The National Lighting Bureau (NLB) held a panel discussion as part of the NLB Annual Lighting Forum titled, “Journey of Illumination with 3D Printing.” The discussion was moderated by Randy Reid, executive director of the NLB, and featured the following panelists: Sridhar Murphy, Signify; Dustin Kloempken, HP; and Dr. N. Narendran, R.P.I.
The discussion began with the question, “Why is 3D printing ready now?” Narendran explained that 3D printing has been around for almost three decades. Much progress has been made in the technology, and today it offers many benefits. One of the key benefits of 3D printing is it makes the supply chain more flexible.
He used the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of unpredictable situations stressing the global supply chain and pointed out that 3D printing would allow businesses the ability to locally print/manufacture necessary components during a time when the supply chain is experiencing severe delays.
Murphy explained the developing relationship between 3D printing and lighting. He said that 3D printing has been a part of the lighting industry since the last five years and believes that the technology is here to stay in the field of lighting.
While 3D printing is continuing to advance and become more complex, many manufacturers should start with basic devices such as wiring clips to get a feel for 3D printing, noted Kloempken.
Sustainability and cost effectiveness of 3D printing are vital to its success. 3D-printed products can cost 40% to 50% less than products traditionally manufactured in factories and contribute to sustainability. Kloempken explained that lower costs don’t always come from lower cost of materials, but lower costs can come from lower shipping costs due to printing items locally.
Reid asked his panelists where they believed 3D printing technology would be in 10 years. All agreed that 3D printing will allow manufacturers to be closer to the customer with products being able to be printed at the job site as needed.
Watch the full panel discussion on YouTube.
