How Artists Can Use 3D Printing

3d printing is a very fascinating form of manufacturing technology that has the power to truly change the world. This technology has the power to accomplish some serious feats within the manufacturing world. There are engineers currently using this technology to simply blow the minds of many customers, clients, and others. This technology has allowed for the creation of some seriously intricate pieces! Before I go into depth, let’s discuss what 3D printing actually is.

In a nutshell, 3D printing is the layer by layer creation of various products. This manufacturing process works by using a computer aided manufacturing system, also known as a CAM system, to print 3D models. Layers of material will be stacked upon each other to create fully finished pieces. There is quite a variety of materials to choose when it comes down to actually creating products. Some materials are offer, such as stainless steel, Inconel (used within jet engines), titanium (used as rocket ship lining), and cobalt chrome (used as bio-compatible material for things such as titanium spine implants). There are other options for materials, such as various types of ABS plastics (think LEGO’s), PLA plastics, and flame retardant materials. Ceramics are even being printed! Rubber-like flexible materials are coming about, and multi-color materials are also coming about. The point is, there are tons of materials to choose from. Many printing bureaus and companies offer quite a few, some offer over 50. Objet’s line of printers offer over 107 mixed combinations of materials. The options are nearly endless.

So 3D printing can utilize some flashy materials, so what? Well, 3D printing can do some pretty crazy stuff within the manufacturing world. This technology has the power to truly put down machining methods, as well as mold manufacturing. When a piece needs to be made entirely custom, with a certain material in particular, while using a very intricate design – 3D printing can usually take over this project. Various forms of manufacturing can’t do what this technology can, based on the layer by layer process used in 3D printing, or additive manufacturing. Machining methods can only remove material from a block of material, while mold manufacturing can’t create very intricate pieces. 3D printing offers the capabilities to create very unique and intricate models and pieces, all through a wide variety of materials. Now keep in mind that only some printers can only offer some materials, but collectively, 3D printing has access to tons of materials, as well as tons of ways to create products through those materials. The options are pretty endless.

Many 3D artists are taking advantages of these capabilities by being able to print 3d models which are very intricate. Some artists are creating models with very curvy exteriors that are “windy” if you will. Some artists are creating pieces that include incredibly intricate pieces within the centers of the final product. These parts offer great detail, curvature, and many other features. Hollow spaces are also included within this array of features. When it comes down to the bottom line, 3D printing has the capabilities to create what other forms of manufacturing cannot.