3D printing technology uses 3D printers to create things. Objects are three-dimensional. For example, a cup has 1. width 2. height and 3. length. Therefore, a cup is three-dimensional. On the other hand, a graph on a piece of paper is only two-dimensional. It has height and width, but no depth.
Until recently, printing involved writing or drawing on sheets of paper, that is, creating two-dimensional objects. Since the advent of 3D printing, we have been able to “print” entire objects in three dimensions. You can even 3D print in your own home with a reasonable budget.
DesigningBuildings.co.uk has the following definition of the term:
“3D printing is a sequential, computer-controlled process of layering materials to create three-dimensional shapes. It is especially useful for prototyping and manufacturing geometrically complex parts.
3D printing – adding layers
3D printers create three-dimensional objects from a digital file. In this context, “digital” means “electronic”.
3D printers create objects using additive processes. In other words, they deposit successive layers of matter until the object is complete.
This process is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing, which involves removing layers or parts of something. Manufacturing except includes cutting or hollowing out plastic or metal parts using a milling machine, for example.
3D printing is a type of additive manufacturing.
3D printers can create objects of nearly any shape or geometry. They use digital modeling data from 3D models to create things.
3D printing – process
Here is a very simple description of what happens when a 3D printer creates an object:
- The device creates an object by placing or adding layers of materials. It does not cut or subtract parts from a block of metal, wood or plastic.
- The computer file tells the 3D printer what to do to convert the data into multiple slices. This is because the printer creates everything in layers or slices.
- We are still in the early stages of 3D printing. A printer can take hours or even days to finish something. The time required depends on the complexity of the object.
Application
Nowadays, very few people use 3D printers for personal use at home. In the current scenario, 3D printing is used in manufacturing, medical devices, construction, space exploration and several other fields. The food industry is developing techniques to create 3D objects that we can eat. The fashion industry is also interested in technology. Fashion designers are currently experimenting with 3D printers to sew dresses, shoes and bikinis.
Researchers say that one day 3D printers will have functions in industry, home, education, sports and most other fields.
Imagine being able to print spare parts for your car, a new light bulb, or even your lunch. It probably won’t be long before we can replace our clothes by printing them.
3D printing – recent news
In December 2018, scientists at MIT explained how they could 3D print transparent glass on an industrial scale.
Also in December 2018, scientists at Washington State University created a 3D printed glucose sensor. Millions of people with diabetes could one day use this wearable device to monitor their blood sugar.
Cazza Technologies, a leader in 3D printed buildings and homes, plans to create a skyscraper using 3D printing technology. In December 2018, MIT launched the Additives and Digital Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center (ADAPT), an additive manufacturing corporation. According to MIT, additive manufacturing will change the way we all design, develop, and manufacture goods. In this context, the term “commodity” has the same meaning as “product”.
