The Many Uses of a 3D Printer

 

 

 

 

You may have already seen the ubiquitous 3D printer, but you may not realize how many uses it has. The uses of 3D printers vary depending on the materials and precision of the printer. Modern 3D printing was only developed over the last decade, so it is still a relatively new technology. Its popularity has increased dramatically in recent years. Here are some of the most common 3D printer uses. These printers are primarily used in the design industry, but you can also find them in many households, including kitchens, rec rooms, and workbenches. This link will open up your minds even more on this topic.

 

A 3D printer works by extruding molten plastic through a tiny nozzle. It then waits for a layer to dry and then prints the next layer on top. A high-quality 3D printer can produce amazing 3D models, while a cheap one will give you a haphazard line of plastic. Regardless of the type of 3D printer you decide to buy, be sure to know what you'll be printing.

 

While 3D printers have only recently become widely available, the technology behind these machines has been around for decades. Researchers originally called this method "molecular spray" and began developing commercial printers in the mid-1980s. The technology was eventually patented in 1986 by Charles "Chuck" Hull, and his company was later named 3D Systems Corporation. This printer was developed to build 3D objects, including plastic prototypes. The first commercial 3D printer, the SLA-1, was released in 1987 or 1988.

 

Designers and engineers have long been using 3D printers for rapid prototyping, but they are increasingly being used to create actual products. Besides making prototypes, 3D printers can also produce shoes, furniture, wax castings for jewelry, novelty items, and tools. Even archaeologists are using 3D printers to reproduce broken artifacts. Even paleontologists can duplicate fossils to help their research. A 3D printer can make anything!

 

New Story, a nonprofit in Mexico, is a good example of a real-world use for a 3D printer. They are printing 500-square-foot homes every day, and have built mini 3D-printed home communities in El Salvador, Haiti, Bolivia, and Mexico. As of this writing, they have printed over two thousand homes. They are currently working on more sophisticated printers for the future. However, there are some limitations to this new technology. If the topic is still not clear to you,  here is a great post to read that demystify the topic.

 

A typical 3D printer runs on a computer and builds up a 3D model layer-by-layer. The process is called fused depositional modeling, and the printer uses layers of plastic or powder to build a model. It uses ultraviolet light to fuse layers of plastic and remove the need for paper in between. This method allows 3D printers to produce objects that previously would not be possible. A 3D printer can even print 3D models of complex objects, such as medical implants.

 

In addition to medical applications, 3D printers can also be used to produce prosthetics, artificial teeth, and even organs and tissues. Project Daniel, an organization that builds prosthetics for the Sudan victims, is a great example of this. The research for this technology continues to advance as a way to print organs and live tissues. If you're thinking about buying a 3D printer, make sure it includes features for forensics. Education is a never ending process, so continue reading here: https://www.britannica.com/technology/3D-printing.