Bringing forth new technology to the table with this overview of 3d printing
Though it’s been around for a while, 3D Printing is still a relatively new form of technology. Only recently has this type of technology been receiving a large amount of attention, so much so that people will begin to ponder of an overview of 3D printing technology.
3D printing, also referred to as additive manufacturing, is the creation of solid, three-dimensional objects, typically from a digital file. Successive layers are formed under the guidance of computer controls. This is called an additive process. Each layer formed can be seen as a thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the object in creation, and can be of any shape or size.
To begin with, you will need to create a digital or virtual model of the object you want to make. This can be done via specific software or a 3D modeling program. Once that’s finished, you will have to use a 3D scanner in order to actually print the virtual model.
3D printers can vary in size, with the larger ones geared towards printing out larger models. There are even microscale and nanoscale printers used to the tiniest of objects thus far.
These aren’t just limited to industries, however. Personal 3D printers exist solely for the average person to make use of. These types of printers are much cheaper, ranging from $200-$2000 as opposed to their industrial counterparts whose prices can range from $3000-$10,000 and beyond.
So, what’s the point of 3D printing? Sure it’s a really neat function, but what benefits does it relay to us?
The first thing that comes to mind is the medical industry. Using 3D printing, prosthetics can be created at a much faster rate.
Even now, there are studies being conducted to use 3D printing in tissue engineering applications where organs and body parts are built using inkjet techniques. In this scenario, layers of living cells are deposited onto a gel medium and slowly built up to form three dimensional structures.
Manufacturing has taken a positive hit from 3D printing as well. Companies are beginning to use additive manufacturing to create small visual models and prototypes at rapid speeds. There are even some who use 3D printing to create actual products ready to be sold. Additive manufacturing has proved to benefit company production and efficiency rates.
3D printing, also called additive manufacturing, is a prime example of what the future of technology has in store for us. It is evident through the constant advances that we will continue to evolve and the advent of additive manufacturing is one of the many proofs in existence.
The new era of technology is here and growing.
How do you feel about 3D printing? Share your thoughts down below in the comments section and get your voice heard!
3D printing is just about everywhere we look these days. Now that units are becoming more affordable and there are more materials that can be used, I think this is the beginning of some great things!
I just saw a 3D printed car. They are going to be sold very soon, can you believe that? 3D printing has advanced so quickly, it is hard to believe.
Pretty interesting overview and while I do think 3d printing is the future, it probably won’t be for a long while. Like a couple decades before it really hits mainstream. Technology like this takes time to trickle down to everyone. Still interesting article though!
When I first heard about 3D printing, I immediately thought that, while it was super cool, that it was too advanced to ever become much of a regularity. However, I was wrong! I see it quite a lot nowadays and it is doing some phenomenal things. I’m really interested in it!
Yeah I see that 3d printing is cool and new and stuff. But I don’t really get the hype for it. It’s just not for me to be honest. As it stands, it still doesn’t seem too practical. I mean a few hundred dollars for just a personal 3d printer? No thanks. If I were to make an investment like that, I’d make sure the technology is actually advanced enough to the point where I can completely trust it.
The global 3D Printing market is anticipated to witness promising growth owing to the growing applications of 3D printed objects across several industries such as consumer electronics, healthcare, and automotive among others.