What is 3D Printing?

By Connor Dodgson

A tangible object can be created via 3D printing from a digital model.
Up until the object is finished, successive layers of a material, such as plastic or metal, are laid down to construct the object. The digital model is divided into thin layers, each of which is printed separately to create the object layer by layer. Additionally referred to as additive manufacturing, this process.

Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), which is an extrusion-based process in which the material is melted and extruded through a nozzle to make the object, is the most popular 3D printing technique.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), which utilises a laser to fuse tiny material particles together, and Stereolithography (SLA), which employs a laser to cure a liquid resin, are two more common 3D printing techniques.

Another name for 3D printing is additive manufacturing. Instead of removing material from a block of material, it refers to the process of producing an object by adding subsequent layers of material (subtractive manufacturing). Due to its ability to produce prototypes and limited quantities of goods quickly, this approach is also known as “rapid prototyping.”

Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) are just a few examples of the numerous types of additive manufacturing techniques available, each of which uses a different set of tools and processes to produce items.

Complex geometries, interior structures, and functional pieces that are impossible to fabricate using conventional manufacturing techniques can now be made with this technology.

3D Printing can be used in a variety of industries. Take a look at some sectors that are already taking advantages of this amazing technology;

Prototyping: 3D printing allows for the quick and easy creation of prototypes for product design and development.
Customized parts: 3D printing can be used to create customized parts for a wide range of industries, from aerospace to medical devices.
Medical applications: 3D printing is used to create prosthetic limbs, dental implants, and other medical devices.
Architecture: 3D printing can be used to create architectural models and building components.
Jewellery: 3D printing can be used to create unique and customized jewellery designs.
Food: 3D printing can be used to create unique and intricate food designs.
Education: 3D printing is used in education to create models and prototypes to aid in teaching and learning.
Art: 3D printing can be used to create sculptures, figurines, and other forms of art.
Aerospace: 3D printing is used to create lightweight and complex parts for use in aerospace applications.
Automotive: 3D printing is used to create customized parts for the automotive industry, such as engine parts and gears.

In general, 3D printing is a rapidly developing technology that could disrupt a wide range of sectors and alter how we live and work. Begin with the fundamentals;

Understanding the fundamentals of computer-aided design (CAD) and the software used to produce 3D models is crucial before getting started with 3D printing. Software options ranging from free to expensive include Tinkercad, SketchUp, and AutoCAD. 3D models can be produced with this software and then set up for printing.
Learn about 3D printing technology: There are a variety of 3D printing techniques, including stereolithography, fused deposition modelling, and selective laser sintering (SLS).
It’s critical to understand the many types of technology and which one would be most appropriate for a given project because each one has a unique set of capabilities and restrictions.
Learn about the different types of materials that can be used for 3D printing, including plastics, metals, and ceramics.
It’s crucial to understand the various materials and which one would be appropriate for a certain project because each one has unique features and limits.
Study the printer: After you have a solid grasp of the fundamentals of 3D printing, you can begin studying the particular printer that you will be employing.
Learning about the printer’s capabilities, software, and upkeep needs is part of this.
Try it out: Experimenting and practising are the greatest ways to learn about 3D printing.
Make simple models at first, then progress to more intricate designs.
Try out several tools, programmes, and settings to see what seems most comfortable.
You can begin experimenting with other projects and applications as your experience grows.

What is 3D Printing?

Get the latest from 3D APAC