Printing equipment to produce a 3D effect is nothing new, it was predominantly used in manufacturing and engineering and the process has been around for many years. It did not take off initially because of the costs involved and the fact that it could be a very slow process. Technological developments in recent years has made the equipment much more affordable, the process much quicker, resulting in increases in demand.
Companies can spend anything from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars on research and development of new products each year. It can take months or often several years to come up with a working model of a new product. The design and prototype stage can be completed much quicker with computer design software linked to a 3D printer.
Fashion is one of the industries that are relatively new to the use of 3D printers. Fabric and fashion designers have been quick to catch on to the benefits of using computer aided design to produce samples of their designs. Many fashion retailers offer 3D design and printer services to their customers. Customers can choose a design, photograph, their name or a slogan to be printed on their item of clothing.
The medical sector relies heavily on the use of 3D imaging and printer equipment to produce x-rays and scans. Whereas x-rays produce a picture of a specific area of the body, a scan can produce a much more detailed 3D image. Scan can usually provide the physician with a much clearer and detailed view of the problem area.
Professional architects use 3D models to show what the finished product will look like. They use a computer aided design system linked to a 3D printer to produce a scaled copy of their building. Changes to the design can be made at the touch of a computer button.
Reconstruction of a crime scene using a 3D software program is often used by the police as part of their investigations. Facial reconstruction using a 3D program is often used to help identify individuals if other investigation methods are not possible. The use of this type of tool can prove invaluable in helping to solve crimes.
This type of 3D print equipment may still be too expensive for the home user. However as demand grows and technology improves the costs are gradually coming down. It will not be too long until 3D print equipment becomes affordable and will be aimed at the home consumer market.
Companies can spend anything from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars on research and development of new products each year. It can take months or often several years to come up with a working model of a new product. The design and prototype stage can be completed much quicker with computer design software linked to a 3D printer.
Fashion is one of the industries that are relatively new to the use of 3D printers. Fabric and fashion designers have been quick to catch on to the benefits of using computer aided design to produce samples of their designs. Many fashion retailers offer 3D design and printer services to their customers. Customers can choose a design, photograph, their name or a slogan to be printed on their item of clothing.
The medical sector relies heavily on the use of 3D imaging and printer equipment to produce x-rays and scans. Whereas x-rays produce a picture of a specific area of the body, a scan can produce a much more detailed 3D image. Scan can usually provide the physician with a much clearer and detailed view of the problem area.
Professional architects use 3D models to show what the finished product will look like. They use a computer aided design system linked to a 3D printer to produce a scaled copy of their building. Changes to the design can be made at the touch of a computer button.
Reconstruction of a crime scene using a 3D software program is often used by the police as part of their investigations. Facial reconstruction using a 3D program is often used to help identify individuals if other investigation methods are not possible. The use of this type of tool can prove invaluable in helping to solve crimes.
This type of 3D print equipment may still be too expensive for the home user. However as demand grows and technology improves the costs are gradually coming down. It will not be too long until 3D print equipment becomes affordable and will be aimed at the home consumer market.
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