3D Printing: What It Is, How It Works, Examples

Table of Content

• What is 3D Printing?
• History of 3D Printing
• Types of 3D Printing
• Materials used in 3D Printing
• 3D Printing Uses and Examples
• How to choose a 3D Printer
• Design Guidelines for 3D Printing
• 3D Printing Software
• 3D Printing Vs. Additive Manufacturing
• 3D Printing Vs. Rapid Prototyping
• 3D Printing Vs 4D Printing
• Future of 3D Printing
• Advantages of 3D Printing
• Disadvantages of 3D Printing
• Conclusion
• FAQs on 3D Printing

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing is a process in which three-dimensional objects are created from a file. Additive processes are used to create the 3D objects. In the additive process, successive materials of layers are laid till the time the object is created. Each of these layers are very thinly sliced cross-section of the object. 3D printing can help in making complex shapes.

Volumetric 3D printing is an exception in which the whole structure of an object is created instantly and no layers are created. Volumetric technology is still in the phase of research.

History of 3D Printing

3D printing has a long history and we will discuss it here.

3D Printing from 1940s to 1970s

Murray Leinster was a sci-fi writer who came up with the idea of 3D printing. He wrote a short story called Things Pass By. He imagined a machine which should have the ability of replicating the images and form 3D objects with the help of plastic.

Johannes F. Gottwald filed a patent for using Liquid Metal Extruder and imagined that this material could be used as a printer to print 3D objects with metal. No ink and words should be used in printing. The patent came to an end and Gottwald was not able to develop the technology.

3D Printing from 1981 to 1984

The 1980s was the time when real 3D printing came into existence. In the first half of the decade of the 1980s, only patents were being made. But nothing can be achieved due to lack of funds. Dr. Hideo Kodama from Japan invented a rapid prototyping device and applied for a patent. The machine used a laser curing process. Later Dr Hideo Kodama stopped financing his patent.

In 1984, Jean-Claude André, Olivier de Witte, and Alain le Méhauté focused on the technology of Dr. Hideo Kodama. De Write was experienced in lasers and used this technology in rapid prototyping. All of them were colleagues in Alcatel and the employer was not satisfied with their idea. Due to a lack of funds, these three people also dropped their ideas.

3D Printing from 1984 to 1988

In 1984, the patent office in the US approved the patent of Bill Masters He filed 30 patents for the design of the kayak. Masters started working on a machine but later abandoned it in 1990 as his kayak business was growing.

Charles Chuck is considered as the father of 3D printing. He filed a patent in 1984 for the stereolithography system. He used ultraviolet lamps to create custom parts by curing photosensitive resin layer by layer.

He started his company called 3D Systems after the approval of his patent in 1986. In 1988, he invented and released the first 3D printer named SLA-1. He also invented the STL file format and digital slicing process which is still in use in the 3D industry.

3D Printing from 1988 to 1993

In 1988, FDM and SLS also filed a patent. Carl Deckard invented selective laser sintering. His printer was able to produce basic pieces of plastic. Later it was developed in SLS printing. Scott Crump also filed a patent in 1988 which was approved in 1992. Crump was the co-founder of Stratasys and started using FDM machines for 3D printing. The term 3D printing was used for the first time by Emanuel Sachs in 1993.

3D Printing in 2000s

Zcorp introduced a multicolor 3D printer in 2000 and used inkjet printing technology which was able to print 3D colorful objects. In 2004, Adrian Bowyer started the RepRap movement with the goal of using 3D printers and manufacturing more 3D printers. This helps in creating self-replicating machines. In 2006, a desktop 3D printer was introduced by Objet. This printer helped people to fulfill their 3D printing hobbies but they were not able to share their printing ideas.

In 2008, ThingVerse was launched which helped the users to share their ideas. In 2011, the first 3D food printer was launched. As 3D printing was technologically advancing, many companies started a 3D printing department in their business.

3D Printing from 2012 to 2013

The patent of Stratasys was expiring but it purchased Objet and Marketbot which made 3D printing accessible to the common people. The purchasing was done in 2012 and 2013. In 2013, the first gun was introduced for 3D printing and the designs made were available online. This gun led to a lot of debates and controversy.

