Now is the time, AI services are part of our future and allow us to create already sophisticated equipment. Did you know 3D printing technology can be used to make AI more useful as well? This game-changing technology is continuously evolving, making things better. New wonderful technologies are now available, such as Artificial Intelligence. 3D printing coupled with artificial intelligence is enabling new and exciting applications of additive manufacturing.
Technologies combined with Additive manufacturing are, of course, what we are most passionate about. 3D printing and artificial intelligence are discussed in this article. What benefits can be realized by combining these two technologies? Is there any remaining limitation?
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial intelligence, or machine intelligence, refers to intelligence displayed by machines. Machines are capable of learning and acquiring information rationally and conclusively. By doing so, advanced tasks can be performed on these devices.
AI-based machines can mimic intelligent human behavior. Different types of processes can benefit from this AI and automation process. The same is true when it comes to additive manufacturing. Artificial intelligence can significantly improve 3D printing so that it is more effective.
Using AI with 3D printing
Artificial intelligence is often linked to terms such as machine learning, neural networks, automation or artificial vision. The idea here is that a machine can solve a given problem by itself, without human intervention, based on data and past experiences. This is of particular interest when combined with 3D printing technologies as it could increase the performance of a 3D printer by reducing the risk of error and facilitating automated production. Indeed, more and more startups and research projects are integrating AI into a 3D printing product or service.
Based on data and previous experience, a machine can solve a problem itself, without human intervention. The combination of 3D printing with this technology holds particular interest as it should increase the performance of 3D printers through the reduction of errors and the automation of production processes. As a result, many startups are choosing to integrate artificial intelligence into their products and services. Developing new materials and automating the entire workflow in 3D printing are just a few examples.
3D printing workflow automation
The automation of 3D printing workflow is, for example, one application. Several steps are involved, including creating the CAD file, preparing it for printing in a slicing software, and finally printing it. We at Layers.app enable the automation of important steps, such as production management, with our software designed for the 3D printing workflow. Our company uses artificial intelligence to automate manual tasks like data collection and cost tracking. By implementing Artificial Intelligence, the software can help improve the utilization of machines and plan production orders based on availability. The selection of material can also be automated with AI; the software recommends the best material depending on the requirements of the printed part.
In order to 3D print your project, you need to work on your 3D model using CAD software. To help you make the perfect 3D printable models, AI is increasingly being integrated into these 3D modeling programs.
Artificial intelligence can be clearly incorporated into the 3D printing workflow and may change the future of manufacturing
The combination of artificial intelligence and 3D printing can also enhance the range of materials that are compatible with 3D printers, enabling those sectors to create high-temperature materials, such as aerospace.
Where does AI come in?
In order to process new high-performance materials, all process parameters must be precisely tuned. 3D printing processes should be monitored with numerous different sensors. Then, we analyze this data stream using artificial intelligence and identify hidden relationships that humans may not be able to recognize. In these situations, artificial intelligence has the advantage: it is capable of processing very large quantities of data very quickly, which is impossible for humans to handle. In this way, researchers can maintain the material properties of complex alloys.
A process for optimizing 3D printing
Also, AI can be used to improve the printing process for 3D objects. A printability analysis of an object could be performed before any printing process is started. Moreover, a part’s quality can be predicted and printing errors can be avoided, resulting in time savings.
Our goal here at Layers is to use AI in our software to improve the effectiveness and quality of 3D printing departments’ production processes. With the industry moving towards manufacturing finished parts, this is becoming increasingly important.
What are the implications of artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing?
There can be a number of risks associated with any new technology. A number of 3D printers can actually print guns, for example. Adversely, artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing are not an exception. We often hear that artificial intelligence will be able to surpass humans. A wide range of objects can, however, be easily reproduced with today’s 3D technologies. The future security and privacy of these functions could be seriously compromised if artificial intelligence is implemented. On one side, you can print a weapon and on the other, human bones.
Don’t see the glass half empty: Artificial intelligence and 3D printing have a bright future! With Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and other advanced technologies in Industry 4.0, engineers and operators can spend less time on repetitive manual tasks and more time on more innovative processes.
Artificial intelligence and 3D printing: the combination of the future?
It is clear that both technologies will play a major role in the years to come, especially in industrial applications. The production of parts using additive manufacturing today requires a high degree of specialized knowledge.The 3D printing workflow will incorporate AI rules. With more sophisticated algorithms, humans will have to perform fewer manual tasks. Using AI, large amounts of data can be accessed to better manage 3D technologies.
AI and 3D printing are still in their infancy; however, the few examples here show how these two technologies boost innovation, facilitate production, and enhance competitors’ abilities. One thing is certain: this revolution is promising, no matter how far it goes.
