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3D Printing

By John Cherry

What is 3D Printing?

3D Printing also known as Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital model.

Objects are created by Successive Layers being laid down under computer control until the entire mass is generated.

Process of 3D printing

The first stage of 3D printing is laying out an idea with digital modeling.

A common program used for 3D printing is Computer-aided design or formally Known as CAD or any other animation software. 3D printing and CAD is a “WYSIWYG”.

Once a design is completed you send it to the 3D printer with a standard file extension (.STL) and your design will begin printing.

Methods and Mechanics

There are many technologies to making 3D objects. Not all printers use the same process.

Selective laser sintering (SLS) this uses a High power laser to fuse small particles of plastic, metal, ceramic or glass into a mass of the desired 3D shape.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSMt42M_qDc - t=144

Methods and Mechanics

Another Method is Fused deposition modeling (FDM).

FDM works by using a plastic filament or metal wire which is unwound from a coil and supplies materials to an extrusion nozzle which can control the flow.

Example: Maker Bot Replicator 2.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5SpNua-XfI

Methods and Mechanics

Stereolithography (SLA), this technology employs a vat of liquid ultraviolet curable photopolymer resin and an ultraviolet laser to build the objects one layer at a time.

Animation of SLA Process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iceiNb_1E0I

Industrial or Personal Printing?

Industrial uses for 3D printing have been in use for decades and becoming more relevant today for design to be used for to create prototypes for manufacturing purposes. This is known as Rapid Prototyping.

Personal 3D printing or Domestic 3D printing are mainly for people who are interested in the field. Because of rapid development in the market printers are becoming cheaper ranging from $250 - $2,500.

3D printing service: Shapeways and Ponoko.

The Future of 3D Printing!

Possible can change the world of commerce because user will be able to cut out the middle man.

Advances in Science to help people with serious health conditions.

Medical professionals the ablitly to create hearing aids custom legs, braces and even a titanium jaw.

Also able to create 3D printed food which can fill human nutrition needs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5AZzOw7FwA

http://www.cnet.com/news/3d-printing-produces-a-perfect-replica-of-a-6th-century-sword/