WHAT IS 3-D PRINTING?

• Three-dimensional printing is a method of converting a virtual 3D model into a physical object.

• 3-D printing is a form of additive manufacturing technology where three dimensional objects are created by successive layers of material.

Additive manufacturing: is the process of making a part or product by adding successive layers of material in a relatively efficient way,

What is 3-D Printer?

A device which is used for 3-D printing is called 3-D Printer.

In recent years 3D printers have become financially accessible to small and medium sized business, so it is use both in heavy industry and in the office environment.

These printers use in the industrial design, architecture, automotive, aerospace, dental and medical industries.

Uses

"Three-Dimensional Printing - A Tool for Solid Modeling" was presented and officially "published" at the April 1991 Conference of the National Computer Graphics Association.

 It seemed that most attendees  were convinced that computer graphics would very soon eliminate the use of physical models for "visualization."  Recently, more people seem to realize that "real physical models" cannot be replaced by "virtual models." 

It has even been reported that Ford Motor Company has resumed cooperation with art schools in order to train the next generation of "clay modelers" for the visualization of automobiles.

While rapid prototyping dominates current uses, 3D printers offer tremendous potential for production applications as well. 

Resolution is given in layer thickness and X-Y resolution in dpi (dot per inch).

Typical layer thickness is around 100 micrometres (0.1 mm), while X-Y resolution is comparable to that of laser printers.

The particles (3D dots) are around 50 to 100 micrometres (0.05-0.1 mm) in diameter.

Increase Innovation Print prototypes in hours, obtain feedback, refine designs and repeat the

cycle until designs are perfect Improve Communication Hold a full color, realistic 3D model in your hands to impart infinitely more

information than a computer image Create physical 3D models quickly, easily and affordably for a wide variety of

applications Speed Time To Market Compress design cycles by 3D printing multiple prototypes on demand, right

in your office Reduce Development Costs Cut traditional prototyping and tooling costs Identify design errors earlier Reduce travel to production facilities Win Business Bring realistic 3D models to prospective accounts, sponsors and focus groups

Advantages of 3D PrintingThe most successful companies have adopted 3D printing as a critical part of

the iterative design process to:

1. Complete 3D models can be manufactured including those with hollow parts that could not possibly be made by hand in one piece, even by the most skilled engineer or craftsperson. Parts such as bearings, engineering parts and complex working models can be manufactured.

2. A variety of resins and waxes can be applied to the completed model. These increase the strength of the model, its temperature resistance and allows paint and finishes to be applied realistically.

3. A two part urethane can be added to the model to give it the properties of rubber.

4. Models can be electroplated to give the look and feel of a range of metals.

5. Manufactured model parts can be combined with real parts to produce a fully functioning product that can then be tested and evaluated.

Standard applications include Design visualization Prototyping/Modeling Metal casting Architecture Education Healthcare Entertainment/Retail

Product Mockups: With a 3D Printer, you can create mockups (models) of your product within hours. Many users have saved a lot of time and money by creating product mockups.

 Any geometric complexity:  Objects can be formed with any geometric complexity without the need for elaborate machine setup or final assembly;

Manageable: Additive fabrication systems reduce the construction of complex objects to a manageable, straightforward, and relatively fast process.

1. Engineering: Engineers only have to make

a 3D graphic image & have it using a 3D printer.

2. Architecture.  Architects need to create models of

their designs. 

4. Medicine. There are many medical cases

where surgical procedures can be a touch-and-go thing.

3. Education: 3D printing allows teachers to create more accurate visual aids for students

They learn more about the subject matter.

5. Advertising and marketing:

Advertisers and marketers need their clients to have a more solid idea of the products they are selling. Creating 3D models of their products gives them an edge that can boost their sales.