But still, the technology of 3D printing advanced after Barack Obama discussed about the technology in the 2013 State of the Union address. Now 3D printing is being used for the formation of 3D-printed prosthetic limbs and a prosthetic hand was developed for a child.

3D Printing from 2014 till now

In 2014, NASA used a 3D printer and took it to space. It used the 3D printer on the International Space Station. In 2024, The first metal 3D printer was used in space with the help of the European Space Agency. Now many companies are using 3D printing for different purposes.

Types of 3D Printing

There are different types of 3D printing and we will discuss them here.

1. Stereolithography

Stereolithography also popular as SLA was the first 3D printing. The inventor of this 3D printing was Chuck Hull who invented it in 1986. Vat Polymerization is a technique which is used for 3D printing. In this technique, a photopolymer gum is restored by a light source.

The surface of the design is smooth and elevated. Galvanometers are the mirrors which are located on the X-pivot and Y-hub. These mirrors help the laser to cross the tank of gum and develop an item layer by layer.

2. Specific Laser Sintering

Specific Laser Sintering also known as SLS softens and converts the nylon-based powder into plastic. The parts of the SLS are produced with the help of a thermoplastic material which is tough and can be used for practical testing. Power Bed Fusion is a 3D printing measure which is used in SLS.

There is a container which consists of thermoplastic powder that is warmed up to the point where it can be changed into a liquid. The forming stage of an item starts with the help of recoating or wiper sharp edges that stores a 0.1mm thick layer of the powder.

The laser hardens the powder when it is released over the galvanometers. This cycle continues till the time the formation of the 3D image of an item is completed.

3. POLYJET

PolyJet is a 3D printing measure which can be used to create a 3D image of an item with different properties. PolyJet can be used by architects for elastomeric prototyping.

4. Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) aka Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)

Fused deposition modeling also known as FDM is a 3D printer that ejects a plastic fiber in different layers. Actual models can be easily made with this printer. Material Extrusion is a cycle which is used by this printer.

It consists of material extrusion gadgets in which a strong thermoplastic material fiber is stacked on the 3D printer. After stacking the fiber, it is pushed through the warmed spout with the help of an engine. This warm spout converts the fiber into a liquid.

The head of the printer expulsion moves in different directions which helps in cooling the fiber and a strong item is formed. After the formation of a layer, the printer makes another layer and this cycle repeats till the time the making of the 3D image of an item is completed.

5. Digital Light Process

The working of the Digital Light Process is faster in comparison to Stereolithography. This is a type of printer in which each layer is uncovered at a glance DLP and SLA can be used for

• Amplifiers
• Adornment dental applications.
• Infusion of shape type polymer models

6. Multi Jet Fusion

Multi Jet Fusion also known as MJF uses nylon powder and stacks the utilitarian parts. Inkjet is used on the bed of the nylon powder. Each layer is combined which helps in the formation of the surface. MJF has s ahead that ejects a lot of droplets of photopolymer and then the ultraviolet light is used for their solidification. After the deposition of a layer, the build platform is lowered by one layer. This process is repeated till the time the 3D image of the whole item is completed.

7. Direct Metal Laser Sintering

Direct metal laser sintering also called DMLS is used for printing metal parts. All the parts of the metal are piled up in a single place. Prototyping and production can be done by DMLS. Metal components created by DMLS can be used in medical applications.

8. Electron Beam Melting

It is a 3D printing technology in which an electron beam is ejected and it is controlled by electromagnetic coils. The beam is used for melting the metal powder The temperature of melting depends on the type of material used.

Materials used in 3D Printing

Different types of printing materials are used in 3D printing and we will discuss about them here in detail.

Plastics

Plastic is the most common material used for 3D printing. 3D toys and household items can be easily made with the help of plastic. Vases, desk utensils, action figures, and many more can be developed by using plastic in 3D printing. Plastic is available in different colors and also in transparent form. Another advantage of plastic is that it is a cost-effective material it is firm, smooth, flexible, and is available in a range of bright colors.

Different types of plastics are used in FDM and these types are discussed below.

