If you’re looking for a new way to produce a product, 3D printing may be right for you. 3D printing is an additive manufacturing process that builds parts in layers of powderlike materials. Similar to a traditional inkjet printer, 3D printers use precision tools and cutting-edge software to design and print complex pieces. The end result is a unique product that is highly customizable and not limited by traditional jewelry making methods.
One of the main benefits of 3D printing is the speed of manufacturing. The ability to produce smaller, more precise and cheaper models allows designers to rapidly turn their concepts into working models. Observing the model allows designers to check fit and form. The process is also much more productive than a typical drawing. It’s not uncommon to see a model that you can hold in your hand as you work to develop a new product in only a few hours rather than weeks.
The technology for 3D printing began as an idea for faster prototyping. Generally, the 3D printer is credited to Chuck Hull. His company was named 3D Systems, Inc. and its first 3D printer, the SLA-1, was released in the late 1980s. Since then, several companies have played important roles in the development of this technology. One of these companies was 3D Systems, whose inventor Hideo Kodama developed UV light for curing photopolymers. The SLA-1 was eventually released as a commercial product in 1987 or 1988.
Before 3D printing can begin, a virtual model of the object will be created. A computer-aided design program can create an accurate drawing or technical illustration. Other methods, such as 3D scanning, produce virtual designs of existing objects. Then, the model will be broken down into multiple layers. These layers are called slicing. Ultimately, the 3D printer will send the model to the print shop. Inkjet printers are the most accurate of 3D printing technologies, but they do tend to degrade.
A 3D printer is capable of manufacturing just about anything a person can imagine. It’s possible to print robots, prosthetic limbs, custom shoes, musical instruments, and much more. Oak Ridge National Lab has partnered with a company to build the first 3D-printed car. America Makes, a program focused on 3D printing, recently funded a metal printer. It’s important to note that a 3D model can have multiple layers, but the material on the build plate will be the first layer.
The most popular type of resin 3D printer uses SLA technology. SLA uses UV-curable resin. After the resin has been poured into the build platform, the UV laser will shine on the resin. The resin hardens and forms the object based on CAD data. Unlike SLA, DLP uses a lamp to dry the layers. The process is repeatable until the object is finished. Despite the high-speed nature of SLA 3D printing, it’s still not a good choice for all applications.
