3 days ago
3D printing: A new horizon for local economy
Dr. Chua Bih Lii
In year 2006, the movie 'Mission: Impossible III' featured a 3D printed mask fabricated based on a 3D scan of Phillip Hoffman's character for Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt to wear. The three-dimensional (3D) printing has leapt from science fiction to factory floors and even into our homes during the last decades. This transformative technology has enabled people from students to surgeons, to produce objects with unprecedented ease and customization.
From Bones to Buildings: Real-World Wonders
One of the most impactful applications of 3D printing is in the medical field. Doctors today use 3D-printed titanium plates and polymer-based splints for complex fractures such as skull and hip, improving recovery and comfort. The field of organ printing is pushing scientific boundaries even further. Researchers have successfully printed human tissues like liver and skin using bio-inks made from living cells experimentally, paving the way for future on-demand organ replacements.
In aerospace, companies like General Electric (GE) have been printing fuel nozzles for jet engine that are 25% lighter and five times more durable than conventionally manufactured ones. In space exploration, an American aerospace startup, has successfully launched a rocket made almost entirely from 3D-printed components in 2023, cutting down production time from years to weeks.
In the culinary world, 3D-printed food is transforming how meals are made. Machines can now print chocolate, pasta and plant-based meats. In Bristol, scientists have developed 3D-printed meals with customized textures and nutrition for patients with dysphagia, a medical condition that makes swallowing difficult.
On the larger scale, construction firms in the Netherlands, China and Dubai have completed full-scale buildings using giant 3D concrete printers. This technology offers potential solutions to housing shortages by reducing labour and material costs significantly.
Accessible Technology for All
The widespread availability of 3D printers today is largely thanks to the expiration of two major patents: fused deposition modeling (FDM) and stereolithography apparatus (SLA). These advancements have driven down the cost of printers and opened the doors to schools, universities and hobbyists.
Technically known as 'additive manufacturing', 3D printing works by adding material layer by layer to build a 3D object directly from a digital file. This stands in contrast to traditional subtractive and formative manufacturing, which relies on cutting, drilling, molding and forging materials into shape. There are seven distinct additive manufacturing processes defined by the ISO standard.
FDM is the most affordable form of 3D printing. It works by melting a thermoplastic filament and extruding it through a heated nozzle. The printer lays down the material layer by layer on a build platform, where it cools and solidifies.
Meanwhile, SLA uses a laser or ultraviolet (UV) light to cure liquid resin at high precision and result in smooth finishes, making them ideal for dental models, jewellery and intricate figurines.
The future of 3D printing lies beyond basic plastic. High-performance materials such as PEKK, ULTEM, ceramics, metal powders and carbon-fiber composites are now being used for functional industrial parts, from aerospace components to surgical tools. These materials opening new frontiers in engineering by offering greater strength, heat resistance, and biocompatibility.
Advantages of 3D Printing
Common 3D printers based on FDM and SLA.
Unlike conventional manufacturing, which often wastes materials through cutting and shaping, 3D printing uses only the amount of material needed. Additionally, it allows manufacturing on demand, eliminating the need for large inventories or overseas shipping. This has enabled many home business startups during the Covid-19.
From the perspective of engineering, the design freedom given by the 3D printing is unmatched. Complex geometries and custom features designed by engineers can be printed directly without special tools or molds.
Malaysia's Growing 3D Printing Economy
3D printed model of working jet engine and building.
In Malaysia, innovative individuals and startups are already turning 3D printing into profitable ventures. For instance, a Penang-based entrepreneur produces custom-fit insoles and orthotics using foot scans and 3D printers. In Kuala Lumpur, a company creates architectural models for developers. Besides, a company in Selangor designs and prints 3D implants for hospitals. Several companies offer design and printing services for production jigs, inspection fixtures, and prototypes.
Meanwhile, small home-bound businesses offer personalized 3D-printed home decors and gifts, such as designers' lamps, photo frames, nameplates and toys, through online platforms.
Can Sabah Benefits from the 3D Printing Revolution?
Sabah's economy traditionally relies on tourism, agriculture, oil and gas, and manufacturing. The 3D printing can help to complement the existing economic sector by providing diversified options and modernization of the local industry.
Entrepreneurs can make products with local motifs. Tourists may soon bring home personalized souvenirs with native designs, unique pots and sculptures using sustainable plastic. Moving forward, it can be marketed worldwide via online platforms.
Local artisans and film studios can make fantastical art pieces and iconic mask using 3D printing technology to support the creative industry, just like Marvel did for Black Panther, Deadpool and Iron Man.
Local workshops can reproduce rare or discontinued machine parts for factories and plantations. The development of 3D printing industry in Sabah will help to support the regional needs of critical components. For example, Shell Jurong Island, a dedicated chemical manufacturing facility in Singapore is able to replace their critical heat exchanger parts by engaging 3D metal printing technology that delivers within two weeks manufacturing lead time.
Besides, 3D printed molds, jigs and fixtures can support the needs of local manufacturers. Engineers can innovate new tools, components and customized machines for agricultural industries, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Several examples include 3D printed fruit pluckers, impellers and small machineries.
Talents for the Transformation
To drive this digital transformation, we need a new generation of entrepreneurs and problem-solvers who can creatively apply 3D printing. They will spearhead Malaysia's future innovations.
Equally vital are 3D part designers, who must be adept in computer-aided design (CAD), finite element simulation, and structural optimization. They, with mechanical engineering background, will translate ideas and concepts into printable reality. Design strategies and production planning are needed for large quantity and quality production. Material engineers play a key role in developing and refining printable materials that meet various industrial standards, in term of strength, safety, or sustainability.
Finally, mechanical and manufacturing engineers are needed to integrate 3D printing innovations into traditional production lines for improving quality control, efficiency and productivity. They are responsible from material selections to the in-house 3D printed product qualification to ensure the printed components are suitable.
Conclusion
With internet access and open-source platforms, all parts of Malaysia shall be able to participate in the global digital manufacturing movement. By embracing 3D printing, states like Sabah can bridge the technological divide with industrial states and create a uniquely local version of Industry 4.0.
Ir. Dr. Chua Bih Lii is a senior lecturer at Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Sabah. He is also
Sabah Branch Chairman of Technological Association Malaysia