• Polyvinyl Alcohol Plastic ? Polyvinyl alcohol plastic is used in some printers available at low cost. PVA can be used with materials that can be dissolved in any liquid. This material is used for making items of temporary usage.
• Polylactic Acid ? Polylactic acid is extracted from sugarcane and corn starch. Hard and soft plastics can be made with this material. It is being expected that this material will be used in the 3D printing industry more than other materials.
• Polycarbonate ? Polycarbonate is not very popular and is used with those 3D printers that consist of nozzles. Molding tray is an item which can be made with this plastic.
• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene ? Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is a safe and strong material which consists of plastic-like filaments which makes it firm and flexible. ABS can be used to make different types of colorful toys, stickers, and many more colorful things.

Powders

Different types of powders are also used in 3D printing and we will discuss them here.

• Polyamide ? Polyamide is a very strong and flexible material and is used for interlocking and joining different places. Toy cars, figures, fasteners, etc. can be easily printed with the help of this material.
• Alumide ? Alumide is a mixture of polyamide and grey aluminum and is used for making 3D models which are very strong. Its appearance is sandy and prototypes and industrial models can be easily made through this powder.

Resins

Resins are not very popular in the 3D printing industry as they are neither very strong nor very flexible. Resins are of different types which are discussed below:

• High-Detail Resins ? These resins are used to make small models which consist of complex details. Complex wardrobes or refrigerators are a few examples.
• Paintable Resin ? Paintable resins are used on smooth surface 3D prints. Figures with beautiful details can be made with this material.
• Transparent Resin ? This is the strongest resin and is more suitable for different types of 3D printing. Items that need a transparent look can be made with the help of this resin.

Metals

Metals are considered as one of the most important materials for 3D printing after plastics. Metals are used in direct metal laser sintering and many manufacturers have adopted this technique for the manufacture of component parts for different industries. The metals used in 3D printing are discussed below.

• Stainless Steel ? Stainless steel can be used for printing such components that have to be used in water regularly.
• Bronze ? Vases, faucets, shower systems, etc. can be made with this metal.
• Nickel ? Nickel is a that can be used for printing coins.
• Aluminum ? Thin metal objects can be printed by using aluminum.
• Titanium ? This is the most preferred metal as it can be used for making strong fixtures.

Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber is used for coating 3D-printed plastic materials. This coating increases the strength of the plastic material. The combination of carbon fiber and plastic can act as an alternative to metal.

Graphite and Graphene

Graphene comes with the properties of conductivity and strength and is a good choice for 3D printing. Different parts of any device and solar panels can be made by using graphene. It is a good conductor of electricity.

Nitinol

Nitinol is a material which can be used for 3D printing in the medical field as it can be used to make implants Its main property is that its elasticity is one of the best options. Nitinol is made by mixing nickel and titanium. Nitinol is very flexible and can be bent up to the maximum without breaking. It can be easily brought to its original shape after bending.

3D Printing Uses and Examples

3D printing is being used in every industry like healthcare, manufacturing, etc. Here we will discuss some of the examples of 3D printing.

Buildings

3D printing can be used to make houses and buildings. An example is a house built in Moscow in 24 hours whose dimension was 400 square foot. Besides houses, different types of structures can be easily erected like emergency shelters, dormitories, etc.

Customized Dental Implants

CAD can be used to design customized dental implants. The implants produced by 3D printing will be an accurate fit and will provide comfort to the patient. Its functionality will also be good.

Health Science

3D printing is being used efficiently in health science. There are 3D bioprinters which can be used to make tissues, organs, and cells from humans and many animals like rabbits rats, etc. Researchers are also able to create organs like ear, nose, muscles, bones, etc. Doctors may use this technology to produce 3D structures with the help of human cells. Artificial skin can be printed by using different cells.

Manufacturing

3D printing is also useful in the manufacturing industries like aerospace, automotive, etc. There are many parts in a machine and if any of them is damaged, the machine cannot work properly. In such a case, 3D printing can be used to make a product that can replace the damaged part. Manufacturers are using 3D printing in a cost-effective manner so that products can be made available at lower costs.

Drug Printing

Spritam is a drug that was produced by using 3D printing. This drug is helpful in curing seizures that are caused due to epilepsy. In this type of printing, the drug was powdered so that it could be dissolved quickly and added between two liquids so that binding could be done easily at the microscopic level. The company that launched the drug is Aprecia Pharmaceuticals.

Food

3D printing is also being used in the culinary art. Chocolate can be easily printed with the help of a plastic 3D printer. Other food items that can be printed are ice creams, cookie dough, hamburgers, etc. The 3D printer works by heating the edible ingredients and then the printing is done layer by layer.

