3D
Printing
There have been recent innovations in the print and
media industry. One of such innovations has been 3-D printing. This is also
known as additive manufacturing (AM) or direct digital manufacturing (DDM). The
new technology makes it possible to create an object by creating a digital file
and printing it at home or sending it to one of a growing number of online 3-D
print services. This involves creation of a digital blueprint using
computer-aided design (CAD) software. This is sliced into 2-dimensional
representations that are fed through to a printer that starts building up an
object layer by layer from its base. Layers of material are deposited onto a
“build area” and fused together. This additive process minimizes waste. This is
because it only uses the amount of material required to make the component.
Moreover, the technology is distinct from traditional “subtractive”
manufacturing processes where materials are cut away to produce a desired form.
(Jewell, 2013)
("The Advantages of 3D Printing | Caliper",
n.d)
There are a number of 3-D printing techniques. The
first of its kind is the commercial 3-D print technology stereo lithography.
Charles Hull invented this in 1984. However, there has been emergence of other
techniques. They include fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering
(SLS), and PolyJet Matrix. Some of these techniques involve melting or
softening layers of material while others involve binding powdered materials.
There are also those that involve jetting or selectively hardening liquid
materials. The process of “growing” objects layer by layer also means that,
with 3-D printing, it is possible to create more intricate and complex
structures than can be done using traditional manufacturing techniques. (Jewell,
2013)
This video clarify that how to print the figures and
solids.
Current Applications
The reasons behind 3-D printing technology were for
rapid prototyping purposes, making one or two physical samples. This allowed
designers to identify and correct design flaws cheaply and quickly.
Consequently, this enhanced the product development process and minimize commercial
hazards. According to business analysts CSC, this remains the largest
commercial application of the technology, accounting for over 70 percent of the
3-D print market. However, improvements in the technology’s accuracy and speed,
as well as in the quality of materials used for printing, have prompted some
commercial sectors to move beyond the use of 3-D printing in their research and
development (R&D) labs and incorporate it into their manufacturing
strategy. Moreover, the technology is already extensively in various fields. This
includes making jewelry and other bespoke fashion items, in dental laboratories
to produce crowns, bridges and implants, as well as in the production of
hearing aids and prostheses, offering patients a perfect fit. This technology
particularly suited to low-volume, short production runs. This offer companies
a more flexible, cost-effective and speedy alternative to traditional mass
production methods. (Jewell, 2013)
Use in the Automotive and Aerospace Sectors
The
technology has been used in the automotive and aerospace sectors. The
technology is being used in making complex parts for the electronics,
automotive and aerospace industries. Major car manufacturers have largely
relied on the technology. Some of the manufacturers include GM, Jaguar Land
Rover and Audi. They have been using 3-D printing auto parts for a number of
years. (Jewell, 2013)
("Automotive parts", n.d) these parts of car
was printed by 3D printing.
Moreover,
leading aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing are using it to
improve the performance of their aircraft, fuel costs and reduce maintenance.
For example, Boeing uses 3-D printing to produce environmental control ducting
(ECD) for its 787 aircraft. It can also be used for a wide range of materials
from metals to plastics – including composites – and is more efficient and faster
to produce. This uses fewer raw materials and produces parts that are stronger,
more complex and lighter. Consequently, the airlines have saved significant
amount of fuel cost through the adoption of the technology. In fact, the 3-D
printing technology is envisaged to be adopted full by the airlines in the year
2050. (Jewell, 2013)
("Legal battles loom as home 3D printing grows", n.d)
Use in Medicine
The other area of application of the technology is
medicine. In this filed, the technology is being used for various functions.
