What Can 3D Printing Do

3D printing is a very impactful form of manufacturing technology. This technology allows for the creation of almost anything from over 60 materials! Just imagine that – you have the power to create virtually anything. Sure there are some limits. The build envelope, or maximum size of a 3D printed object isn’t massive. Some models go as large as 10 inches by inches by 10 inches – plus or minus a little bit. The detail levels are limited dependent on the material, but some materials offer details as high as 10 microns! The average diameter of a human hair is over 20 microns. Imagine that kind of detail! This would allow for the creation of incredibly intricate models.

This technology is also gaining in stature, as other applications are making it easier to use 3D printing. Places like Kraftwurx or Shapeways are becoming much more competitive with supplying this technology to the masses. Businesses like thatsmyface are allowing for truly custom products. Imagine being able to 3D print your face on an action figure. Sound interesting?

There is hype, by what is 3D printing? 3D printing is the layer by layer creation of virtually any shape through a 3D printer. These printers are very intricate, and can create some serious models! For a product to be created through 3D printing, a computer image must be created. Artists, designers, engineers, whatever you’d like to call it – they will have to develop a computer image. This image will be the blueprint for the product. This design will then be sent to a computer prior to manufacturing. These printers work with a computer aided manufacturing system (CAM) and will create products in accordance to the designs. Models are created layer by layer within these printers out of various materials. These materials can consist of a wide variety of properties. Some materials offer mechanical properties. Others are smooth. Some are heat retardants. A few are flexible. Many are rigid. Whatever you’re looking for, a material is probably in existence for that purpose. Materials like stainless steel, cobalt chrome, titanium, Inconel, glass, ceramics, ABS plastic, nylons, rubber like materials, silver, gold, platinum, and others are available. Keep in mind that if a designer, artist, or engineer can design a product, then it can be manufactured through 3D printing. With that in mind, take into account that virtually anything can be manufactured out of virtually any material that is used for manufacturing purposes. We can create almost anything! Fully function parts are coming out of printers. Applications such as a ball within a ball are coming out. Mechanical parts are becoming dominant. Art is a big application within this technology.

When looking at 3D printing, there are simply so many options to choose from when creating a product. How it will be designed is obviously a big one, but the material choice is arguably more important. Just imagine being able to create virtually anything with virtually any kind of curves or grooves that you’d like, within virtually any material!