Musical Instruments

Additive manufacturing techniques are being used to develop flutes, banjos, violins, and many more musical instruments. Besides the creation of the whole instruments, accessories, and parts of different instruments can also be prepared through 3D printing.

Drawing

3D printing is also being used in drawing with the help of a 3Doodler handheld pen. This pen can be used to draw 3D printed objects A button is used to control the pen as users can start, stop, and pause the pen. The tip of the pen has to be pressed on a flat surface to make a 3D object.

How to choose a 3D Printer?

3D printing is becoming popular and has been adopted by many industries. It has brought a revolution in many industries like construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and many more. The main thing is the fact that what factors should be determined before buying a 3D printer. Here we will discuss those factors in detail. We will start with types of printer.

Type of Printer

The most common types of printing technologies that are used for 3D printing include ?

• Fusion Deposition Modelling (FDM)
• Stereolithography (SLA)
• Stereo Laser Sintering (SLS)

Most of the 3D printers consist of one of these technologies. FDM printers are used by those who have a hobby of creating different 3D items. SLA can be used to create complex objects which cannot be created by FDM but their cost is comparatively more.

Filament Compatibility

Filament compatibility is an important aspect that should be considered while buying a 3D printer. Different materials are used to make filaments. These materials are ABS, PLA, PETG, etc. Each of these materials comes with different features. Choose such a 3D printer that is compatible with a large number of filaments.

Options for Connectivity

You have to check the connectivity options available in the 3D printer. USB and SD card connectivity options are available in most of the 3D printers. Wireless and internet connectivity are available in high-end printers.

Size and Volume of Printer

You have to think about the space available in your house or office before buying a 3D printer. Besides the size of the printer, you will also have to think about the size of prints that you want for your project or hobby. If the print size is large, the size of the bed should also be chosen accordingly. Large printers cost more in comparison to small and medium-sized printers.

Quality and Speed of Prints

Another thing that you have to think about is the quality of print and the speed at which the printer will print an object. In order to get a print of good quality, you will have to think about the resolution and the height of the layer. The layer height and the resolution are inversely related to each other. If the layer height is high, it will include only a few layers and the print may not look good.

Repairability

3D printers need frequent repairs so you have to check whether the printer that you are choosing can be easily repaired or not. You should choose such a machine whose parts can be easily replaced when needed.

Ease of Use

One of the major factors that is to be considered while purchasing a 3D printer is the ease of use. This factor has to be considered if the printer is being bought for beginners. The software interface should be easy to use and the calibration should also be done easily. The printer should be free from jams and other issues.

Warranty

Warranty is an important factor that you need to consider while purchasing a 3D printer. This will protect you from the malfunctioning of the printer or defects related to manufacturing.

Maintenance and Support

You should purchase a printer that consists of detailed instructions regarding usage and maintenance. The printer should be easily cleaned and the replicable parts should be easily available. You also need to check whether technical support for the printer is available or not.

Additional features

There are many other features which can be considered while purchasing a 3D printer. These may or may not be essential but can be useful. Some of these features include

• Multiple Extruders
• Auto leveling
• Built-in Cameras
• Touchscreen Display
• Internet Connectivity

Design Guidelines for 3D Printing

There are a few guidelines which have to be followed when 3D printing is used. In this article, we will discuss the guidelines that are to be followed.

Tips for 3D design

Here are the tips that the designers have to follow while doing 3D printing.

Wall thickness

The wall thickness should be at least 0.8mm if the outer shell of a product is being designed. The thickness of the wall depends on the diameter of the nozzle. The standard nozzle is 0.4mm and in such a case two nozzles should be used. If a nozzle of 0.8mm is used, the thickness of the wall will be 1.6mm. There is a slicing software that ignores the walls whose thickness is less than 0.8mm.

Bridges

3D printers have the ability to print in the air between the two points and this is known as bridging. No support material should be used in this printing. It is not recommended that the bridging should be 15mm or more. If a gap has to be included whose dimension is larger than 15mm, a support material has to be used. It is not advisable to use support materials as the surface of the design will be disturbed. It is better to use smaller gaps.

