3D printing is a process that has revolutionized several industries. It allows to turn ideas into reality through the use of printing technology. The process involves adding layers of material, such as plastic or metal, until the final object reaches the desired, shape according to the details in the customer’s order.
There are several 3D printing models, but the most popular remain the following:
- FDM – Fused Deposition Modelling
- SLA – Stereolithography
In the first case, a thread of thermoplastic material is used, it is heated and extruded through a hole, creating layers that are added on top of each other to shape the final object.
In the second case, SLA technology uses the laser beam to solidify thin layers of liquid resin, creating the final object from these solid layers.
To start turning your ideas into reality, that is, to start 3D printing, you need a 3D model of the desired object, which can be created with a software such as Autodesk Fusion 360. Other software can be SketchUp or Blender. After making this model, it must be processed through special programs.
The compatibility of the model with the printer and the optimization of the print settings are taken into account. One of the biggest advantages of 3D printing is the ability to create complex objects that are very difficult or even impossible to create using classic methods.
Last but not least, 3D printing can be an accessible and efficient prototyping method, which can allow rapid testing of a project before it is mass produced. We must state that 3D printing also has some constraints. It can be expensive depending on the type of material used and the complexity of the object.
What’s more, some objects may require post-processing, such as sanding or painting, to obtain a quality finish.
As a result, 3D printing remains a revolutionary technology that allows the transformation of ideas into reality, through printing. Thanks to the right software programs and a 3D printer, almost anyone can venture into creating complex and unique objects, offering unlimited production and design possibilities.
Despite its limitations, 3D printing will continue to develop and play an increasingly important role for the future of production and design.