How will 3D Printing Transform Where You Work?
Once data is inputted into a computer, a robotic arm lays down the materials to create an object – similar to how a baker might frost a cake!
Have you experienced 3D printing technology and discovered how it can shape your industry?
It seems crazy to me that digital data can take a simple idea and evolve it into a prototype, and ultimately a real, tangible object. As a commercial real estate professional, I wanted to explore how 3D printing will transform the landscape of many industries with these new innovations in buildings, products, and the workforce. Before we delve into what I found, let’s first understand how 3D printing works. According to CNET, once data is inputted into a computer, a robotic arm lays down the materials to create an object – similar to how a baker might frost a cake!
It’s just a matter of time before 3D printing will revolutionize where you work and live on a large scale. Here are a few different areas with benefits that are worth a quick read:
Building Models: 3D printing reduces costs by its ability to create small-scale building models, make changes, and create an approved full-scale design much faster and more efficiently. It decreases the time required for construction development, allows buildings to go up faster, and gives access to virtual reality tours to future building users.
Remote or Emergency Disaster Areas: According to 3DPrint.com, users can transport a 3D printer and construction materials to construct emergency housing, medical disposables, and resourceful building tools. These areas will no longer be limited by a need for big equipment.
Zoning and Permits: 3D printers can create an array of items from medications, to pizzas, to cosmetics. For the businesses that manufacture their products on-site, zoning changes may be required, which could get a bit tricky. If your business intends to invest in 3D printing, I would recommend inserting a clause in your lease that permits such manufacturing/printing.
Workforce: New technology has its benefits by adding skilled jobs to our workforce; however, it will also remove the need for unskilled labor. A great example of this shift in workforce occurs in the manufacturing sector. Rather than employ ten or more people on an assembly line, an employer will have the option to reduce their overhead by investing in automated machine labor. This automation increases accuracy, assemblage, and capacity.
As the old cliché goes – knowledge is power. If 3D printing interests you, grasp the technology, think outside the box, and be a part of the transformation of your industry. We would enjoy hearing your story (good or bad) of how 3D printing has begun to affect your industry. Feel free to send me a note at jdunlap@mckinneyadvisory.com.
