Before we figure out how 3D printing works, we have to understand what 3D scanning and printing are in the first place? Simply put, it is the process of making a physical object from a digital file, normally a 3 dimensional model. These can be made from many types of materials, including cured photopolymers, fused powders, welded metals, or even extruded thermoplastics.
3D printing can also be known as additive manufacturing. While they are both generally referring to the same process, they are used in different contexts and refer to different scales of application. As 3D printers become more widely available, due to patents expiring and the technology’s transition to more affordable machinery, the hard lines that were once found between the hobbyist and the commercial space have now all but disappeared.
Process of 3D Printing
3D printing begins with a digital design of what you want to print. This can either be something that you have designed yourself or from a wide variety of publicly available digital files. Once the 3D model is acquired it is brought into a piece of software known as the slicer. This is known as slicing. During this process the model is analyzed by software and sliced into hundreds or thousands of layers. These layers represent different segments of the mode and when stacked on each other form the shape of the object being printed. These files are compiled in a language called g-code, which include the coordinates for X, Y, Z of each layer of the entire object. This is the language that 3D Printers understand and is how they know where to move.
Additive manufacturing works by depositing and combining layers of materials until they form the 3D object. These layers will fuse during the printing process and stack up to form the 3D model. 3D Printings origins are deeply rooted in product design and its recent uprise in availability has cemented its integration even more. Models can be made quickly and designs can be iterated upon in incredibly short durations. Parts can be made in different sizes or shapes without the need for special tools and the need to use more expensive manufacturing processes.
Benefits of 3D Printing
Why choose 3D printing for your project? The most common reason to choose 3D Printing for your project is to leverage the ability to rapidly iterate and prototype your design. In the Product Design world designs are constantly evolving, and changing on a daily basis. In the majority of cases these changes are informed by previous revisions of a design that have been prototyped through means like 3D Printing. There is a large range of available materials used in 3D printing allowing you to achieve similar material properties to processes that you would use during the manufacturing phase. This grants you the freedom and flexibility to test out designs and materials in a relatively short and affordable timeline. This means that each and every part of your product can be customized to your exact needs.
Applications of 3D Printing
For the longest period in time the most common use case for 3D Printing has been prototyping in the engineering and product design space. However in the last decade or so this has changed tremendously with the adaptation of the technology in a variety of other fields. Today you have people like artists, model makers, and home users leveraging this technology for a variety of use cases. Artists and model makers can create their visions in ways never possible before. Even in the commercial space companies are finding more and more unique uses for this technology. With everything from manufacturing specialized components to completely replacing traditionally manufactured items, there is no question that the technology is still expanding.
Design Your Future with Kemperle Industries
Do you have any other questions about whether or not 3D printing is suitable for you? Feel free to contact Kemperle Industries today. We specialize in product design and engineering, specialized manufacturing as well as reverse engineering. Our professionals will be able to optimize your project creation process and bring your visions to life.
