SXSW 2015: 3D Printing Dominates Multiple Industries

The 3D printing industry will play a significant role in the 2015 South by Southwest Conference & Festival, which kicks off tomorrow. Just as it has since 1994, the interactive tech portion of SXSW is the breeding ground for breakthrough innovations in consumer products with hands-on engagement. Among other advancements in technology, all eyes will be on the progression of 3D printing and what the future holds.

Through conference sessions led by industry experts, 3D print enthusiasts will experience how responsive and adaptive technology is revolutionizing multiple industries. Twenty-five sessions during the five-day tech love fest will explore this emerging dimension. Here’s a roundup of SXSW highlighted industries benefiting from 3D printing and how the fascinating technology will impact trends in the coming years.

In Film

Eliminating the need to build models by hand, filmmakers are turning to 3D printing to create set pieces, costumes, and full-sized props. The glove from “Ironman 2” was created this way in an effort to keep the live-action scenes real (as opposed to using CGI). It’s an easy and efficient way for visual effects teams to work through the tiring process of getting approvals. Check out four sessions that will focus on what 3D printing means and brings to the film industry:

• 3D Printing in Movies
• The Future of Porn is 3D Virtual Reality
• The Science of Mind-Blowing Videos
• Storytelling with the New Screens

In Fashion

When designer Francis Bitonti designed a 3D printed dress for Dita von Teese, the fashion industry was blown away. The ability to shape textiles and adapt them to an individual is ground-breaking in so many ways. Four sessions will focus on the “body-centric” approach to 3D printing:

• Ready to Wear? Body Informed 3D Printed Fashion
• Beyond Wearables: Future Fabrics and Fashion
• SXSW Accelerator: Wearable Technologies 1
• Digital Skins: A New Age of Fashion Manufacturing

In Art

3D printing’s growing influence has infused into the ever-evolving world of art. From architecture and sculpture to dance and music, artists are creating jaw-dropping objects, sounds, and vignettes with the printer. SXSW has three sessions to attend if you’re addicted to art:

• 3D Print the Smithsonian
• Moving from Graphic Design to 3D Object Design
• Killing Trinkets: 3D Printing Interactive Devices

In Healthcare

In the past, 3D printing has experienced success in the medical field in the areas of prosthetics, dental work, and hearing aids. The technology advances are revolutionizing the fabrication of scaffolding, medical devices, and human tissue. SXSW sessions on bioprinting are:

• 3D Bioprinting: The Next Revolution in Healthcare
• SXSW Accelerator: Digital Health and Life Science 1

In Automotive

Join CEO of Local Motors Jay Rogers as he discusses how the stupefying 3D printed Strati car went from a crowdsourced idea to a 3D printed reality and what the future holds for the automotive industry.

• Crowdsourcing the World’s First 3D Printed Vehicle

In Food

3D printing material isn’t confined to plastics and metals. Chocolate, sugar, and salt panels have become popular media for the technology. Some researchers are working on finding aid to nutrition and sustainability while others are just trying to create a yummy dessert.

• Food and Tech Meet Up

Additional 3D printing meet-ups & workshops to attend:

• 3D Printing Meet Up
• Helping Hands in the Global Village
• Making the Future: 3D Printing Workshop
• 3D Printing Becomes Additive Manufacturing
• Science Fiction Becoming a Reality
• 3D Printing: Myth vs. Truth
• A Crash Course in Maker Movement Marketing
• The Future of Physical Digital Place Making
• Design Expressive Interactive Interfaces
• Robot Petting Zoo

While you should definitely start at the interactive portion of the festival, don’t stop there. Experience the music, watch the films, and engage in conversations that could shape your future. Take a look at this SXSW infographic for can’t-miss bands, films, and events. #3Dprinting #sxsw

Will you be at SXSW? Let us know which panels you choose to attend and your impressions of the presentations over at the 3D Printing at SXSW forum thread at 3DPB.com.