Overhangs

An object in 3D printing is created by depositing layer upon layer. As printing in the air cannot be done in the FDM, 3D printing overhangs have to be controlled. A print of high quality can have overhangs up to 45 degrees. Overhangs can also go up to 60 degrees but it depends upon the 3D printer, height of the layer, and support material.

Vertical Holes

Vertical hole is a common issue if the FDM 3D printing is being used to design an object. The size of vertical holes varies depending on the type of 3D printer that is being used along with the material and print settings. Vertical holes are created during the compression of the extruded plastic in the previous layer.

Horizontal Holes and Arches

The size of the horizontal holes and arches may also not be up to the mark and the result is that the top part of the circle becomes an overhang. If the holes and the arches are to be used for a visual purpose, then support material should be used. These functional holes can also be converted to the shape of teardrop holes by inserting fasteners. This helps in controlling under sizing and overhang will also change.

Warping

If the size of an object is large, adhesion to the bed becomes difficult. This can lead to the warping of a part when the model is bent upwards. Rounded corners can reduce the chances of warping. Fillets should be avoided at the bottom edges as this can increase the chances of warping. Small chamfers can be used on the edges so that the distance between the print surface and the extruder can be reduced.

Text Size

It is a difficult task to add text to a 3D model. It is so because the proper font has to be chosen as all fonts cannot be read. Here are a few tips which can be followed to insert text in a 3D model.

• San serif fonts should be used which include Helvetica, Arial, or Montserrat
• Text should be resized so that the thickness can be 0.8mm
• For using embossed or engraved text, the thickness should be 0.4mm

Edges

Most of the objects do not have sharp edges as it is difficult to hold and work with them by hand. It is better to use those objects whose edges are round in shape if the FDM 3D printer is being used. The 3D printer has a part which consists of the extruder that changes its direction frequently. A lot of inertia is generated if the angle of the movement is 90 degrees. The rounded corners will decrease the inertia.

Minimum Feature Size

The nozzle and the motor of the 3D printer are the aspects on which the smallest printable size depends. The size of the extruded plastic should be large so that after its solidification, its original form does not get disturbed. In the case of FDM 3D printer, the minimum feature size should be 2mm. The size of the vertical pins should be of a minimum size so that the print quality remains alright. Usually, these pins are placed on the top of the model so their minimum size can go up to 6mm.

Fillets

Fillets are used to strengthen the fragile elements of the object that connect to the main body. Stress concentration is reduced and the part becomes more resistant.

Ribs

Ribs can be found after disassembling an electronic object. Ribs are the design elements which can hold overhangs and provide strength to the thin walls. The combination of fillets and ribs provides additional strength to the model.

Splitting the Model

A complex model can be split so that it can be printed efficiently. Splitting will help in dividing the model into smaller parts which can be printed easily. It is difficult to print large parts so it is better to split a complex model into two halves as printing will be of good quality and no support material will be required.

3D Printing Software

A 3D printer can work efficiently if a good and easy-to-use software application is installed on it. There are many software applications available and you need to choose the one which can be easily used and understood. Here is a discussion of a few of those software applications.

MatterControl 2.0

MatterControl 2.0 is a software that consists of all features used by a 3D printer. It consists of a printer host, CAD software, and slicer. CAD can be used for the creation of new models and they can be sliced with the help of the slicer. MatterControl 2.0 can also monitor the printing and control it with the help of a USB connection and Wi-Fi. The user interface of the software application consists of different types of geometric shapes which can be imported for printing.

Tinkercad

Tinkercad is a software application which can be used by beginners and inexperienced individuals to create models through a 3D printer. The interface of Tinkercad consists of many design features and manual building tools. This will help the beginners to create basic models and then start creating advanced and complex ones.

Blender

Blender is an open-source software application and is available for free. This software application can be used by beginners and experienced individuals. Blender comes with a lot of features which can be used for animation, 3D modeling, simulation, rendering, etc.

Autodesk Fusion 360

Autodesk Fusion 360 is a software application which can be used to print complex shapes. The software allows users to check the outcome of the 3D model before printing. It will help the individuals to find the errors and flaws and eliminate them so that a proper model can be made.

UVTools

UVTools is an open-source software application which is a resin printing suite. It can manipulate the layers if needed and masked SLA can be manipulated. It consists of a twin-stage motor which helps in increasing the print speed.

