Des Moines, Iowa – November 17, 2015: The possibilities are endless at the Nebraska Power Farming Show when it comes to seeing and learning about the latest technology and tools in agriculture. The show is presented by Farm Credit Services of America and AgDirect.

Throughout the show, 360 Yield Center will demonstrate the production of its 360 CHAINROLL prototype using a 3D printer. 360 CHAINROLL, an advanced stalk roll system, chops and crimps
stalks, making residue more available to microbial breakdown for better soil health and nutrient availability. The patented design leaves most sections connected – like a chain – for more stable residue pieces.

“Farmers come to the Nebraska Power Farming Show to see and learn about the latest technological advances,” says Tom Junge, show director. “While 3D printers will not be directly used by farmers in their operation, they will be used by manufacturers to bring new products to the market more quickly. Many of the innovations in ag equipment come from farmers. 3D printers will allow them to more easily bring their concept to life.”

While 3D printing has been around since the 1980s, its popularity has grown rapidly as the price and size have gone down. 3D printers costing less than $1,000 made up 11.6 percent of the total number sold in 2014. This number is expected to grow to 28.1 percent by 2018, especially as 3D printers evolve to include plug-and-print capabilities.1

3D printer shipments are expected to more than double every year from now until 2018, by which time worldwide shipments are forecast to reach more than 2.3 million. End user spending on 3D printers is also expected to increase from 1.6 billion in 2015 to around 13.4 billion in 2018.1

Most major farm machinery manufacturers already utilize 3D printing in their design process to print concept models to use in research and development or functional prototypes to test for design flaws before a product is factory-produced. Since 3D prototypes can be printed rapidly, product turnaround is cut dramatically.

“Another possible use of 3D printers is making parts that have become obsolete. Some manufacturers could specialize in making these parts upon request or special tools could be designed and manufactured,” says Junge. “The possibilities are endless.”

Demonstrations of the 3D printer will take place in the cafeteria in Pavilion 3.

The Nebraska Power Farming Show, the second largest indoor farm show in the United States, runs from December 8-10, 2015, at the Lancaster Event Center in Lincoln, Nebraska. This year the show is sponsored by: Diamond Sponsors – Farm Credit Services of America & AgDirect; Platinum Sponsor – Bayer CropScience; and Gold Sponsors – Nebraska Farm Bureau and Stine Seed.

1 Gartner, Inc.