3D printing — faster, cheaper development of better parts

3D printing allows rapid prototyping, which makes parts cheaper. It does this by shortening the development & testing cycle from months to days. A shorter development cycle can also make parts better, because a shorter development cycle allows for more development cycles.

Case in point is the jet engine which has been produced by Monash University & spin off company Amaero Engineering, using 3d printing.

It all began two years ago with a challenge from French aerospace company Safran.
The company gave the Monash researchers one of their old engines, & asked them to make a copy.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-02-26/australian-researchers-create-first-3d-jet-engine/6262462

http://www.smh.com.au/technology/sci-tech/3d-printing-melbourne-engineers-print-jet-engine-in-world-first-20150226-13pfv1.html

http://www.gizmag.com/3d-printed-jet-engine/36273/ / Australian researchers world's world first 3D-printed jet engine manufacturing breakthrough engineer engineers cheaper lighter more fuel-efficient jets partnership Monash University spin-out company Amaero Engineering Airbus Boeing defence contractor Raytheon breakthrough engineers make test parts melt mould carve turn final product Professor Ian Smith Monash University vice-provost research very quickly final product advantages technology rapid prototyping making large number prototypes quickly make bespoke parts classic engineering technologies technology made materials printing parts developed materials printers sufficient quality French aerospace industry large companies Safran Microturbo Airbus work Monash Australian companies challenge French aerospace company Safran old engine make a copy top-secret prototype parts Safran Boeing Airbus capabilities technology useful aerospace industry enormous applications biomedical industry serious car accident scanned scanner 3D printer operating table print precise body parts additive manufacturing high-powered laser fuse powdered nickel titanium aluminium shape opportunity declining manufacturing industry car industry's decline demise supply chain industry supports automotive sector revolutionary disruptive technologies traditional industries technology industry build new industries regenerate existing industries cutting edge military technology hardware chief scientist US Air Force Dr Mica Endsley great opportunity Dr Robert Hobbs spare parts on demand defence defense /