CES (Consumer Electronic Show) has become the place to be at the beginning of the year. It is where the latest technology is unveiled and demonstrated, and gives us all a sense of what to expect in the year to come. Read below for more of what we saw and how it will impact the 3D printing industry:
The Scanners are Coming
Replicating items without having to learn 3D modeling software is going to be a breeze very soon. Personal 3D scanners are poised to be as common as smart phone cameras.
This technology allows you to create a 3D model of just about anything in seconds. While Shining3D demonstrated their super high resolution handheld 3D scanners, Intel showed off their new line of RealSence cameras that can be found in the next generation of PC’s, tablets and drones. Depth perception technology lets you create a 3D model in seconds. Online clothing sites can then use your model to make sure your next pair of pants or your new shirt is a perfect fit.
Drones Everywhere
Big drones. Little drones. For work or for play, drones are here to stay. The number of drone manufacturers is overwhelming. Industry leaders like DJI stay ahead of the competition with drones that fly farther, faster and longer with higher resolution cameras. Smaller companies are racing to make drones more affordable as this industry develops.
With so many drones out there, being able to create custom pieces for your aircraft with Shapeways will help you stand out from the crowd.
3D Printing Medical Applications Are Making a Difference
UNYC exhibited a scoliosis brace based on a 3D scan of a person. This makes the brace less bulky and more comfortable, and encourages consistent wear which can reduce the need for surgery by 80%.
Wearable Wonderland
Wearable items are now available in various shapes, sizes and colors to match any style. Smart watches and fitness trackers are hitting the mainstream to keep us up to date while our smart phones stay safety in our pockets. There is even a kid friendly wearable designed by Doki to keep parents connected to their children. It’s exciting to see this industry continue to move forward because the tie-in with 3D printing is so natural. From fun accessories to functional add-ons, anyone can customize their wearable to make it even more personal.
Mini-me Nation
The longest line at CES was for the The Artec Shapify Scanning booth. The booth does a fast scan of your entire body and transforms it to a 3D model file that can be 3D printed. We are excited for big developments in this area for 2016 as we’ve already started offering 3D printing services for many scanning points.
Custom is Comfort
From 3D printed custom insoles to sunglasses made just for you, scanning technology will change the way you shop for clothes. Wiivv Wearables lets you scan your feet using your smartphone to 3D print an insole that fits the specific contours of your feet. 3D Systems has partnered with pq by Ron Arad to create custom glasses that fit perfectly AND look good.
At-Home 3D Printing Still Has Growing Up to Do
There are a ton of home 3D printers available and more coming on the market every month. Being able to compare the printers side by side at CES shows that the industry still has a long way to go before consumers can own a 3D printer that produces products in various materials, with a higher quality finish. For now, 3D printing services are the best bet for anyone wanting to be a part of the 3D printing revolution.
Did you attend CES this year? Let us know what new technology you’re most excited about below!