3D printing is leading a revolution beyond traditional printing and manufacturing industries.
Let's understand how 3D printers operate and learn how a 3D printer can be an exciting addition to your own home or business.
3D printing is the creation of a three-dimensional solid object printed in successive thin layers of material, as directed by a digital file you create. 3D-printed objects begin with a digital blueprint created using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
With the blueprint ready, 3D print creators simply:
The physical object is printed layer by layer per the computer-aided design (CAD) software blueprint until it’s completed. 3D printers may use different technologies or methods, but here are the four most common 3D printing processes:
While 3D printing materials have typically been metals and plastics, recent innovations have expanded the types of usable materials.
Aside from the materials 3D printers can use, it’s critical that these printers use them efficiently while extracting and reclaiming any unused material.
Consider these 3D printing use cases across various industries:
While these printers may not be in every home yet, they do offer the opportunity to print many common items you may normally buy or assemble yourself. When you can customize your blueprint designs and print these items at home, 3D printers offer several benefits:
3D printing requires upfront investment for the printer and raw materials, which can put it out of reach for many novice makers. But with strategic planning and implementation, 3D printing can deliver numerous new opportunities for creativity and utility in your home and business.