All about 3D PRINTING!
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is the construction of a three-dimensional object from a CAD model or a digital 3D model. The term “3D printing” can refer to a variety of processes in which material is deposited, joined, or solidified under computer control to create a three-dimensional object,with the material being added together (such as plastics, liquids, or powder grains being fused together), typically layer by layer. source : Wikipedia
PRACTICAL DEFINITION:
3D Printing is a way to create 3D designs in the form of models in materials like plastics, resins, or metals.
| Type of Industry | Application as per industry |
| Automobile | Manufacturing of automobile parts in METALS and Strong Fibers |
| Medical | Dental, Orthopedic |
| Gifting | Cheapest and personalized gifting options spread everywhere around the globe. |
Is 3D Printing done on Paper?
The answer to this is NO.
Printing which we do in day-to-day life on paper or sheets is 2D Printing. It is also known as Inkjet Printing or Desktop Printing.
In 3D Printing, the objects are prepared as per the need which can be used practically. They are mostly made of plastics, resins, and few high-grade fibers.
This is how designs looks like when you choose to go with 3D Printing
Types of 3D PRINTING
| SLA | FDM | SLS | LOM | DMLS | |
| Stereolithography | Fused Deposition Modelling | Selective Laser Sintering | Laminated object Modelling | Direct Metal Laser Sintering | |
| Application | Excellent for form testing. Best for water-resistant material | Suitable for prototypes and home applications | Suitable for complex shapes. Heat and chemical resistant | Ideal for non-functional prototypes | Metallic parts in the automobile industry |
Demand of 3D PRINTING in upcoming years
The global 3D printing market size was valued at USD 13.78 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.0% from 2021 to 2028. As a result of these benefits, the demand for 3D printers is expected to trigger more in the coming years.
Globally, 2.1 million units of 3D printers were shipped in 2020 and the shipments are expected to reach 15.3 million units by 2028.
3D printing, or additive manufacturing, has the potential to democratize the production of goods, from food to medical supplies, to great coral reefs. In the future, 3D printing machines could make their way into homes, businesses, disaster sites, and even outer space.
3D printers are a worthy investment if you take the time to learn the process thoroughly and act on the information. Have a plan and you can save, as well as make money with 3D printing. Everyone has the potential to make it a worthy investment.
With the rise of 3D printing, misconceptions have also popped up. Here are few common myths about 3D printing. Let’s separate fact from fiction.
3D PRINTERS ARE TOO EXPENSIVE
Well the price of FDM Based 3D printer starts with INR 12K to 15K. They are easily available in India or even on selling websites like Amazon.
3D PRINTERS CAN MAKE ANYTHING
However, just like other manufacturing processes, 3D printing has its limitations. Sadly, cuddly kittens are not on the list of 3D printable items.
Nevertheless, the list of 3D printable items is by no means small! Companies are constantly developing new materials and machines to push the limits of 3D printing.
3D PRINTERS CANNOT MAKE STRONGER PARTS
3D printing is often viewed as a process that can only make weak, plastic parts. To an extent, this is true. A part composed of layers will generally exhibit less mechanical integrity than a solid part. However, it would be wrong to think that all 3D printed parts are weak.
Also, 3D printing isn’t just for plastic. Some 3D printers can print with strong materials such as nylon, carbon fiber, and even titanium.
3D PRINTERS CAN MAKE ORGANS
3D printing technologies continue to improve, as companies keep developing more advanced machines and materials. Medicine is one major application of 3D printing, and doctors have used it to create tissues and bones.
One goal is to eventually 3D print organs. Though not yet a reality, in several years, your organ donor may be a 3D printer in India or even on Amazon.
3D Printing Enthusiast
Ameya Khedkar is a Mechanical Engineer and a growing 3D Printing Enthusiast. He launched his startup named 3D VILLA which offers 3D Printing services. with 3D Villa, you can get 3D Printed Personalized gifts for your loved ones in the most affordable manner
You can review his work and follow him on Instagram