Cura

Cura is an open-source software application which can be used to make simple as well as complex models. It supports different kinds of 3D printers and file formats. Shapes can be easily manipulated as there are many options available on the user interface.

WebPrinter

WebPrinter is a browser-based software application in which individuals can preview the G-code file which users have to upload and the application will transmit the file to the printer.

Solidworks

Solidworks is a 3D modeling software application which can be used by product developers and engineers. The software provides the option of testing the safety of the product and its performance. After the approval of the test, the designs can be sent for printing.

Simplify3D

Simplify3D is a slicing application which can be used for improving the quality of the print. The CAD is sliced into layers and the issues related to the model are removed. The final output can be previewed before printing.

Creo

Creo is a software application which can be used for designing detailed models. These models can be efficiently and easily printed. Designs can also be generated with the help of artificial intelligence as the software supports AI. Users can also improve the design and remove flaws.

3D Printing Vs. Additive Manufacturing

3D printing and additive manufacturing are very close to each other but there are a few differences which we will discuss here in detail.

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing is a technology which is used to print 3D objects with the help of depositing layers one by one in a cycle. One of the most popular software is CAD which lets the printer know about the amount of material that is to be used for depositing and also the place of deposition. The most common materials used for 3D printing are polymers. Other materials used in 3D printing are alloys, metals, ceramics, etc.

What is Additive Manufacturing?

Additive manufacturing is a technology in which objects are created by adding material. A machine and CAD software are the requirements for creating objects through additive manufacturing. This technology has the ability to evaluate the following ?

• Dimensions of the object
• Ergonomics
• Parts and prototypes precision

More complex projects can be developed through additive manufacturing in comparison to 3D printing.

Difference between 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing

There are a lot of differences between 3D printing and additive manufacturing and we will discuss them here in the table below.

3D Printing Vs. Rapid Prototyping

3D printing and rapid prototyping are the technologies that are used to print objects. Here we will discuss the difference between both of them.

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing is a process in which an object is printed layer by layer. A print head, nozzle, etc. are used for printing. 3D printing is a part of additive manufacturing. Many manufacturing companies are using 3D printing at a lower cost in comparison to rapid prototyping and traditional manufacturing processes.

What is Rapid Prototyping?

Rapid prototyping is a part of additive manufacturing. A model can be created at a fast pace with this technology. There are two types of prototypes used in rapid prototyping. These prototypes are

• Low-fidelity prototype in which differentiations between the original and final products can be easily noticed.
• High-fidelity prototype in which the final product is similar to the original one.

Users who use rapid prototyping are engineers and product designers. If a design has errors, then it is very hard to fix them and it takes a lot of time.

Difference between 3D Printing and Rapid Prototyping

The table below shows the difference between 3D printing and rapid prototyping.

3D Printing Vs 4D Printing

3D printing is becoming popular among many industries but now 4D printing has also emerged. Let us see the difference between 3D and 4D printing.

Future of 3D Printing

3D printing is being adopted by many industries like healthcare, manufacturing, aerospace, music industry, and many more. It has a bright future and some of the predictions are discussed below.

3D printing will be fast and cost-effective

The development of 3D printing is going at a fast pace and the technologies can help in fulfilling the rising demands of different products for various industries. Specialized materials can be developed at a rapid pace. The new 3D printers will have the option of using different types of materials to develop various types of products at a lower cost. The cost of machines may be high but the printing speed will be fast and the cost of the productswill be low.

3D printing future in supply chain

A large number of materials and printers will be needed by the manufacturers in the future. Additive manufacturing can become a part of the supply chain in the future and all the steps involved in the supply chain can be combined into a single step. Manufacturers are trying to automate the production process with security.

3D Printing in Construction

3D printing can be used in the construction industry which will be helpful in making houses and buildings. This technology can help in making digital buildings at a fast pace. A large footprint-printer will be needed for the construction of the building. This machine will operate in a concrete material version of Fused Filament Fabrication and buildings can be constructed at a fast speed at a low cost. People will get affordable homes and construction costs will also be lowered.

Metal 3D Printing

Research is being done to make metal alloys with the help of 3D printing. Metal powders are being used to reduce the cost of making alloys and also reduce difficulties, and hazards. The surface quality of alloys can be improved and this can be done with the help of laser and electron beam technology.

