Introduction
While “Additive Manufacturing” is the technical umbrella, 3D Printing is the term that has transformed the manufacturing mindset. It is the process of creating a three-dimensional object from a digital file by depositing material layer by layer.
In a Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) framework, 3D printing is the ultimate tool for agility. It allows companies to move from a validated design to a physical part in record time, bypassing the traditional delays and costs of tooling, molds, and specialized machinery.
How Does 3D Printing Work?
The journey from a digital concept to a physical object follows a standardized digital thread:
- Digital Design (CAD): The product is modeled in 3D software. This file contains the geometry and the functional requirements.
- Slicing: The 3D model is converted into a series of thin horizontal layers using “Slicer” software. This software generates the G-code (the instructions for the printer).
- The Printing Process: The printer follows the G-code, adding material (plastic, metal, resin, or composite) layer upon layer until the object is complete.
- Post-Processing: Depending on the technology, the part may require cleaning, support removal, or heat treatment to reach its final strength and finish.
Industrial Examples of 3D Printing
Leading companies are no longer just using 3D printing for toys; they are using it for mission-critical components:
1. Aerospace: GE Aviation
GE uses 3D printing (Direct Metal Laser Melting) to produce fuel nozzles for jet engines. They combined 20 separate parts into one single printed unit.
- Outcome: 25% weight reduction and 5x higher durability.
2. Medical: Personalized Implants
Medical device manufacturers use 3D printing to create titanium hip or cranial implants tailored to a specific patient’s CT scan.
- Outcome: Perfect anatomical fit and faster patient recovery.
3. Automotive: Tooling & Spare Parts
Volkswagen and BMW utilize 3D printing to create customized jigs and fixtures for the assembly line, as well as on-demand spare parts for vintage vehicles.
- Outcome: Massive reduction in warehouse costs and faster assembly lines.
Why 3D Printing Matters in PLM
| Strategic Advantage | Business Impact |
| Rapid Iteration | Design, print, test, and improve in a single day. |
| Complexity for Free | Complex shapes that are impossible to machine can be printed easily. |
| Digital Inventory | Store the “file” instead of the “part,” reducing physical storage costs. |
| Localized Production | Print parts closer to the customer, reducing shipping and carbon footprint. |
How Visure Solutions Enhances the 3D Printing Ecosystem
Visure Requirements ALM Platform ensures that the flexibility of 3D printing is backed by rigorous control:
- Version Control for Digital Files: Visure ensures that the printer always uses the latest approved version of the CAD file linked to the current requirements.
- Requirement-Based Material Selection: Link specific performance requirements (e.g., “Must withstand 200°C”) directly to the material specifications for the 3D printer.
- Verification of “As-Printed” Parts: Log the specific print parameters and test results directly in Visure to verify that the printed part meets the functional design requirements.
- Regulatory Compliance: For medical and aero sectors, Visure provides the full traceability path—from the requirement to the digital file to the final printed part.
Conclusion
3D Printing is a cornerstone of modern manufacturing. By enabling faster innovation and reducing the constraints of traditional production, it has become a vital component of any digital transformation strategy.
With Visure, you bring order to the innovation. By linking your 3D printing workflows to a centralized requirement management system, you ensure that every printed part is compliant, high-quality, and perfectly aligned with your engineering goals.
Check out the 14-day free trial at Visure and experience how AI-driven change control can help you manage changes faster, safer, and with full audit readiness.
