Three-dimensional printing, otherwise called additive manufacturing, is the process of using additives to form solid 3D objects of essentially any shape from a digital model. This is attained using specially formulated additives, such as plastics, that are formed into successive layers of material typically laid down on a platform in different shapes. 3D Printing is uniquely distinct from a more traditional 3D sculpting technique, which relies on the removal of layers (subtractive manufacturing) to produce a Three-dimensional object.
While 3D printers have recently been thrust into the spotlight with several new companies, producing printers capable of turning digital models into real-world objects, these have not been the first such tools to find their way to market.
The first published account of a printed solid model was made by Hideo Kodama of Nagoya Municipal Industrial Research Institute in 1982. The first working 3D printer was created in 1984 by Charles W. Hull of 3D Systems Corp. Hull published various licenses on the concept of 3D Printing, many of which are used in today’s additive manufacturing processes. Of course, 3D Printing in the early days was exceptionally costly and not attainable for the general market. As we moved into the 21st century, however, costs drastically dropped, permitting 3D printers to find their way to a more affordable market.
The cost of 3D printers has even diminished in the years from 2010 to 2013, with machines generally ranging in price from $20,000 just three years ago, to less than $1,000 in the current market. Some printers are even being developed for under $500, making the technology increasingly available to the average consumer.
APPLICATIONS
Since getting to be standard, 3D printing has worked its way into various markets. The technology is now used in prototyping and distributed manufacturing with applications in architecture, construction, industrial design, automotive design, aerospace, military, engineering, etc. It has also become popular in areas such as dental and medical technology, fashion, footwear, jewelry, eyewear, and more. Interestingly, even food may one day be printed, which may help feed the ballooning population.
As the technology progresses, more practical uses are expected to come about as a result of additive manufacturing. With the expansion of 3D digitizers, 3D sensors and 3D scanners, the possible outcomes are practically inestimable.
Recently, NASA has been testing rocket parts manufactured through 3D Printing and may even use the technology to build habitats in space and on other worlds.
And along with the many useful everyday things that 3D printers can give us, medical researchers are now using 3D-printed technologies to save human lives.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
The Basic Process: How 3D Printing Works
3D Printing nowadays is practically everywhere, making things on demand – fast and precise. From science laboratories, Amazon.com and EBay, hospitals, building sites to offices and homes; the technology is apparently thriving. There is a tremendous amount of excitement focusing on what 3D printers can do and its possible outcomes. Three-dimensional printing is a new-age advancement that can create ordinary stuff. They are basically exceptional because they can manufacture diverse things, whatever kind or structure, using distinctive sort of materials – entirely from one machine.
A 3D printer can create practically anything, from prosthetics, plastic toys to metal spare parts, stoneware vases, ceramic products, customized chocolate cakes and even the inconceivable; functioning human organs (although it is not yet completed as of this time). 3D Printing is the perfect alternative for conventional factory production lines with a single machine.
With all the hype surrounding this exceptional technology, most people will surely ask – How does 3D Printing work? It may seem complicated to visualize the process; however, it’s exceptionally simple.
The Basic Process
Everything begins with a 3D design which you do on a personal computer. Connect your PC to a 3D printer, press the ‘Print’ command, grab some snack, sit back and watch as your printer progressively reveals your design into a solid form. The process of 3D Printing turns an entire object into many small cuts, and then creates it slice by slice from the bottom-up. The layering of small slices stick together to form a solid object.
On the other hand, each layer can be very complicated. Meaning, this technology can produce moving parts like wheels and bearings as part of the same object. You can actually print a model car or an entire bicycle with all the important parts to make it operational. You just have to completely check the design, check the gaps and spaces, and verify if everything is in the right place.
A 3D printer can create practically anything, from prosthetics, plastic toys to metal spare parts, stoneware vases, ceramic products, customized chocolate cakes and even the inconceivable; functioning human organs (although it is not yet completed as of this time). 3D Printing is the perfect alternative for conventional factory production lines with a single machine.
With all the hype surrounding this exceptional technology, most people will surely ask – How does 3D Printing work? It may seem complicated to visualize the process; however, it’s exceptionally simple.
The Basic Process
Everything begins with a 3D design which you do on a personal computer. Connect your PC to a 3D printer, press the ‘Print’ command, grab some snack, sit back and watch as your printer progressively reveals your design into a solid form. The process of 3D Printing turns an entire object into many small cuts, and then creates it slice by slice from the bottom-up. The layering of small slices stick together to form a solid object.