3D Printing in the Manufacturing Sector

3D printing will play a good role in the manufacturing industry as metal 3D printing is advancing which will help in the production of different parts of automobiles, machines, etc. As 3D printing is a cost-effective option so manufacturers will use it in the future and multiple parts can be made easily.

3D Printing in Materials

There are many materials that are used for 3D printing and many of them are polymers. Research is being done to improve the properties of these polymers. These properties include thermal stability and chemical resistance. Usually, FDM printers are used for 3D printing. 3D printing can be used to develop different kinds of alloys.

Other materials that can be used for 3D printing include ceramics and composite materials. Researchers are also using bioprinters to make products like organs, cells, tissues, muscles, etc. In the future, functional and smart materials may be developed which can be used in 3D and 4D printing.

3D Printing in Aerospace

Different sectors in aerospace like aviation, drone, and orbital sectors may use 3D printing as it can help in the designing of lightweight components and the geometry of each component and product can be improved. The 3D design may also help to improve the fuel efficiency. Different types of products like turbine blades, combustion chambers, and fuel nozzles can be developed.

3D printing has a bright future because of fast speed, low cost of the final product, advanced methods of production, and many more. Different types of businesses will use 3D printing to fulfill the needs of demand and supply.

Advantages of 3D Printing

3D Printing has many advantages and we will enlist them here.

• Prototypes can be quickly and easily created
• The cost of creating prototypes is low
• The products created through 3D printing are highly customized
• 3D printing uses the necessary amount of material so there is no wastage
• Manufacturing of products can be done in front of the clients
• Companies can produce a low volume of products which provides an opportunity for mass customization
• More freedom related to design is offered by 3D printing
• Products developed are of good quality
• Supply chain efficiency can be enhanced
• Bioprinting organs help in organ transplantation
• Detailed medical models can be created for training purposes
• Intellectual property protection is offered by 3D printing
• Different types of materials are supported by 3D printing like polymers, metals, ceramics, etc.

Disadvantages of 3D Printing

3D printing has a few disadvantages which are listed below.

• The speed of making a product is slow in comparison to traditional manufacturing methods
• The materials used by 3D printing are limited in comparison to traditional manufacturing methods
• A broad range of materials are available but a few of them may not give the desired results
• Initial investment in 3D printing is high
• Post-processing is required to finish the product and enhance its quality
• The surface finish of a product through 3D printing is not good in comparison to the traditional methods
• Production of large objects is not easy
• It is difficult to make complex design
• It is difficult to maintain accuracy and resolution
• Large parts of an object have to be printed in segments and then assembled which results in poor strength
• Additional steps like support removal and other post-processing things have to be done

Conclusion

3D printing is a part of additive manufacturing. There are different types of 3D technologies that are installed on a 3D printer so that 3D objects can be developed. The 3D printers are available at varying costs depending on the type of technology used. Different types of software applications are available which can be used to print an object through 3D printers.

FAQs on 3D Printing

1. What is the cost of the implementation of 3D printing?

The cost of the implementation of 3D printing depends on the type of 3D printing technology used. 3D printers are available at low cost and for professionals and industries, expensive machines are also available. The criteria on which the printers can be differentiated are ?

• Part size
• Material quality
• Material type
• Reliability
• Accuracy
• Consistency

2. How 3D printing is beneficial to designers?

The design process is shortened in comparison to the traditional methods. The design can be made in-house and there is no need for outsourcing. Designers can also develop new ideas and make different types of objects. Beautiful designs can be easily made.

3. What are the 3 stages of 3D printing?

The three stages of 3D printing are ?

• Preparation or pre-processing
• Building
• Finishing or post processing

In the preparation stage, a digital file has to be made which is to be processed. This processing depends on the type of 3D printer that is being used. In the building stage, the 3D object is built by applying a layer on the bed and then each layer is added over the other till the time the object is prepared. In the post-processing stage, the 3D product is cleaned and painted to give it a nice finish.

4. How much time does it take to print an object?

The speed of printing an object depends on the 3D technology that is being used in a 3D printer. Some printers have the ability to print fast in comparison to others.

5. What are the different types of 3D technologies used in 3D printers?

The 3D technologies used in 3D printers are as follows ?

• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
• Stereolithography (SLA)
• Specific Laser Sintering (SLS)
• Digital Light Processing (DLP)
• Selective Laser Melting (SLM)