3D is Printing Abundant in All of Our Lives

According to Wikipedia.org 3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing where a three dimensional object is created by adding layers of material in 0.1mm thicknesses in order to create a 3D prototype of an item. There are a several technologies used in creating 3D models, and with the lower prices' of 3D printers, even small companies can afford to create models.

A new purpose of 3D printing has been for advanced art. Instead of using other forms and materials to create an art piece, artist have invested in 3D printing machines, finding it easier to create structures in a 3D software such as a CAD program and then print these out on a 3D printer. This also allows for easier reproduction

3D modeling use to take hours, as someone would typically use wood to carve and shape a 3D model. This process took hours and would cost many hours. Another variation of 3D printing has been inkjet printing. Inkjet printing can provide a 3D picture.

One approach of 3D printing is FDM (Fused disposition modeling) where a nozzle is used to deposit molten polymer onto a support structure layer by layer. A second option or approach is selective fusing of print media in a granular bed. Using this technology infused media serves to support overhangs and thin walls in the part being produced, reducing the need to have alterative temporary supports.

The third process of 3D printing is to use 3D micro fabrication technique of 2-phtoon photo polymerization. This format traces the 3D object into a block of gel by a focused laser. The gel is cured to a solid and the remaining gel is washed away. The main advantages are speed, cost of the prototype, and being able to recreate complex items such as moving and interlocking parts.

According to the web site Replicator, there are at least ten ways that 3D printing is used today. These uses include art, action figures, jewelry, hearing aids, prototypes, and home décor, models, and component/manufacturing, medicine and crime scene investigations.

Popular Mechanics article shows how Jay Leno uses 3D printing to replace rare old car parts. Just another way that one can use this technology. Jay has scanned in parts into a NextEngine 3D scanner and then prints a 3D model. He then uses this model to create a mold that he can use to produce the actual car piece.

3D printing use to cost a lot of money, so much so that only large companies were able to afford this technology, this has changed a lot in recent years. Today the price of 3D printers has lowered, so low that even small business can afford this technology. For example, Desktop Factory has a unit that has a price tag of under $2000.00