They are not your mom’s dot matrix or your granddad’s daisy wheel printer. They actually don’t resemble modern photo or document printers, which can only print in the drab old two dimensions. 3D printers can construct three-dimensional items out of a range of materials, as their name suggests. They are becoming more widely available, appearing at stores like Staples, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can also purchase a variety of 3D printers and their accessories on Amazon.com and other online retailers. 3D printers are increasingly common on workbenches, in rec rooms, and kitchens—and possibly in a home near you, if not your own. However, they are still mostly found on shop floors or in design studios, in schools and community centres, and in the hands of hobbyists.
The process of building a three-dimensional object from a CAD model or digital 3D model is known as additive manufacturing, or 3D printing. It can be carried out via a variety of techniques in which material is brought together, often layer by layer, and then deposition, joining, or solidification are all controlled by computers.
The Pros of 3D printing:
There are a number of Pros to 3D printing including:
- cost cutting
- lower waste
- Shorten the duration of production to gain a competitive edge
- minimise errors
- Confidentiality
- Demand-driven production
The cons of 3D printing:
3D Printing has lesser cons which shows it is much efficient and potentially important product.
- initial printer purchase price
- processing after
- Printing period
- specialised knowledge needed for 3D modelling
- Loss of Manufacturing Jobs
Applications of 3D Printing:
As 3D printing is utilised in practically every industry you can imagine, it spans a wide range of technologies and materials. It’s crucial to think of it as a collection of many industries with a wide range of potential applications including;
consumer products (eyewear, footwear, design, furniture)
- industrial products (manufacturing tools, prototypes, functional end-use parts)
- dental products
- prosthetics
- architectural scale models & maquettes
- reconstructing fossils
- replicating ancient artefacts
- reconstructing evidence in forensic pathology
- movie props
Future of 3D Printing:
The truth is that 3D printing has a bright future ahead of it. As new printed products enter the market, the likelihood that you’ll soon be able to “print out” items like clothing, furniture, human tissues, and enormous buildings increases. After NASA invested in food printing technology, we have to admit that the possibilities are mind-boggling.