3d printing technology is already changing the way of
producing objects from tool, toys to clothing. 3d printing is part of process
called ‘Additive Manufacturing’ where object is created by adding material
layer by layer. Additive manufacturing allows manufacturers to design complex
parts for machines, airplanes and cars at fraction of cost and standard means
like folding, moulding and sculpting.
Now smaller consumer friendly 3-d printers are bringing
additive manufacturing to homes and businesses. The first step in 3D printing
is to create a blue print of the object you want to print. One can use
modelling software like blender to create your design or you can visit websites
like ‘Thingiverse’ or ‘Shapeways’ to find objects that are already 3-d modelled
by other users.
Once the design is finished it is to time to send it to
printer. Some printers like MakerBot Replicator 2 have renewable bioplastics in
the back of the device almost like a string. When the printer receives the data
it starts printing. The 3-d object is created by layering where printer adds
one layer of the object at the time until we have fully formed structure.
The most common material used in 3-d printing is plastic,
but the use of other materials allowed for the creation of some pretty amazing
products beyond simple tools and toys. 3-d printing food is becoming very
popular and Additive Manufacturing have allowed for the creation of some pretty
interesting things.
In medical world, doctors are testing biomaterials for a
generative medicines. By using a patient’s cell doctors can 3-d print small
body parts like ears and noses. Some surgens have also tested 3-d printed
organs for transplants.
Recently, giant 3-d printers in China printed 10 houses in
just 1 day and at a cost of less than $5000 per house. Therefore future is
going to be different as 3-d printing will be reducing effort and time.
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