3D Printing: What Can It Do for You?

3D Systems Chuck Hull created the first three-dimensional printer or 3D printer in 1983. Hull is one of the innovators that came up with the idea and created the stereolithography3D printer.

The 3D printer is the first of its kind that is used for rapid commercial prototyping.

What is 3D printing?

Three-dimensional printing is the process wherein layers of material and built to create a part with three dimensions. 3D printing is the process of printing solid objects from a computer or other forms of digital files.

3D printing is also referred to as additive manufacturing. Additive manufacturing is the production of materials through the combination or ‘adding’ of materials to create an object.

In 3D printing, a computer-aided-design or CAD software acts as the source of a 3D printer. It directs the printer’s nozzle when depositing, layering, and creating shapes through materials to create a solid three-dimensional object.

How does additive manufacturing or 3D printing differ from the traditional creation of objects?

The traditional means of creating an object involve adding and removing materials through shaping, carving, milling, and other means of creation. In 3D printing, objects are created based on a series of movements directed by the CAD software.

The CAD software produces STL files that work to order the 3D printer’s nozzles to “slice” an object into precise and thin layers. This is done by the printer repeatedly until it creates the materials needed to create an object.

The materials are then cooled or cured. After that, they fuse to form the intended three-dimensional object.

Are 3D printers only for industrial use?

3D printers are not only made for use in industrial settings.

Even though the main reason it was invented in the first place was to create more detailed prototypes at rapid speeds, it has increasingly made itself a printer that individuals can buy for personal use.

There are 3d digital scanning services specifically made for heavy industrial usage, while there are models that are smaller and come with less power than industrial-grade ones. These are ideal for home and recreational use.

What can you do with a 3D printer at home?

A 3D printer can make almost any shape. That means it can produce different structures and objects that do not require high volumes and mid-air printing. How can a 3D printer help you at home?

Saving money

Do you spend hundreds of dollars every year on purchasing hangers, phone cases, towel racks, and everything you use at home?

Creating your own and personalized version of those household necessities with a 3D printer can save you thousands when it comes to product and shipping costs.

Not only will you be able to create them based on how you want them, but you can also create as many as you like.

Starting a business

We have mentioned earlier that a 3D printer can produce almost anything of any shape. The word anything includes phone cases. You can open a small business that sells phone accessories created by 3D printers.

With most of the world owning smartphones, it is smart to produce them with inexpensive materials to make them affordable. You can open your business for personalized designs and bulk production for souvenirs.

Aside from phone accessories, you can also sell picture frames, three-dimensional models and kits, or anything your clients need that you can produce with your powerful printer.

Who knows? Your business can attract loyal clients looking for long-term 3D printing businesses they can work with to produce their needs.

Creating your own home decorations

Decorative home items can cost a lot and come with expensive shipping fees because most of them are made from fragile materials. Why not save yourself from high costs when it comes to beautifying your space with decorations made by you?

You can create your own design out of the materials you chose that can be used with your 3D printer.

Designing can be done through CAD software, and if you are someone with experience in creating digital objects, this will be a no-brainer for you.

If you are new to this, worry not, for there are websites that produce designs that you can obtain by downloading the STL file to your computer.

Now that you know what you will be using that 3D printer you are eyeing–it is time to finally make the purchase. If you use it correctly, there will be a guarantee that you will get a return on your investment in no time.

It can also be fun to see a design turn into something you can touch right in front of your eyes.