On the other hand, each layer can be very complicated. Meaning, this technology can produce moving parts like wheels and bearings as part of the same object. You can actually print a model car or an entire bicycle with all the important parts to make it operational. You just have to completely check the design, check the gaps and spaces, and verify if everything is in the right place.
The Major Advantages of 3D Printing
Additive manufacturing prevalently known as 3-dimensional printing continues surging into the standard market. Businesses and consumers, along with the leading industries, have grasped the technology with an immense positive response.
This process of making physical three-dimensional objects from a digital model turned into a fundamental variable in helping key commercial enterprises attain immense advancement in their respective fields. 3D Printing is absolutely one of the most recent advancements to follow in the 21st century given the fact that its popularity in the consumer market is soaring high. What truly allures people to settle on 3D Printing? Here are the major advantages:
Fast Production
Compared to the conventional method, 3D Printing is basically faster. It’s a stallion versus a buffalo – speed-wise. Both can run a given distance to the finish line, yet there’s a significant notable difference on their travel time. Imagine this idea. The conventional manufacturing techniques may consume up a few days or more from model creation to finish product while with modern 3D Printing equipment, it might just take a couple of hours to create an object.
Combined Materials
Over hundreds to choose from Combining two different elements to create a new good one is the basic concept. On the other hand, mixing two different raw materials before can sometimes be tricky and impossible because of the expensive costs of the procedure, especially if it is intended for mass production. But now, technology has broken the limits and ended the dependence of 3D Printing in plastic materials alone. Today, you can choose hundred types of materials such as metals, glass, ceramics and a lot more. Most of these are very tough and can resist high temperatures.
Waste Reduction
Talk about inefficient processes, metal and plastic manufacturing. Generally, these are the top wasteful process with a lot of excess materials. 90% of the materials utilized as a part of building aircrafts normally goes to waste. Now, that’s a huge figure. But with additive manufacturing, it creates comparable objects using less energy without putting out a lot of junk. Occasionally, 3D Printing ’s finished products can be up to 60% lighter without compromising durability. With less waste, more money is being saved.
New Shapes and Innovative Structures
The added manufacturing technology permits more creativity without the hassle of molding and cutting to achieve several types of shapes and structures. 3D Printer can easily produce many-sided figures which are only restricted by the designer.
Cheap
Simple – manufacturing is less expensive. 3D Printing helps businesses diminish their manufacturing expenses allowing them to save up to 70% of their money. This is achievable through reliable and cheaper raw materials, lower shipping and packaging expenses. The end result is always big profits.
No wonder why 3D Printing is making its way through various industries and creating a huge impact. With these advantages, 3D Printing is becoming the preferred tool of promising businesses.
This process of making physical three-dimensional objects from a digital model turned into a fundamental variable in helping key commercial enterprises attain immense advancement in their respective fields. 3D Printing is absolutely one of the most recent advancements to follow in the 21st century given the fact that its popularity in the consumer market is soaring high. What truly allures people to settle on 3D Printing? Here are the major advantages:
Fast Production
Compared to the conventional method, 3D Printing is basically faster. It’s a stallion versus a buffalo – speed-wise. Both can run a given distance to the finish line, yet there’s a significant notable difference on their travel time. Imagine this idea. The conventional manufacturing techniques may consume up a few days or more from model creation to finish product while with modern 3D Printing equipment, it might just take a couple of hours to create an object.
Combined Materials
Over hundreds to choose from Combining two different elements to create a new good one is the basic concept. On the other hand, mixing two different raw materials before can sometimes be tricky and impossible because of the expensive costs of the procedure, especially if it is intended for mass production. But now, technology has broken the limits and ended the dependence of 3D Printing in plastic materials alone. Today, you can choose hundred types of materials such as metals, glass, ceramics and a lot more. Most of these are very tough and can resist high temperatures.
Waste Reduction
Talk about inefficient processes, metal and plastic manufacturing. Generally, these are the top wasteful process with a lot of excess materials. 90% of the materials utilized as a part of building aircrafts normally goes to waste. Now, that’s a huge figure. But with additive manufacturing, it creates comparable objects using less energy without putting out a lot of junk. Occasionally, 3D Printing ’s finished products can be up to 60% lighter without compromising durability. With less waste, more money is being saved.
