What is 3D Printing?
The method of creating three-dimensional items from a digital file is known as additive manufacturing, or 3D printing.
Objects that are 3D printed are made using additive techniques. In an additive process, layers of material are added one after the other until the desired shape is achieved. You can think of each of these levels as a finely sliced cross-section of the thing.
However, there is one exception, which is known as volumetric 3D printing. It is not necessary to fabricate structures layer by layer when using volumetric printing to create whole structures all at once. It is important to remember, still that volumetric technology is still mostly in the research stage at this time.
How 3D Printing Works?
3D printing starts with a digital model created using 3D modeling software or obtained by online repositiries. Then this model is sliced into thin layers by using slicing software, which creates instructions for 3D printers.
Once the printer gets instructions then it starts creating an object layer by layer. The printer deposits or makes the material solid according to the design, gradually turning the digital model into a physical form.
Applications of 3D Printing
The use of 3D printing increased from the 21st century and it also changed the traditional manufacturing industry. 3D printing is becoming a popular choice in most of the manufacturing units accross the globe.
Here are some of the applications of 3D printing:
1. Pharmaceuticals
Using 3D printing, drugs of various shapes and sizes could be produced, and the active and inactive components can be distributed physically throughout the body. Because of this, 3D-printed drugs can have unique delivery patterns that are adjusted to meet the requirements of individual patients.
2. Aeronautics
3D printing is a perfect fit for various prototyping and end-use applications in the aerospace and aviation industry. 3D printing is becoming more popular in the aerospace industry because the parts created by the use of 3D printing or additive manufacturing can be much stronger and lighter than traditional manufacturing.
3. Emergency Structures
Many people around the world become homeless because of natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, tornados and hurricanes. 3D printing relieves the obstacles of affected families by building homes, hospitals and other structures much faster than traditional manufacturing methods.
4. Food Industry
3D printing is also used to print food for living beings. Stem cells are used to make lab-grown vegetables and foods. 3D printing will be widely used in the future to produce fruits and vegetables to reduce the amount of land use for farming.
5. Automobile
In the automobile industry, 3D printing is used for prototype making. With the help of a prototype we can test and validate the parts of automobile devices. 3D printing gives us a quick and cost effective approach to design and produce the parts of automobiles. Companies like Porsche, Audi and BMW are also adopting 3D printing so fast.
6. Educational Materials
Schools and colleges are adding 3D printing in their syllabus. 3D printing is very helpful for students, they can make any prototype by using 3D printing without any tool.
7. Art & Jewellery
3D printing is useful to create art and jewellery products in different shapes and sizes. Jewellers can convert jewelry items in any unique design which looks very attractive.
8. Consumer Goods
In today’s competition If you want to stay in the market, then you have to deliver unique and creative products to the customers which is now possible by using 3D printing. 3D printing is also useful for making consumer goods look creative. Consumer goods like clothes, accessories, footwear, kids toys and many more things can be made creative with additive manufacturing.
Types of 3D Printing
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
This is also known as Fused Filament Fabrication, where the process called material extrusion is used to make the product. Material Extrusion is widely available in the market and less expensive to purchase. In this process a spool of filament of thermoplastic is filled in the 3D printer device and then it is pushed by a motor via heated nozzle to make a layer of project to be formed. When the first layer is complete then the printer again starts to make another layer until the final project is formed.
Stereolithography (SLA)
SLA is recognized as the pioneering technology of 3D printing in history. SLA printers are excellent at creating objects with precise tolerances, smooth surfaces, and intricate detailing. Not only do SLA parts have high-quality surface finishes that look good, but they can also help with the part’s functionality. One example is when testing an assembly’s fit. It is frequently utilized in the medical field for purposes such as microfluidics and anatomical models.
Polyjet
Another method for 3D printing plastic is called PolyJet, however it works differently. It is able to produce pieces with various characteristics, including materials and colors.
Digital Light Processing (DLP)
SLA and digital light processing are comparable in that they both use light to cure liquid resin. The main distinction between the two technologies is that SLA employs a UV laser, whereas DLP uses a screen for a digital light projector.
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
Multi Jet Fusion uses nylon powder to create functional pieces similarly to SLS. MJF applies fusing chemicals to the bed of nylon powder using an inkjet array as an alternative to sintering the powder using a laser. The layers are then fused together by passing a hot source over the bed. Compared to SLS, this leads to more uniform mechanical characteristics and better surface polish.
Conclusion
In the boundless realm of 3D printing innovation, the convergence of technology and creativity is reshaping our world. As we continue to explore the limitless possibilities afforded by this transformative technology, the boundaries of what can be achieved seem to vanish. From revolutionizing manufacturing to enabling groundbreaking medical advancements, 3D printing unveils a future where imagination knows no constraints. The journey into this frontier promises a tapestry of innovation, where the only limit is the scope of our collective imagination.