Will 3D Printing Revolutionize Marketing?

Earlier this week we toured  America Makes, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, located in Youngstown, Ohio.

Additive manufacturing is also known as 3D printing. Users tell a machine to print based on a 3D in the virtual space and out comes a finished piece. The printers range from desktop models about the size of a home inkjet printer to larger industrial grade machines the size of a closet. The types of materials being used for models ranges anywhere from plastic to stainless steel.

Right now this technology is mostly being used to create custom parts for the manufacturing industry. Being able to fix or make new machinery based on built-to-spec parts is really useful, but we are more excited about the creative applications.

So… what’s this go to do with Marketing?

After seeing a 3D printer in action earlier this year we realized this technology could have a really cool place in Marketing.

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Promotional items such as luggage tags, business card holders and logos are just a few example of how this technology can be used in Marketing. Really anything that can be created in 3 dimensions in the virtual space can be brought to life! 

Yes, plastic promotional items have been around forever,  but 3D printing means these items can be produced with a much higher level of customization and creativity. Most importantly, 3D printing is cost effective for small scale projects where you may only need 50 to 100 items.

Our speciality is in hospitality and hotels brands will certainly be able to make use of this technology. Imagine a hotel lobby with a 3D printed custom chess set based on their logo, or a 3D printed menu shaped like a fork.

Another amazing feature of 3D printing is the quality and level of design detail that can be replicated in a physical object. This piece was designed and sold artist, Johsua Harker. Notice the fine lines and detail in the wings and skull.

There’s no doubt that additive manufacturing is a world-changing technology. It is  in a position to change the way manufacturing works and will have a big influence on industry in the United States.

Will it revolutionize marketing though? Right now it’s hard to say. Like any technological advance it all depends on the people using it. One thing’s for sure ,3D printing is going to allow creative people to do some really interesting things

Hopefully we will have some 3D printed works added to our portfolio soon! If you’re interested in using 3D printed marketing materials for your brand please email us at info@mcconnellmarketing.com

Special thanks to America Makes for giving us a tour! Definitely check them out if you want to learn more about 3D printing.