3D printing is the process of making a three-dimensional
solid object from a digital model.
3D printing, or additive manufacture, is where
layer
upon layer of material is built up to make
an object.
The beauty of this technique is that almost
any
shape can be created in this way.
So, how do you actually print something in
3D?
There’s a few stages that a project will
need to go through.
First, a design for the object needs to be
completed.
This computer generated model is sliced into
cross-sections for the printer to use as a
guideline.
The next step is printing the object.
The 3D printer reads the blueprint and lays
down
successive layers of material to build the
model.
A diverse range of materials can be used such
as
plastics, metal, paper and ceramic.
As each layer is printed, it sticks to the
previous
one to create a cohesive final shape.
3D printers are capable of printing complex
layers that can
form moving parts, like hinges and wheels,
as part of the same object.
You could build a bicycle - with handlebars,
frame,
wheels - readily assembled, without the need
for any tools.
You just have to leave gaps in the right spots.
3D printing is used across a variety of industries
such as
high-end manufacture, where it’s used for
rapid prototyping and research.
This allows designers and concept developers
the flexibility
to produce parts and models on demand.
They are then able to modify these as required.
And finally, 3D printing is pushing healthcare
into new areas.
It’s being used to make medical parts such
as custom hearing
aids and braces and even to reproduce body
parts like customised
hip implants or prosthetic hands in exact
proportions to fit the patient.
