Sunday, December 8, 2013

Printing In 3D Makes For A Flexible Creative Process

By Philip Smith


There is a lot to be said for the modern computer printers. They are able to translate just about anything that is two dimensional onto the paper you feed into them. There is, however, more that can be done with a software and equipment upgrade. By spending some money and a lot of time to learn what goes into 3D printing, you can create the models that have been coming out of these units quickly.

This 3D modeling has been with us for a few decades and is getting better. The price which was very high in the beginning, is coming down. It is, for that reason, economical to be used in a great many areas and is being used as such.

The Chinese have been working this technology for creating body organs for medical repairs. NASA has been using parts made this way on their shuttles and spacecraft. Car manufacturers make small parts and some larger ones for use on the cars they are designing. This is the perfect fit for creating just about any part that does require the re tooling of a plant and can help save a lot of time and money.

This type of printing is called an additive process. It adds material, usually anything that can be applied through the use of a nozzle, to the model being created. The subtractive process, such as a lathe, removes material to reach the final product specifications.

Jewelry has been made by way of this printing technology, as has buttons and other items of fashion. Protective gear, such as used by firemen, military personnel or those involved in hazardous material handling is designed more economically this way. Any parts for any application can be made without having to re tool the entire line each time.

The basic impetus for this technology is the computer program. The ideas must be transmitted into this digital sphere so it can be translated into the digital images needed. The printer will take this input and process it into the 3D model that is needed. It is not, currently, a real fast process.

3D printing technology is being used in prototyping, construction, architecture, dental, medical and bio tech fields. This is just a very short list and shows the flexibility this type of system will have in the years ahead. The science will make this an easily purchased item and user friendlier as it goes along. Home users will be able to make parts for their home and cars and other items to save money. This will become as necessary as that computer printer you have now.




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