Human curiosity has no limits and people are constantly coming up with innovative and exciting ways to create the new and improve the existing. And that drive is often revealed through technology. We all follow news of the tech world. Some of us are researching ways to improve phone signal, others are reading up on how to use a 3D printer. One way or another, we are looking for inspiration and excitement.
Speaking of 3D printers, by the way, lots of excitement in this area in the past couple of years and lots to discuss! So let’s take a closer look at this device and learn more about it!
How does a 3D printer work?
The early prototypes for 3D printers have been around since the late 70s, but these devices didn’t go mainstream for a long time, because they were rather expensive and massive in size. Nowadays they are significantly cheaper and work much more efficiently.
This is how a 3D printer functions in a nutshell: it is hooked to a computer, where a certain program is installed, which allows you to create various 3D forms of the final product. Then the material is “fed” to the printer (plastic, metal, etc.). Nowadays 3D printers can even use multiple materials in the same project. Then, once the program is run on the computer, the magic begins! 3D printers use so-called “additive manufacturing” as their main principle of functioning. Meaning, they add layers and layers of material, until the intended form is complete.
Where are they useful?
Since the time 3D printers became more accessible to the general public, it is apparent how much good can be done to the world through this useful device. These printers don’t have the physical limitations of a production line, so they are able to create literally anything.
- Medicine. The use of 3D printers in medicine is upon first sight not that apparent but think about it for a moment. We are able to print out customized prosthetics, cast prototypes, and implants. All those products are generally very expensive, but this way people will get a chance to have their own, exclusive prosthetic for a much more affordable price. This is, naturally, not a reality for everyone yet, but step by step we are getting closer to 3D printers becoming very commonly used tools in medicine.
- Manufacturing. A single 3D printer can, in many cases, replace a whole production line and work more efficiently. Plus, as we mentioned before, it has no physical limitations as opposed to other machines on the line. And instead of producing a limited number of configurations, it can create anything that people can possibly design on the computer.
- Art. This is the area of human expression, where experiments with 3D printers create the most bizarre and interesting results. The most intricate shapes and colors. As we said, it is possible to print anything, so artists are doing exactly that, creating new ways to present sculpture, avant-garde furniture, prints, and more.
3D printers are used more often to solve various problems. From mask shortage during quarantine to housing problems in certain countries. They are so versatile that one thing is for certain: we are going to hear more and more about this amazing device and we are all going to benefit from it.