Printed Dimensions: How New Tools Expand Old Crafts

3D printing is revolutionizing the craft industry by precisely complementing proven techniques. Additive manufacturing —the technical term for layered material buildup—enables complex components that are impossible to produce conventionally. According to the VDMA Mechanical Engineering Association, 44% of German industrial companies with over 100 employees already use this technology. Traditional blacksmith shops use Markforged printers for carbon fiber-reinforced tools, while joineries produce precise fasteners with Formlabs resin printers.

Computer-aided layered construction complements traditional craftsmanship with new design possibilities. Stratasys FDM systems and Ultimaker printers are transforming workflows from carpentry to metalworking without replacing traditional craftsmanship. The following sections invite you to delve a little deeper into this fascinating topic.

What should craft businesses and artists who want to use a 3D printer pay attention to?

Craft businesses and artists the best 3D printers should first define their intended use and the appropriate materials (e.g., PLA, resin, metal ). It's important to select a printer with a sufficiently high resolution and a build volume that meets typical project requirements. Ease of use, software compatibility (e.g., with CAD programs), and maintenance requirements also play a significant role.

Anyone looking to produce precise prototypes or unique pieces should pay attention to printing accuracy and material versatility. Legal aspects such as copyright, product liability, and CE marking for ready-to-sell products must also be considered. Last but not least, in-depth training or familiarization with the technology is crucial to fully exploiting the potential of 3D printing.

A look at the advantages of additive manufacturing

3D printing is revolutionizing cost structures in craft businesses through drastic efficiency gains. The VDMA study "Additive Manufacturing 2023" shows that 44% of German industrial companies with over 100 employees already use additive manufacturing processes.

Back in 2017, Prof. John Hart from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology an introduction to the technology of Additive Manufacturing:

Mechanical Engineering Magazine informed us about the evolution in recent years and the expansion through artificial intelligence :

And finally, two years ago, the Financial Times examined the key role of 3D printing technologies in the US manufacturing industry:

Today, the following are among the concrete advantages of this technology:

• Material waste reduced by 70% through layered construction
• Elimination of expensive injection molds saves €15,000–€50,000 per project
• Production cycles shortened from weeks to hours
• Local manufacturing reduces CO₂ emissions by 40%.

The cost-effectiveness is particularly evident in small batches. Material efficiency increases significantly because only the required material is used – in contrast to machining processes such as milling or turning, which often waste 80% as chips.

Another important topic: 3D printers in the private sector

3D printing is increasingly finding its way into private workshops and studios – and not without reason: More and more artists are using the technology to transform creative ideas into tangible objects.

Whether sculptures , jewelry designs , detailed miniatures , or individual home accessories —the possibilities are virtually limitless. 3D printing allows unprecedented freedom in design and material selection, even for small batches. Especially in the private sector, it offers easy access to prototyping and custom production.

Thanks to user-friendly devices and freely available templates, the technology is becoming increasingly affordable and intuitive. PLA as a printing material because it is biodegradable and easy to process. This makes 3D printing a creative tool that makes artistic projects possible in more and more households – individual, sustainable, and innovative.

How 3D printing helps to enhance your home

3D printing offers countless possibilities for your home . From custom-made shelf brackets to designer vases to unique lampshades – with a 3D printer, creative home design ideas can be realized with precision.

Those looking for individual accents can design decorative elements themselves or use relevant platforms. Practical everyday helpers such as cable holders, doorstops, or kitchen organizers can also be printed with little effort. The ability to choose colors, shapes, and materials creates a truly personalized living ambiance.

Thanks to modern plug-and-play printers, getting started is now easier than ever. 3D printing is becoming a creative tool for anyone who wants to redesign their environment with clever ideas and craftsmanship.

Future prospects: Crafts in the digital transformation

Crafts are at the beginning of a digital transformation that intelligently complements traditional processes. By 2030, 3D printing, like AI art , will become as commonplace tools as drills and circular saws are today.

The following development trends are likely to play a significant role in the future:

• Multi-material printing for complex assemblies
• Large format printer for construction applications up to 1m³
• Hybrid manufacturing, in which additive and CNC processes are combined in one machine.

And in the private sector, too, a lot is likely to change in the coming years with regard to 3D printing.

The key to success lies in the balance between tradition and innovation. Craft businesses that understand new technologies as a complement to their core competencies will certainly emerge as winners of the digital transformation and sustainably strengthen their market position.