How will 3D Printing Bring a New Dimension to Mining in Near Future?
A steady decline in the mining productivity over the last few years have forced market leaders to modernize their traditional processes regarding cost and efficiency. Even though 3D printing is a small part of the mining industry, by 2035 the market is projected to be worth $10 billion. Forward-thinking mining companies realize the full potential of 3D technology to curb frustration due to sudden equipment downtime. The industry is plagued with challenges like:
• Cost of transporting the equipment parts in case of emergencies.
• High dependency on equipment to achieve maximum accuracy.
• The high cost of inventory, storage, and raw material.
Although 3D technology is at a developing stage, it’s creating positive vibes in the manufacturing sector and helping mining organizations achieve success with precision.
3D Printing Allows for Quick Repair of faulty machinery
By 3D printing the faulty and spare parts, operators gain maximum control of ensuring the smoother running of the machinery. Using 3D technology, mining companies can store the spare parts digitally, which curbs the environmental impact and high cost of transporting the inventory from one location to another. Producing tools and components is a tedious and expensive procedure, which forces the companies to rely on third-party manufacturers for machinery. Miners have to dig at great depths to find seams and areas where the metal ore is available – making equipment inconsequential for miners. Subsequently, by leveraging the sensors, companies can forecast whether equipment needs servicing or require need parts.
Provision of precise topography maps
Today, to acquire metal ores from the surface, mining corporation across the world employs 2D topography maps indicating the dimension of particular areas. However, off lately, miners have started relying on 3D topography maps. Using the 3D printers, miners build a 3D model which reflects the exact dimension of the geographical areas. Furthermore, the 3D printed topography maps work as food for the potential investors. Companies flaunt their visual aid to explain how their investment will be used. 3D printed models create a self-sustaining picture, which radically redefines various production stages.
3d printing: Exceptional design freedom and less waste
3D printers can circumvent assembly steps and craft structures. Using the 3D technology, miners can customize the design of the machinery to suit their mining environment. Additionally, the conventional process of mining produces a lot of wastage. On the other hand, 3D technology melts only powder to build the skeleton of the machinery. Surprisingly, the scrap rate from a 3D technology is less than 3%, which is way lower than other manufacturing processes.
Adoption of 3D printing is likely to bring significant changes in the mining operations and will change the entire game of how miners dig out precious metals. In mining, the 3D technology is revolutionizing and reducing the mining time and removing excess stock from the industry. Apart from the above benefits, 3D technology advocates sustainable manufacturing and making the equipment fuel and energy efficient.
For your 3d scanning and 3d printing, call Arrival 3D at 866-687-7784.