3D printers, a relatively new technology, are becoming increasingly popular.
But what are they exactly?
Though they are called ‘printers’, they don’t resemble modern photo or document printers, which can only print in the usual two dimensions. 3D printers can construct three-dimensional items from a range of materials, as their name indicates.
In its basic form, three-dimensional printing is a manufacturing technique in which material is applied one layer at a time to build up an item in three dimensions.
Because the thing is constructed from scratch—as opposed to subtractive methods involving material being cut, drilled, milled, or machined out—this is an additive process. In fact, the other name for 3D printing is additive manufacturing.
Using 3D printing, designers and manufacturers may swiftly transform ideas into 3D models or prototypes (a process known as “rapid prototyping”) and make last-minute design adjustments.
However, 3D printing is also becoming the go-to method for making final products. It enables producers to make goods as needed rather than in bulk, increasing inventory control and utilizing less storage space, among other benefits.
India’s largest rapid prototyping company, Imaginarium, is a pioneer of 3D printing. Founded in 2009 by Kamlesh Parekh, the firm is a huge influence on the 3D printing scene in the country.
The Team Behind It
Parekh has over 35 years of expertise in the jewelry industry and has spoken about the advantages of 3D printing. He played a key role in bringing this technology to the jewelry sector.
His interest is in assisting those who design consumer-focused goods that make the greatest use of cutting-edge technology like 3D printing. He is both the founder and director at Imaginarium.
Important members of the Imaginarium expert team include Ankit Mehta (Navigator), Guruprasad Rao (Mentor), Atit Kothari (Business Development), Tanmay Shah (Innovations), and Nishant Shah (Director of Engineering Services).
Building A Prototype For The Future
When all jewelry was manufactured manually, and the idea of technology upending the status quo was explicitly denied, Imaginarium pioneered the introduction of 3D printing to the jewelry industry.
Despite everything, the company hustled and spent more than a year distributing free samples and raising awareness. Fast forward to the present, when everything has changed, and almost no jewelry is made entirely by hand without a 3D printer.
This was the growth curve for just one industry. Imaginarium has scaled the same in other industries such as automotive, medical, dental, architecture, electronics and electrical applications, and consumer products. Imaginarium has helped pioneer the technology adoption curve for all these industries.
The people at Imaginarium have a really fascinating ringside perspective of how the additive manufacturing sector is developing both in India and abroad.
What they’re attempting to do is provide various tools that may allow anyone with ideas to spread them throughout the globe. Making design and production available to anyone is Imaginarium’s primary goal.
It continues to learn new things every day and apply previous knowledge to new company goals. The Imaginarium team believes their journey will never stop.
The Imaginarium Vision
Many industries have benefited from 3D printing by using it to speed up the production of functioning prototypes and parts. It has also evolved into a crucial step and one of the main processes in the production of components. We will see how this technology will transform the world and reduce reliance on many factors.
According to the founder, “Our journey has been nothing less than a roller coaster ride. And some of the early lessons, learning and struggles have proved to be invaluable today after almost 15 years.”
What Can It Do?
Imaginarium is the solution to all your manufacturing needs. Along with additive tech like 3D Printing, SLA, SLS, DLP, MJF, MJM, etc, it uses a variety of subtractive technologies such as CNC milling, casting, molding, vacuum casting, etc.
Imaginarium helps design, prototype, and even produce products. Its specialized business groups collaborate with clients in various industries, including consumer goods, jewelry, automotive, healthcare, education, and many more.
Making manufacturing accessible to everyone is the primary obstacle it is working to overcome. Imaginarium aims to democratize on-demand manufacturing.
Along with offering manufacturing services, it collaborates with the top OEMs in the world to present the latest 3D printing technology to customers, enabling them to begin their own 3D printing journeys.
Imaginarium and its variety of industry-specific verticals provide a platform for conception and execution, supported by decades of experience, with a full ecosystem of production services.
Imaginarium is dedicated to bringing ideas to life in a seamless manner, whether it is via the production of magnificent jewelry, the development of cutting-edge engineering applications, or the preservation of life through patient-specific solutions.
With the help of its cutting-edge facility, on-demand production network, and talented engineers and designers, the firm continually works with international clients to enhance its products and modernize its supply chains.
All of its services are offered through a top-notch online factory that is always active and quick to execute projects.
Challenges And Further Plans
Imaginarium is trying to change the concept that 3D printing can only be used for prototypes and not end products. It is also trying to make 3D printing tech more accessible and affordable; today, they are pretty expensive, and hence people are apprehensive about investing in them.
For prospective applications in defense, aerospace, medical implants, automotive, tooling, and other industries, Imaginarium hopes to combine newer materials and technologies, including direct metal printing.
Design knowledge has traditionally been the main barrier to the widespread adoption of 3D printing technologies. Therefore, Imaginarium has established a specialized Design for Additive Manufacturing team to assist clients in discovering and using these technologies.
Finally, the company wants to expand its network of international partners, each of whom is a pioneer in developing new technologies, software, and materials. GE Additive, Ultimaker, Rapidshape, Raise 3D, Builder 3D, Materialise, and Formlabs are a few of its current collaborators.
With the gaining influence of the Make In India movement, along with other global factors, we can very well assume India is on the way to becoming a major manufacturing hub. With this in mind, Imaginarium’s expertise and vision will be of utmost importance to the industry in the future.