New Shapes and Innovative Structures
The added manufacturing technology permits more creativity without the hassle of molding and cutting to achieve several types of shapes and structures. 3D Printer can easily produce many-sided figures which are only restricted by the designer.
Cheap
Simple – manufacturing is less expensive. 3D Printing helps businesses diminish their manufacturing expenses allowing them to save up to 70% of their money. This is achievable through reliable and cheaper raw materials, lower shipping and packaging expenses. The end result is always big profits.
No wonder why 3D Printing is making its way through various industries and creating a huge impact. With these advantages, 3D Printing is becoming the preferred tool of promising businesses.
The 3D Printing Technology in the Philippines
The future we have imagined is slowly coming into actuality with all the advances developing and enhancing step by step. We've been the beneficiaries of these advancements, heading us to a more advantageous life. The Philippines is a standout amongst the most tech-oriented individuals in Asia. It is very evident in their lifestyle beginning from a large number of mobile phone users to gadget geeks and science and technology enthusiasts.
Basic printing was grasped well by Filipinos over the previous century and they happened to keep utilizing these methods in the industry with a few improvements and enhanced expertise they have acquired through the years. Today, the new age has started in the Philippines with the introduction of yet another amazing innovation – the three-dimensional (or 3D) printing.
This technology was initially introduced in European countries and later on revealed to different parts of the world that were willing to try the marvels of 3d printing. The feedbacks were great with what 3D printing can do and the potential outcomes it could offer in the long run. Just imagine a gadget connected with a computer that can print physical objects – now that is progressive, right? We have imagined the future with something like this in the past and we thought it was vague. Yet, 3D Printers are presently creating solid objects and have been tried both in development and application for over 30 years. The future is already here – working, proven and tested.
In the coming days, months, and years, it is safe to say that 3D Printing will get along with the Philippine market and promises a bright future ahead for all businesses and other industries willing to adopt this extraordinary innovation that is 3D Printing.
Presently this ultramodern innovation was introduced in the Philippines to make another ground for headways dedicated to enhance industries such as, mechanical, medical, automotive and so on. More Filipinos are getting educated about 3D Printing as the vast majority of them are eager to try this astonishing creation. 3D Printing or added manufacturing has drawn much enthusiasm among local businesspeople and consumers. Given the fact that customization demands are high, and the requirement for effective alternative with less cost is greatly supported these days, 3D Printing has given the chance to consumers and industry leaders with another helpful option to supply these goods, considering a huge business sector possibility in the Philippines and other Asian countries.
In the succeeding days, months, and years, it is safe to say that 3D Printing will coexist with the Philippine market and guarantees an excellent future ahead for all organizations and businesses that are willing to accept this phenomenal development in 3D Printing.
Basic printing was grasped well by Filipinos over the previous century and they happened to keep utilizing these methods in the industry with a few improvements and enhanced expertise they have acquired through the years. Today, the new age has started in the Philippines with the introduction of yet another amazing innovation – the three-dimensional (or 3D) printing.
This technology was initially introduced in European countries and later on revealed to different parts of the world that were willing to try the marvels of 3d printing. The feedbacks were great with what 3D printing can do and the potential outcomes it could offer in the long run. Just imagine a gadget connected with a computer that can print physical objects – now that is progressive, right? We have imagined the future with something like this in the past and we thought it was vague. Yet, 3D Printers are presently creating solid objects and have been tried both in development and application for over 30 years. The future is already here – working, proven and tested.
In the coming days, months, and years, it is safe to say that 3D Printing will get along with the Philippine market and promises a bright future ahead for all businesses and other industries willing to adopt this extraordinary innovation that is 3D Printing.
Presently this ultramodern innovation was introduced in the Philippines to make another ground for headways dedicated to enhance industries such as, mechanical, medical, automotive and so on. More Filipinos are getting educated about 3D Printing as the vast majority of them are eager to try this astonishing creation. 3D Printing or added manufacturing has drawn much enthusiasm among local businesspeople and consumers. Given the fact that customization demands are high, and the requirement for effective alternative with less cost is greatly supported these days, 3D Printing has given the chance to consumers and industry leaders with another helpful option to supply these goods, considering a huge business sector possibility in the Philippines and other Asian countries.
In the succeeding days, months, and years, it is safe to say that 3D Printing will coexist with the Philippine market and guarantees an excellent future ahead for all organizations and businesses that are willing to accept this phenomenal development in 3D Printing.
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