History

3D printing is also known as additive manufacturing. It is a process in which a real, physical object is created based on a 3D design blueprint. 3D printing is an emerging technology that first was introduced in the year 1986; however, it wasn’t until the 1990s that it began to draw serious attention from all corners of the technology world.

For many, 3D printing is no less than a technology right out of Star Trek or some parallel universe. The ability to create objects from the ground up is really astonishing for a great number of people.

How its work

Contrary to traditional subtractive manufacturing processes that rely on methods of cutting and drilling to carve out objects, an additive manufacturing process like 3D printing works by ‘fusing together’ layers of powdered material to build an object.

This task is performed by a machine called a 3D printer which, under computer control, can carry out this process with unmatched precision and superior accuracy.

Application of 3d printing

Aerospace

The technology is being used to manufacture complex yet lightweight parts for aircraft and space applications.

Education

3D printing provides an excellent method for geometry visualizations and design initiatives at art schools. It is also used in numerous disciplines of study for research purposes.

Automobile

The automotive industry actively uses 3D printing technology for design verification as well as for the development of new engines.

Manufacturing

The manufacturing industry employs the use of 3D printing for a variety of purposes, including creating models of products before they are manufactured on a mass scale. It is also used to achieve a faster product development cycle and for design troubleshooting.

Defence

3D printing technology in the Defense sector is being utilized for making light-weight parts for surveillance equipment

Architecture

This industry utilizes this technology for structure verification, design review, reverse-structure engineering, and expedited scaled modeling

Entertainmaint

All kinds of prototypes of toys, action figures, games, musical equipment and other things are being manufactured using 3D printers.

Healthcare

The medical field has gained an edge as a result of the advancements in 3D printing. A number of working organs have been created and a lot of research is being carried out. It may not be too long when organs for transplant could be easily ‘printed’.