Everyone has heard of 3D printing at least once in their life, but how much do we actually understand about this simple, yet astonishingly versatile piece of technology? Let’s delve deeper into the mechanism of 3D printing and its many implementations.
3D printing- revolutionary software that will ultimately shape the future. Although 3D printing is a technology that has been used for some time, its current uses are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of how deep we can go.
Before we look at its various implementations, how exactly does 3D printing work? It starts with the framework, which uses CAD (computer-aided design) software. This technology allows designers to build their products up from scratch with precision. The second software used is slicing software. Interestingly enough, 3D printers can’t actually ‘think in 3D’. Therefore the use of slicing software creates layers, which will then be scanned and sent to the printer. The software then gives instructions to the printer on how to ‘fill’ each layer which will (when printed) create the desired object. Now the final step: actually printing the design. The 3D printer has a nozzle, which shifts forwards and backwards, expelling the material used (usually plastic) to match the fill/shape needed for each layer. Every layer is left to dry before the subsequent one is added. This is called an additive process. It may seem time-consuming, especially given that the majority of 3D-printed objects have thousands of layers. Since the layers are extremely thin, they take little time to dry.
3D printing has (to date) been used for a multitude of purposes, the largest being rapid prototypes. Given that it’s a relatively cheap and time-saving process, it is especially attractive to many companies. A notable infrastructure that has been created entirely by 3D printing is the MX3D bridge, located in Amsterdam. This bridge, made using stainless steel, opened in July 2021. A significant quality of the bridge is its use of sensors, which primarily monitor the stability (amongst other factors) of the bridge and enable modifications to be made when necessary to enhance the safety of its passersby.
3D printing has also been used for: building parts in the automotive/aviation industry, eyewear, jewelry, footwear and so much more. However, its applications don’t end here. As we progress to the future, so does 3D printing. Soon, it will be integral to and revolutionize the medical field, with its uses in creating prosthetics and implants. It can also be used to build entire houses, and in the future will probably advance towards more significant infrastructure. 3D printing could also be a sustainable method of building, whereby it recycles non-biodegradable plastic.
While it seems we have only begun to scratch the surface of the implementations of 3D printing, it cannot be denied that 3D printing will have a prominent role in technological advancements of the future.
Written by Amrit Kaur
References:
“3D Printing: What It Is, How It Works and Examples | Built In.” Jessica Powers, builtin.com/3d-printing. Accessed 10 Aug. 2022.
3DPrinting.com. “What Is 3D Printing? How Does a 3D Printer Work? Learn 3D Printing.” 3D Printing, 31 May 2022, 3dprinting.com/what-is-3d-printing.
Brown, MacKenzie. “6 Ways 3D Printing Will Change the World.” Cad Crowd, 15 Feb. 2022, www.cadcrowd.com/blog/6-ways-3d-printing-will-change-the-world.
MX3D. “MX3D | MX3D Bridge.” MX3D, 14 Dec. 2021, mx3d.com/industries/infrastructure/mx3d-bridge.
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