Additive Technology And 3D Printing: The Next Step On Case Station’s Journey

We’ve been innovating since 2006, and we’re not going to stop any time soon. As problem-solvers, we’re always on the lookout for ways to fight some of our planet’s biggest issues. Now we’re turning our sights to additive technology and 3D printing.

Driving sustainable development beyond net-zero carbon

One of the biggest issues our planet faces is climate change. We started fighting it when we helped switch manufacturing customisation tools from paint-based to digital. Now, 14 years on, we’re looking at how we can evolve again to help the manufacturing industry become more sustainable, while still offering creativity to everyone.

By 2030 we’re going net-zero carbon. But what happens after that? Additive manufacturing, or as it’s more commonly known, 3D printing.

What is additive manufacturing?

Additive manufacturing (AM) is 3D printing. Nothing more, nothing less. In the industry it’s referred to as AM, but outside of that, mostly in the media, it’s 3D printing.

You’ve probably seen it somewhere already, but 3D printing is a way of creating products using data computer-aided-design (CAD) software or 3D object scanners. 3D printers lay down thin layers of material in the form of liquid or powdered plastic, metal or cement, and then fuse the layers together. Check out a few of our favourite examples.

3D printing – a sustainable way to build products

As it stands, a lot of conventional manufacturing is resource-heavy. Think about your favourite pair of jeans – 1,800 gallons of water went into growing the cotton to make them.

3D printing is a greener alternative. But why? 3D printing only requires the material for the product to be made, nothing else. It means less resources than traditional processes, plus it will cut down on waste and reduce the emissions associated with truck-loads of raw materials being carted around.

Case Station: how will we use 3D printing?

As it stands, 3D printing speeds are too slow to be used in mass production. But, at the rate the world’s tech is advancing, it won’t be long until it’s ready for manufacturers like us. Once 3D printing is viable at large scale, products can be built without limitations, swiftly and easily.

At Case Station, our goal is (relatively) simple: we’ll use 3D printing to produce our products, like phone cases, then decorate them and ship them locally. When we’ve mastered that, we want to print our phone cases with the decoration already on it. Then 3D print the packaging they’re sold in. The possibilities are endless…

The digital revolution

This is the start of the digital revolution. It’s not just about printing products, it’s about revolutionising every element of manufacturing, from transportation to labour and recycling. Our current system is sustainable by design, but what happens when we make the process even more efficient using additive technology and 3D printing?

Who knows. All we do know, is that if you like the sound of what we’re doing and you’d like to get involved, make your next smartphone accessory a Case Station one. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram  – link to the sites to stay up to date with codes, discounts and our latest products. If you’re feeling mega generous, leave us a review and hope that other people get on board too!