3D printing is a revolutionary new technology that has completely changed the way we design and manufacture products. The technology is still in its infancy, but there are many 3D printing technologies on the horizon that will change our world forever. From 3D printers being used in healthcare to making prosthetic limbs to construction companies using them for rapid prototyping, – 3D Printing is slowly taking over the manufacturing process. But, how will 3D printing radically change the world?
It is true that 3D printers are changing how we live, work and play. But how? How has 3D printing has changed the world? The following article will explore five technologies that have made an impact on our world today and how they may change it in the future.
How does 3D Printing Affect Society?
In today’s modern age, manufacturing and production are no longer relegated to factories. Now they can be done at home or in small workshops with access to desktop-sized printers.
The process of printing a three-dimensional object on a printer is like that of creating an image with traditional photography.
Imagine you’re standing in front of a three-dimensional object and want to take a picture of it from one side. You would need at least two cameras: one on each side that is able to capture images with different perspectives. But in order to create the final product, you need to add material (typically plastic). The design for the printed object is made using computer software and then transferred onto the machine that will act as your “camera.” It builds up the object one thin layer at a time, and when you’re done, you have your final product.
In many ways, this process is like how pottery was traditionally made by hand. Artists would create a sculpture in clay then fire it to make the ceramic ware. Nowadays, they use molding techniques with polymer clays instead of sculpting.
Types of 3D Printing Technologies that will Change the World
The following are five different types of technologies that will change the world.
Stereolithography (SLA)
Stereolithography is one of the earliest forms of additive manufacturing. The process begins with a liquid epoxy resin and photocurable liquid photopolymer that is dispensed onto a surface from two separate nozzles – like cake frosting coming from two different spatulas. This liquid resin is then exposed to a high-powered laser beam that solidifies the epoxy and creates a layer of the object one line at a time.
This process continues until an entire three-dimensional object has been created, with each successive layer being slightly offset from those below it. The result is a highly detailed, smooth surface finish.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Selective Laser Sintering is also an additive manufacturing process. Unlike stereolithography, it creates three-dimensional objects from a powder material that has been fused by exposure to laser light beams under computer control.
The first step in the process of creating an object with Selective Laser Sintering requires using inkjet technology or other methods to apply a thin layer of powder on the surface to be sintered. The machine then uses a laser beam to selectively heat and fuse only those particles that were covered by an inkjet-printed layer, or any other object that was used as a masking material during this process.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Fused Deposition Modeling is one of the leading technologies used in three-dimensional printing. It’s a process that creates objects from thin layers of plastic filaments that are extruded onto each successive layer to create an object with finer details.
Digital Light Process (DLP)
Digital Light Process technology is used to create three-dimensional objects from a liquid resin that hardens when exposed to light. Designers start by using computer software such as Autodesk’s Maya and Zbrush or other packages like Rhinoceros.
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
MJF is a continuous process that can be used to create objects from plastic, ceramic, or metal. The machine starts with two opposing silicone rubber plates, which are heated up and then pressurized by air pressure.
The material in the chamber below these plates is mixed together with coloring agents and other additives to harden into any shape the designers want.
Conclusion
We’re on the brink of a technological revolution that will change our world in ways we cannot yet imagine. As designers and artists, many of us feel both excited and threatened by new technologies. But as humans, there’s no denying how this technology can help shape an even better future for all those involved in manufacturing.