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Learn more about the development and future of 3D printing
February 14, 2023
Jay Sahnan
CEO, Fabrio
3D printing can be used in a myriad of ways, and the amazing technology that takes place when something is printed in a three-dimensional way means that fields such as the manufacturing, construction and technology industries can really benefit from the process.
3D printing works by creating a 3D object from a digital file and adding to it layer by layer. The process of 3D printing has the power to create many amazing things, and in the future, the process will become more widely used. Take a look at this list of ten **** that 3D printing currently benefits us, along with how 3D printing will help us in the future….
- Researchers can print bones and muscles, a process known as bioprinting, and implant them into animals. Perhaps in a few years, this process can help humans too!
- Buildings can be made using a 3D printer, which saves incredible amounts of construction costs. A Russian company called Apis Cor can 3D print a house in just 24 hours. Although living in 3D houses isn’t a viable option just yet, with the advancements in the technological sector, this may be a possibility in the near distant future.
- 3D Printing can also fundamentally change the audio industry. Digital printing can help audiologists fit customised ear devices for audiology equipment such as hearing aids and earphones.
- Using the technology of 3D printing means that during the production of films and television shows, practical visual effects and costuming can be enhanced. For any Stranger Things fans in the room, the Demogorgon creature was created using a 3D printer.
- 3D printing can be used to create objects such as boats. The University of Maine set a Guinness World Record when it 3D printed the largest boat ever printed, a 25-foot boat called 3Dirigo. Creating such objects means that the process of three-dimensional printing can be used to help people in less economically developed countries.
- 3D scanning, CAD and 3D printing have been used to bring antiquities back to life such as paintings by Michelangelo and Da Vinci. 3D replication is used at the Opificio institute in Florence, allowing tourists and museum visitors to view the art as the artists intended.
- Using 3D printing means that people's lives can be changed for the better, such as those who need artificial limbs or braces. 3D printing means that doctors can customise prosthetics, and make them more affordable too!
- The dentistry industry has also been one of the most prominent users of 3D printing. Retainers, braces, dentures and crowns can be thermoformed into 3D moulds, which are subsequently printed in a three-dimensional shape.
- The optical section can further benefit from using 3D technology, to create customised glasses frames. Using the process of 3D printing, glasses frames can be formulated to fit the needs of the specific user, meaning that those who wear glasses full time can be more comfortable.
- The 3D printing technology also means that sustainability within the construction industry can be driven forward. When 3D printing is used, the number of parts and waste is drastically reduced, alongside the fact that printing materials such as recycled and biodegradable plastics can be used.
How will 3D printing develop over time?
3D printing has the potential to develop at an exciting and exponential rate. The technology behind 3D printing is also increasing rapidly, and the rising demand for specific materials to complete the processes means that additive manufacturing is constantly developing.
3D printing will become more prevalent within society as the process is used more, and once the technology surrounding it improves. 3D printers will eventually be used for a range of different tasks, much like the last *** decades of digital expansion through personal computers, laptops and mobile phones.
The opportunities for 3D printing are essentially endless, as the potential for the teachnology expands as more companies begin to take advantage of 3D printing.
It may be tricky to imagine at this current moment in time but think about the possiblities that 3D printing could create.
Doctors in hospitals may be able to print organs for patients who need transplants, and medication may be available in an instant.
In the future, 3D printing might be able to create customisable consumer experiences, such as being able to edit a product based on the customer’s needs.
3D printing could even prevent fraud, whether it’s banks being able to use 3D printing to produce components that prevent credit card information from being stolen, or digital security to stop cybercrime.
Why is it important to learn about 3D printing?
It’s important to understand the information behind 3D printing, as the process is here to stay. The teachnology behind additive manufacturing is developing, and will become more commonplace throughout different industries, such as healthcare, fashion and schools!
If you do want to learn more about 3D printing, downloading Fabrio is a brilliant first step. Our interactive courses cater to a range of learning styles and use software such as Fusion360 to provide students with real-time feedback on their work.
Instead of using textbooks and PowerPoints that can often get lost, or become overwhelming, we’ve transformed CAD engineering resources into dynamic materials that students can be instructed through.
If you’d like to teach students more about CAD software for 3D printing, you can check out how we’re transforming STEM education on our website. We also have loads of free resources so that you can start your students' new learning journey with Fabrio.
Are 3D printing and 3D scanning different? <>Throughout this blog, you may have heard the term ‘3D scanning’ crop up a few times. 3D printing and 3D scanning are indeed different, due to the differentiation between the result of the respective processes.
3D scanning is the process of scanning physical objects to create interactive digital models, whereas 3D printing is the process of making solid, real-life objects from the original digital models.
Essentially, 3D scanning is like the preparation for the objects be be printed out. 3D scanning is all about the data you collect from the object to recreate its usage in 3D space. The process of 3D scanning is also fast, flexible, highly accurate, and can be used by a wide range of applications!
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