3D Printing

3D printing is making three dimensional objects by using additive processes. This means putting many thin layers of a material successively. Charles W. Hull created the first 3D printer in 1980s. It is a totally different way of manufacturing objects as it enables consumers to download files and print the final physical product. 3D printers use different materials like plastic, steel, ceramic and gold. This method had grown widely in recent years.

3D applications

3D printing has significant applications and practical uses in different fields.

1. Applications in industry: 

It gives opportunities for different industries to manufacture high-quality designs rapidly. For example, In architecture, models of buildings and innovative structures can be created and architects can modify them easily. Engineers in aviation industry can also make mechanical parts and test their function quickly. Also, gigs and fixtures can be produced; they are work-holding devices used in machines and assembly work.

2. Medical applications: 

Some patients lose certain parts of their bodies and 3D printing is the solution for them. 3D printed parts can be implanted in their bodies like knees and joints. This method has changed the life of many amputees to the better by giving them prosthetics.

3. Fashion: 

This invention allows fashion designers to come up with unique styles and new innovative clothes.

4. Transportation: 

3D parts can be produced and this results in improving vehicles.

5. Design: 

Some designs cannot be achieved by the traditional manufacturing methods, so 3D printing is again the key. No limitations can be found and the result is efficient and perfect component parts.

6. Art and jewelry: 

Creating new patterns and ornaments is now easy and precise thanks to 3D printing. Although it is making jewelry an art, but this technique has saved a lot of time and money.

7. Education: 

Nowadays it is possible for students studying different subjects to use 3D printers to get physical objects in their hands. For example, geography students can print out population maps. Chemistry students can print out molecules. Biology students can print out a virus, etc. In this case, students deal with real things and it is much more interesting.

8. Agriculture: 

This tech is also beneficial in agriculture for it saves time and expenses and can serve in several things. For instance, it serves in creating maintenance parts such as a valve or a wrench for the irrigation system. Spare parts are another example and every farmer should have them.

3D printing advantages

The first advantage is that this technology can use limitless kinds of materials. In addition, it has good effect on the environment as it lowers fuel consumption resulted from traditional manufacturing methods. Start-up costs are relatively low because it does not need specific tools or molds. Fast prototyping is another advantage even in the case of large machines, it will not take more than five days to create.

3D printing challenges

The main challenge is the lack of skilled workers and qualified employees. Not any manufacturing worker can do the job. This labor shortage is affecting the process.

The future of 3D printing technology

It is anticipated that in the coming years 3D printing technology will become very popular and that software and hardware will be produced. In the near future, we could see even food and new recipes. You might print out chocolate, fruit or pizza. Also, Researchers now are thinking of 3D printing a rocket using the biggest 3D printer in the world. In summery, it seems that this technology has limitless possibilities of ideas to be implemented in reality.

Keywords: 3D printing, 3D printing applications, advantage, challenges