siliconindia | | May 20189ecosystem stronger, many young entrepre-neurs are launching educational companies based on this technol-ogy. These startups are not only increasing the awareness and demand in the market but also gearing up to feed it by enabling youngsters to build skills necessary to work in this space. The ideology is making 3D learning possible in Schools to pro-vide youngsters with a more experien-tial learning environment. 3D Printing Labs can revolutionize learning into a whole new experience. The Indian market for this is estimated to grow to $79 million by 2021. In a move to make the best of the market interest, the Indian government too provided an impetus to support this technolo-gy under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), where kids are taught various technological skills such as 3D Print-ing in Schools as part of Atal Tinker-ing Labs (ATL). The OpportunitiesThe beauty of 3D Printing as a tech-nology lies in the fact that it can trans-form any field. We have already wit-nessed the enthralling possibilities it presents in the field of organ printing & prosthetics, space & aero-model-ling, science & research, fashion & de-sign, and manufacturing & education. Premier universities across the world already have a strong foundation in place with 3D Printing becoming an integral part of the curriculum. Indian universities too have recognized this as an important tool to assist student to understand and create newer pro-cesses. The conventional education system is slowly making way for a more practical module where learning goes beyond classrooms. Students no longer believe in memorizing theo-ries, formulae and defi-nitions. Stepping into a world where touch and feel dominates imagi-nation, 3D Printing can not only provide an in-valuable teaching aid for educators but also help students learn complex theories in a practically comprehensible envi-ronment.Since it is a field that is not con-fined to any one sector, it requires a multidisciplinary approach to learning at the outset. As the market opens up, it is expected to churn out millions of jobs in sectors we cannot even imagine today. Innovators in 3D Printing aim to bring-out products at large produc-tion scales that could be ready-to-use. Enthusiasts are finding ways to use the technology to build prototypes from a range of materials. Such vitality and range of bespoke futuristic Printers can transform conventional produc-tion processes which are restrictive into simple, lighter, monolithic addi-tive manufacturing components. The Challenges Knowledge and awareness is what helps take technology to every door-step. In India, many among us still do not know what a 3D Printer is. Even as there is a market for this technolo-gy in the country, it is still a challenge to show the benefits of 3D Printing and how it can transform the world around us. With a few exceptions, a majority of investors still look for pre-conceived successful models to pump money into. However, young minds toying with the concept are ready to demonstrate the real potential this tool has in store even though they face cap-ital crunch. Adding to the woes is the rather small-scale exposure prototyp-ing gets besides a lack of quality local equipment and the restrictive nature of that which are available. A hand-ful of investors understand that since the technology is imported, the costs are at premium and are ready to take the risk. The Way ForwardThe key lies in opening up the knowl-edge forum by incorporating 3D Printing into the Primary and Second-ary Education system. Creating more awareness can shake-up the entire sys-tem in favor of more research and cap-ital assistance. Starting young is prob-ably the best way of taking Additive Manufacturing to the roots. Building on to this exciting development tool, the onus is on the entrepreneurs to take it to higher planes. The learning curve is still quite steep for us to climb with maintenance issues, failures and other problems lurking around. This is where students can help build mo-mentum and strength. Experts believe companies and consumers will be ready to shell-out millions of dollars on 3D Printers and related equipment in the near future. Such a great op-portunity needs to be well tapped into with the right kind of knowledge and skill set. With extensive ongoing re-search into this field, it is only a mat-ter of time before a low-cost, sleek 3D Printer is showcased as part of the `Make in India' campaign. Tanuj Rai TanejaWith extensive ongoing research into 3D Printing, it is only a matter of time before a low-cost, sleek 3D Printer is showcased as part of the `Make in India' campaign
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