Once nothing more than science fiction, the technology behind 3-D printing has greatly advanced in the last decade. The fabrication technique has become less costly and more accessible to both businesses and average consumers, leading to "printed" materials ranging from simple models to food. Pump experts have leveraged this new wave in affordable technology by combining it with digital advancements in modeling software. The two fronts of 3-D and computer modeling technologies have unlocked a new frontier in pump design, repair and replacement.
Value
The global 3-D printing market was worth US$2 billion in 2014, according to an analysis by Frost & Sullivan. The market's growth has largely depended on the relative cheapness of modern 3-D printers. In the mid-2000s, many companies were lucky to produce a 3-D printer under a price of US$10,000 or even US$5,000. Today, 3-D printers may cost as low as the high hundreds.
Molds
When it comes to manufacturing pump components, such as diaphragms or impellers, 3-D printing techniques empower end users to move beyond traditional tooling and casting by designing and creating their own. The precision of these molds often surpasses traditional efforts—when paired with a modeling software that emphasizes specific pump parameters.
Additive
The key difference is in how designers and end users see how they manufacture spare parts, even whole pumps. Instead of looking at a piece of steel and cutting away until a component is left, 3-D printing creates the part starting with a precise design. This allows the end user more control of the final product and expanded flexibility when fitting a new part in an extreme or changing system.