3D Printers | Introducing new technology
How would you like it if you could print a 3D model of Iron Man with just a few clicks? A decoration you drew on paper that you’d like to adorn your space? And to take it a step further, what if you could print an entire house, car parts or a functioning human organ from a printer? These may seem like science fiction scenarios but they are already possible thanks to 3D Printing, one of the most important technologies of the last decades, whose possibilities are multiplying at a rapid pace.
The invention
Chuck Hall invented 3D printing in 1982 and has been on the rise ever since. This technology has revolutionized many industries, allowing people to have access to objects without spending a fortune on manufacturing. After a year of experimenting with these ideas, he developed a system where a concentrated beam of ultraviolet light moving under the control of a computer strikes the surface of a bucket filled with liquid photopolymer and where it strikes this liquid, inks begin to form on its surface and bind together to form 3D shapes.
Hull’s process was called stereolithography and rather than just working with liquid elements, he was able to create three-dimensional objects. These printers, created to carry out the process of 3D printing, are the 3D printers.
Some of the most commonly used materials for 3D printing are plastic, rubber, sandstone and various special metal alloys. PLA is a very popular growing material, able to mold into a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. It’s environmentally friendly as it’s biodegradable and affordable too.
3D printing has made many industries to catch up with the technology in a matter of seconds. These include jewellery, industrial design, architecture, engineering, automotive, aerospace (in zero gravity conditions), dentistry and medical industry. Education, information systems mapping and civil engineering can also benefit from the use of 3D printers today.
The process
3D printers can add material only where needed, following commands from file. Once the digital model loads into the printer, it automatically takes over printing steps and provides quality output.
The printing material melts and create the finished print, forced through a nozzle.
The design is divided into thin two-dimensional sections to make sure that the printer knows where to place the plastic material (polymer) uniformly in thin layers.
Polymers are a type of thermoplastic material that solidify and bond to the bottom layer of material. This can take just minutes or days, depending on the complexity of the object.
Models meant for end consumers are becoming more affordable and have improved in their capabilities. The availability of ready-to-print files makes them even more attractive, making the price tag less slippier than ever.
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Author: PC-GR
The World of Technology
