become increasingly popular throughout the past few years. As 3D printing technology advances, it is natural to ask how this may impact the manufacturing industry and other supporting industry, particularly the stud welding industry. While some speculate that 3D printing may replace stud welding, we believe that it will be used to help the stud welding industry.

3D Printing and Manufacturing

Over the past few decades, 3D printing technology has developed to print with other materials besides plastics. Specifically, printing with metal alloys is now possible. Moreover, as technology advanced so did the ability to print smoothly and precisely.

3D printed engine prototype.

3D printing enables manufacturers and designers to create quality prototypes quickly. Model construction used to take days, even weeks, depending on the materials used. Creating prototypes with 3D printing reduces this time to just a few hours. This is fantastic for pushing innovation along and maximizing efficiency.

Many private companies have developed 3D printing systems that utilize laser sintering and beam melting techniques to print large metal components. These systems are still quite expensive, meaning that many fabricators are still not willing to invest in this technology for their own operations. Regardless, the fast turn around time, particularly in prototype fabrication, makes 3D printing a valuable technology for manufacturing industries.

What Does 3D Printing Mean for Stud Welding

Until manufacturers come up with flawless designs that require absolutely no fastening, stud welding will have a place in the manufacturing and fabrication industries.

In fact, we see a lot of opportunity for 3D printing to advance stud welding product design. Because it takes so many types of alloys, 3D printing could easily be utilized to manufacture studs, pins, hangers, cable trays, and much more. Easy prototyping could further the design of innovative products, such as the Sunbelt Tubing Spacer.

At Sunbelt Stud Welding, we see the relationship between stud welding and 3D printing as a long and fruitful one. For more information, call Sunbelt Stud Welding at 713-939-8903.