As you know, technology has been around us for decades and it is improving continuously. Similarly, 3D printing is another latest technology that is becoming famous day by day. 3D printing is an interesting and innovative technology that allows you to design any physical object with the help of a digital model. This model has been under construction since the 80’s. At that time, the technology behind it was called ‘rapid prototyping’. This name was given to this technology based on its purpose: to prototype cheaper and faster.
With continuous efforts and changes, today, it is known as 3D printing. A lot of changes have been made in this model since that time and now it gives amazing results. With the help of these 3D printers, you can design anything easily that you imagine. It converts your digital file into a 3-Dimensional structure. It is used in maximum industries including construction, architecture, art, aviation, automotive, chemistry, dental fabrication, firearms, fashion, and much more. This technology is not only cool but it is absolutely wonderful that could convert everyday lives.
How does 3D printing work?
3D printing is also known as additive manufacturing, because it does not use subtractive manufacturing to remove material. In fact, it adds more and more material layer after layer to create a 3-D file from a digital file.
To print something, first you require a 3D model of the object you really want to design. You can design it in CAD (Computer Aided Design) which is a 3D printing program. You can also use a 3D scanner just to scan an object you want to create. For your ease, you can take several ideas from 3D models designed and shared by others on Youmagine.com.
After creating the design, you need to import it into the open source print software Cura. After this, Cura converts your design into a gcode file ready to make it a physical object. Now just save your file to the SD card and add it to your Ultimaker and then press print.
What can you do with 3D Printing?
3D printing is a tool of endless possibilities in the real sense. It has become an important and commonplace tool in various fields including product design, engineering, architecture, and manufacturing. Here are some uses of the 3D printing:
- Fast Prototyping: 3D printing has made prototyping easy and faster. It is used by various designers, engineers, and companies to get fast and iterative feedback on their exclusive designs.
- Custom models: It helps you build customized products which fit to your needs as per the size and shape. It can make something that is not possible with any other technology.
- Lower costs: This is another advantage that 3D printing has to offer. It helps you save time, money, and also reduce waste material as same material can be used for printing multiple models.
- Complex geometry: With 3D printers, you can create extremely intricate and complicated designs which are hard to even image. They can help you understand the concepts of geometry in an innovative and interesting way.
Overall, 3D printing has become an integral part of our present and has a great future.
