The formation of a three-dimensional object is obtained utilizing additive procedures. In this procedure, an item is made by means of laying down consecutive layers of objects until the desired item is created. Every layer can be viewed as a finely sliced cross-part of the item. 

Three-dimensional printing is a contradiction of subtractive manufacturing, cutting out or hollowing out plastic or metal with a milling tool. This process allows you to generate complicated shapes with the use of material than conventional manufacturing techniques. 

Uses of 3D Printers

3D printers are used in many ways, such as: 

Rapid Manufacturing and Rapid Prototyping: Companies and industries have utilized 3D printer in the design procedure to make prototypes even before. Using a 3D printer for this object is known as rapid. It is cheap and fast. From concept to three-dimensional model to creating sample only takes a few days. Iterations are more affordable and easier to make. You do not have expensive tools or molds. 

3D printers are utilized for rapid manufacturing. This is a latest manufacturing technique where industries utilize 3D printers for a small batch or short-run custom manufacturing. 

Automotive 

Carmakers have been using a 3D printer for a very long time. Car companies and manufacturers are printing tools, spare parts, fixtures and jigs, and end-use components as well. 3D printing has allowed on-demand manufacturing that has resulted in a lower stock level. This shortens the time in the design,  production cycles included. Car fanatics from all corners of the globe are utilizing 3D printed parts to bring back old cars. 

Construction Business

Is it likely to print buildings? Well, the answer is yes! 3D printed house is already commercially available. Some companies print parts prefab, and while some conduct it on-site.

Footwear

The 4D range of Adidas has a totally 3D printed midsole and is printed in massive volumes. In the year 2018, the company has printed more than 100 000 midsoles and looks forward to printing more this year.

Eyewear

Research shows that the three-dimensional printed eyewear market is predicted to reach USD3.4 billion by the year 2028. A quickly growing part is that of end-use frames. Three-dimensional printing is a suitable production technique for eyewear frames as the measurement of a person is easy and simple to process in the result. 

Jewelry

There are ways of making jewelry using a 3D printer. You can utilize an indirect or direct production procedure. Direct means the making of an object directly from the three-dimensional. Simultaneously, it indirectly refers to the pattern that is 3D printed, sooner or later is utilized to make a mold for investment casting. 

Dental

You see the mold of clear aligners being perhaps the most printed objects. At present, these are 3D printed with powder and resin-based three-dimensional processes, however also through material jetting. Dentures and crowns are directly printed, together with a surgical guide. 

Education

Both students and educators have been using this printer for many years now inside the classroom. 3D printing allows students to materialize their concepts in a cheap and fast way.

Type of 3D Printers

There are 3D printer types such as: 

  • SLM or Selective Laser Melting
  • FDM or Fused Deposition Modeling 
  • DLP or Digital Light Processing
  • SLA or Stereolithography 
  • SLS or Selective Laser Sintering 
  • LOM or Laminated Object Manufacturing 
  • EBM or Digital Beam Melting

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