3D printing can be referred to as method of getting virtual3D model printed onto a 2D object. 3D printing falls in the category of ‘rapidprototyping’ technology. The function typically performed by 3D printers isthat of printing consecutive layers on the previous ones for building up a 3Dobject. It is easier, more affordable, and faster to use 3D printers ascompared to other technologies related to additive fabrication.
Technologies: Initially, production of aprototype required a lot of man-hours, tools, and experienced labor. Forinstance, after designing a novel Street Light Luminaire digitally, drawingsused to be sent to accomplished craftsmen where the paper design used to befollowed with utmost pains and a 3D prototype used to be formed in wood throughthe utilization of the entire shop that is full of costly tools and workingmachinery. One can easily make out that this process consumed a lot of time.Moreover, the skillful labor was not all that cheap. These shortcomingsnecessitated the need of rapid prototyping.
3D printing has a variation called Inkjet Printing System.It involves binding of fine powder layers (resins, cornstarch, or plaster) bythe way of printing a gum from inkjet print head as per the shape of everycross-section as spotted by the CAD file. This is the only technology allowingfull color prototypes to be printed. It is believed to be the quickest method.
Alternately, liquids are fed by these machines. Photopolymeris one of such kind. These machines make use of UV (ultraviolet) flood lamp. Itis mounted in print head for curing each layer on its deposition. FDM (Fuseddeposition modeling) makes use of nozzle for depositing molten polymer layer bylayer, on the support structure. The other approach is Selective Fusing ofPrint Media in the granular bed. Here, the media that has been unfused supportsthin walls and overhangs in the piece which is being produced, thereby reducingneed for temporary auxiliary supports for the work piece.
Ultimately, 3D Micro fabrication technique having a photopolymerization of 2-photons might be used to make ultra small features. Here,the preferred 3D object gets traced out by a completely focused laser in a gelblock. The curing of gel into a solid takes place only in places where laserhad been focused, owing to photo excitation’s non-linear nature. The gel thatis left out gets washed away.
Resolution: Resolution is measured in terms oflayer thickness. The X-Y resolution is given in dpi. 100 microns is thecharacteristic layer thickness. The X-Y resolution is compatible with laserprinters. Diameter of the particles, i.e. 3D dots is around 50-100 microns.
Applications: Standard applications areinclusive of design visualization, metal casting, CAD/prototyping,architecture, geospatial, education, healthcare, retail/entertainment, etc. Offlate, 3D printing technology is being used in artistic expressions. Itsbiotechnological applications include bio-printing, computer-aided Tissueengineering, and organ printing.
Self-replication: The main purpose behind using 3D printingtechnology is its ability to replicate itself. RepRap is one such printer. Ithas the ability to print plastic parts and circuit boards. It is believed toprint metals in future.