These include use of3-D printing in producing prosthetics and hearing aids,
treating challenging medical conditions, and to advance medical research. The
breakthroughs in this area are rapid and inspiring. Surgeons to perform complex
surgeries have recently used this technology. For example, in 2011, Surgeons at
the University Hospital in Ghent, Belgium, successfully performed one of the
most complex facial transplants to date with extensive use of 3D printing to
plan and perform the procedure. Anatomical models did this and patient specific
guides were 3D printed for use before and during the procedure. (Jewell, 2013)
(Jewell, 2013)
("Hearing Aids", n.d)
Less Waste
Several advantages of 3-D technology exist. One of the
advantages is that the technology has ensured there is reduced waste in some
manufacturing industries. In fact, manufacturing
plastic and metal objects in particular is generally a wasteful process. This
is because of surplus materials and chunky parts. For example, in airplane building over 90
percent of the materials used is wasted. However, with the utilization of the
technology, it has been possible to create a similar object with the use of
additive manufacturing. This has helped in utilization of less energy and less
waste. Moreover, other objects can be made with the use of additive
manufacturing. They include jewelry, footwear, and automotive parts. Some of
the products generated using the technology is over sixty percent lighter and
manages to remain strong. Therefore, this technology leads to large cost
savings, and reduced waste means a lesser effect on the environment. ("The
Advantages of 3D Printing | Caliper", n.d)
Cheap Manufacturing
Moreover, the technology helps companies save on their
manufacturing cost. For example, some companies save up to 70 percent of their
manufacturing cost. This is attained through lower packaging and shipping
costs. This is also related to cheaper and more reliable raw materials and
lesser workforce needed, as well as overseas parts suppliers. Therefore, most
of the companies are able to achieve profit in the short term. ("The
Advantages of 3D Printing | Caliper", n.d)
Quick Production
The technology has also led to enhanced speed in the
production. This is because the speed of 3D printing is faster as compared to
the traditional method. In fact, the technology helps in creating an object in
a few hours while the traditional manufacturing method takes a longer time.
This is making the traditional method to become obsolete. On the other hand,
the technology has gained prominence due to considerable cost savings. The
benefit of this technology has helped it gain prominence in a number of
industries and quickly becoming a favorite tool of progressive marketers. ("The
Advantages of 3D Printing | Caliper", n.d)
Future influences of 3D printing
Virtually any food
There is a believe that the technology can be used to
arrest world hunger. This has led to attempt to create a prototype for a
“universal food synthesizer” by some engineers. It is envisaged that the
technology will be able to print healthy meals from powders, with a shelf life
of at least 15 years. Others believe that the technology can help in printing
and constructing homes. (Chung, 2013)
Bionic ear and jaw bone
Moreover, the potential exhibited by this technology
in the medical sphere is incredible. For example, it has been possible to
construct 3D printed jawbone. This occurs through production of a tailored
transplant. This technology has also been involved in generation of bionic ear. Such types of an ar have been able to withstand huge ssound
waves. (Chung, 2013)
High fashion
There has also been experiment of technologies in
designer industries. The cheaper cost of manufacturing would certainly have an
impact on the current system of mass production. Silk is already being
experimented with. (Chung, 2013).
Reference
Jewell, C. (2013, April 2). 3-D printing and the
future of stuff. Retrieved November 13, 2013, from http://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/wipo_magazine/en/pdf/2013/wipo_pub_121_2013_02.pdf
Chung, B. (2013, July 29). A 3D printed future: 10
surprising things we could see printed soon | TED Blog. Retrieved November
13, 2013, from http://blog.ted.com/2013/07/29/a-3d-printed-future-10-surprising-things-we-could-see-printed-soon/
(Chung, 2013)
The Advantages of 3D Printing | Caliper.
(n.d.). Retrieved November 13, 2013, from http://calipermedia.com/the-advantages-of-3d-printing/
3D Printing Explained in 37 Seconds! [Video file].
(2012, July 31). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mX6G-TluQHE
Automotive parts. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.stratasys.com/industries/automotive
Legal battles loom as home 3D printing grows. (n.d.).
Retrieved from http://www.dw.de/legal-battles-loom-as-home-3d-printing-grows/a-15692676
Hearing Aids. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://envisiontec.com/trends-in-3d-printing-of-customized-medical-devices/
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