3. โข The technology for printing physical 3D objects from digital data was
first developed by Charles Hull in 1984.
โข He named the technique as Stereo lithography and obtained a patent
for the technique in 1986.
โข By the end of 1980s, other similar technologies such as Fused
Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) were
introduced.
โข In 1993, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) patented another
technology, named "3 Dimensional Printing techniques", which is
similar to the inkjet technology used in 2D Printers.
โข In 1996, three major products, "Genisys" from Stratasys, "Actua 2100"
from 3D Systems and "Z402" from Z Corporation, were introduced.
โข In 2005, Z Corp. launched a breakthrough product, named Spectrum
Z510, which was the first high definition color 3D Printer in the market.
4. โข 3D printing is a technology where a three dimensional
object is created by laying down successive layers of
material.
โข It is also known as Additive manufacturing.
โข 3D printing is achieved using an additive process, where
successive layers of material are laid down in different
shapes.
5. โข Additive manufacturing - refers to technologies that create objects through
sequential layering.
โข Rapid prototyping - is a group of techniques used to quickly fabricate a scale
model of a physical part or assembly using three-dimensional computer
aided design (CAD) data.
โข Subtractive processes - removal of material by methods such as cutting or
drilling.
โข Stereolithography was defined by Charles W. Hull as a "system for generating
three-dimensional objects by creating a cross-sectional pattern of the object
to be formed"
6. โข To perform a print, the machine reads the design from 3D printable file
(STL file).
โข STL file โ StereoLithography file format.
โข It lays down successive layers of liquid, powder, paper or sheet material to
build the model from a series of cross sections.
โข These layers, which correspond to the virtual cross sections from the CAD
model, are joined or automatically fused to create the final shape.
โข Printer resolution describes layer thickness and X-Y resolution in dpi (dots
per inch), or micrometers.
โข X-Y resolution is comparable to that of laser printers.
โข The particles (3D dots) are around 50 to 100 ฮผm (510 to 250 DPI) in
diameter.
7. โข Stereolithography (SLA)(for complex designs)
โข UV Laser + Photopolymer
โข A liquid photosensitive polymer that solidifies when exposed to UV
light.
8. โข Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) (wide material
range)
โข Powerful Laser + Powder Material
โข A high power laser fuse small particles of plastic, ceramic, metal or
glass powders.
9. โข Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) (Strength,
Durability)
โข Plastic Extruder + CNC Platform
โข An extruder puts small beads of
thermoplastic material to form
layers onto a CNC controlled
platform, the material hardens
immediately after extrusion
from nozzle.
10. โข Medical Applications- Have successfully helped in designing of
human bladder, kidney, prosthetic leg. Also useful in research.
โข Artificial Jewelry โ Started offering 14K gold in 2011
โข Forensic Pathology- Reconstructing of bones and body parts in
forensic labs.
โข Smartphone- Smartphone 3D scanner Design in progress.
โข Space Manufacturing- NASA testing additive manufacturing
machines in aircrafts.
โข 3D Printing Pen- LIX the smallest 3D Pen available.
11. โข Future applications for 3D printing might include creating open-source
scientific equipment to create open source labs.
โข Science-based applications like reconstructing fossils in paleontology.
โข Replicating ancient and priceless artifacts in archaeology.
โข Reconstructing heavily damaged evidence acquired from crime scene
investigations.
โข The technology currently being researched for construction purpose.
12. โข Intellectual property rights of the 3D printer users.
โข Nearly anything can be printed by 3D printers and this is troubling
prospect if criminals use 3D printers to create illegal products.
โข Firearms designs could be downloaded and reproduced by anybody
with a 3D printer.
โข High cost Of 3D Printers.
โข Time consuming process.
13. 3D Printing technology could revolutionize and re-shape the world.
Advances in 3D printing technology can significantly change and
improve the way we manufacture products and produce goods
worldwide.
If the last industrial revolution brought us mass production and the
advent of economies of scale - the digital 3D printing revolution could
bring mass manufacturing back a full circle - to an era of mass
personalization, and a return to individual craftsmanship.