Have you heard the term ‘3D printing?’ Perhaps you wonder why anyone needs a letter or report for the boss printed in three dimensions. After all, we only read in two dimensions.
Yet at the same time, most of us have some exposure to computer aided design (CAD), being able to see a design onscreen in three dimensions. We can see the design on the monitor; we can twist the design and see all sides from every angle. Our own GSA Public Buildings Service uses CAD all the time.
We take for granted there are many steps needed to move the design from the computer monitor to an actual model or even a finished product. Designers often produce working drawings and engage tradespersons and modelers. A great deal of time may be required to go from that computer design to the physical product.
Suppose we put the two concepts, ‘3D printing’ and ‘CAD,’ together.
Well, here is where 3D printers come into play! 3D printers do not just print with ink, but with plastic resins or other materials. Just as an ink jet printer can put numerous layers of ink on paper, the 3D printer can follow CAD design specifications and put down numerous layers of material. Architects, engineers, and designers in the automotive, electronics, aerospace, defense, as well as healthcare fields benefit from the quick and accurate physical products 3D printers produce.
3D printers have actually been around for many years, but their high cost limited their use to special situations, mostly for crafting quick prototypes before committing to an expensive manufacturing run. Indeed, some 3D printers can be quite sophisticated, but now the choices include simpler 3D printers costing $5,000 or less, well within the means of smaller designers and manufacturers. Efforts are underway to reduce the costs of materials so students can experiment more in the lab, and the range of print materials has broadened. More and more, 3D printers are being used to produce final products, not just prototypes.
Last week’s Economist had a fabulous article about 3D printing and its impact. People are now using this technology to make sophisticated industrial products, including “medical implants, jewellery, football boots designed for individual feet, lampshades, racing-car parts, solid-state batteries and customised mobile phones.” Three dimensional printing is known as “additive” manufacturing, because the object is built up layer upon layer, rather than the traditional “subtractive” processes of cutting, drilling, milling and machining. Consequently, 3D printing requires a great deal less raw materials and can produce lighter end products. Aircraft manufacturer EADS is experimenting with 3D printing to manufacture titanium parts, using only 10% of the titanium required for a subtractive process. That makes this a green technology—less waste, less energy consumed, and lower lifecycle costs.
Three dimensional printing has the potential to be economically disruptive. It lowers the costs and risks of manufacturing, making economies of scale much less relevant and speeding time to market. In an era of mass customization, 3D printing allows for rapid design changes and endless variations on a standard design.
Someday this may impact us personally. For instance, suppose I lose the lens cap for my new digital camera. I can order one the traditional way from a retailer or manufacturer. This involves the time and expense of manufacturing, storing and shipping. Or perhaps my local 3D print shop can ‘print’ one for me tomorrow, using the specs available online. I might pay the camera manufacturer for the specs and the print shop for its effort, presumably saving time and expense. Eventually, I might ‘print’ my lens cap in my home.
The widespread availability of 3D printing will lead to some very interesting legal challenges and intellectually property concerns with the inevitable lawsuits. If the current copyright issues regarding music and books are any guide, it will be an interesting and long process.
Let me know where you see 3D printers fitting into your life.
I think it is a very interesting type of printing!
I have never heard of 3D printing before and it sound quite exciting. With all new technologies there is bound to be some sort of impact on jobs; it may create jobs in some areas while jobs may be lost in other areas.
I read about this somewhere else also. It sounds pretty neat but you are correct that it will have an impact on jobs.
This is the first I have heard of this, but then again I am a truck driver so not to much tech there. I think a good way to help the economy and small business would be to make this type of device available to all. Have one located at every SBA field office, and charge a use fee to cover materials. Just a thought.
Reference to the Economist’s article: I believe 3D printing can be very successful in a manufacturing environment only if multi-material printing is made possible. In prototyping it is another story, because material properties do not play such a dominant role. Not sure at which maturity level the 3d printing technology stands in this respect.
cool! this is the first time i ever heard of 3d printing!!! hope someday it could be mass-produced for everyone to afford one in our houses
that would be really really cool,not to mention, useful!!!
My dad uses auto cad on almost a daily basis, I can definitely see how 3d printers could be of use in his industry. I just cant believe how quickly technology is advancing these days
Welcome to the 21st century Cornell! Over here you’ll see all the other 3d printers people made and use by squirting things out of a tube. Over there you’ll see the old guy who can just sculpt things into the shape of ears out of silicone using a calking gun!
3d printing will have an impact but shortening time to value with rapid prototypes still requires creativity and good design. Similar to my new DSLR, it can shoot over 5 frames per second. Which means I can now take terrible pictures even faster. Being quick on the prototype will enhance design.
Find out how Black & Decker simplifies rapid prototyping and how small businesses are winning the consumer products development war – both with the help of their Dimension 3D Printers.