The rapid technological advancement of 3D printing means its adoption is being embraced by multiple industries, not least the agricultural industry, as innovation, sustainability and increased efficiency become the bedrock of its operations. Luke Smoothy, Founder and Director of manufacturing specialist Get It Made, looks at 3D printing's potential to further broaden its application in the farming sector, increasing its value proposition to farmers.

From vertical farming to robots and automation, the impact of 3D printing on agricultural outcomes around the world is only just beginning to emerge. A wide raft of innovative solutions is bolstering the effectiveness and profitability of modern farming, while optimizing workflows.

3D printed tools

Additive manufacturing is delivering enhancements in structural operations, replacement parts for equipment, and the day-to-day tools and fixtures required by farmers. 3D printed tools are becoming more commonly used to plant crops since they may greatly improve efficiency and customization. These technologies are created rapidly, efficiently, and remotely to provide benefits on all levels, including energy and cost reductions while cutting lead times.

Managing farming equipment such as tractors, harvesters, seeders, and fertilizer spreaders is no mean feat - it is huge, complicated and costly, and consequently, changing a part can quickly become financially draining, particularly if the machine is obsolete and replacement parts are no longer accessible or difficult to obtain. These replacement components may be manufactured quickly using

3D printing methods, reducing downtime, which is significant as agricultural applications are sometimes time-dependent due to weather variations and how crops must be processed to keep the fields on schedule.

3D printed irrigation systems

Additive manufacturing technology can also be leveraged to develop customized irrigation systems, leading to better water management in agriculture. It also ensures an efficient and environmentally responsible approach to cope with frequent irrigation difficulties. Making water available to every plant is a significant problem to overcome, as irrigation is a critical component of agricultural success.

Installing a reliable irrigation system can be a huge headache for farmers since it is costly and time-consuming as the pipes must be brought from a supplier to the agricultural field, giving little flexibility or scope for how changes in the landscape will affect the irrigation pattern. Furthermore, more than 60% of water is lost owing to leaks or evaporation. To address these difficulties, companies are using 3D printers to create polymer pipes on farmland that form a honeycomb structure and allow water to seep out, much like a sponge. These pipes take moisture from the soil and transmit it to the plants, simplifying the whole process of seed planting for farmers.

The future of 3D printing

While 3D printing is already being utilized in a variety of ways in agriculture, there is great potential for additional uses, including:

• Biodegradable plastics, reducing waste and enhancing agricultural sustainability.
• Sustainable housing for livestock and other animals, boosting comfort and lowering agriculture's
environmental effect.
• Customized structures for vertical farming, allowing for crop production in urban locations and
minimizing land-intensive agriculture.

Key takeaways of 3D Printing in Agriculture

• Increased efficiency: 3D printing can be used to create customized tools and parts, improving the
efficiency and accuracy of agricultural operations.
• Improved sustainability: 3D printing can be used to create biodegradable plastics and other
sustainable products, reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.
• Better animal welfare: 3D printing can be used to create customized prosthetics and orthotics for
livestock, improving their health and well-being.
• Increased innovation: 3D printing enables new and innovative products and technologies in
agriculture, providing new opportunities for sustainable and ethical food production.

The potential for 3D printing in agriculture is extensive and compelling, and as the technology advances, it will undoubtedly play an increasingly crucial part in determining the industry's future.