3D printing is the future of manufacturing. You may have heard about it in the news and chances are you have heard someone talk about it. You may have an idea about just what it is or it might seem like magic to you but it has the potential to reshape the way manufacturing takes place. So, what exactly is 3D printing?
Sci-Fi To Reality
In a way, 3D printing is straight out of science fiction where you can use a computer to create an object. It is done by taking a digital model of an object and turned into a real-life 3D object one layer at a time.
To start a digital 3D model is created of the object, a blueprint of sorts. The printer’s software then digitally slices the object into thin, 2D layers in the software to turn it into a set of instructions that the printer will then carry out to create the object one layer at a time.
Completely Customizable
Objects can be printed with either plastic or using one of several different metals through several different techniques. Plastics are the most common material that is printed and they can even have different physical properties as far as their opacity and much more. 3D printed objects can be customized in so many different ways.
How long the printing process takes depends on the size of the desired object and the type of printer used but it can take anywhere from a few minutes to multiple days to complete. Some post-processing can be required so that the desired surface can be achieved but for the most part, the 3D printer does all of the hard work for you.
The Sky’s The Limit
At this point, almost anything can be 3D printed and the sky’s the limit as to what can be made. From common household objects that can help make your life better to the pieces that can help make your idea a reality, a 3D printer can make it so. What do you want to make today?