3D Printing is a manufacturing process that constructs parts layer by layer in size of mm. this is the unique technique of manufacturing. The traditional methods relied on human labour and the “made by hand” philosophy. However, with the advancement of technology, manufacturing methods have changed and become automated. Currently, 3D printing uses machines, computers, and robots to produce parts.
Applications
Industrial 3D printing technology is becoming more relevant to manufacturing companies. In addition to consumer products, 3D printing can also be used to manufacture complex tools and equipment. As companies move towards more automated and smart manufacturing processes, the industrial use of 3D printing technology will continue to grow. This article will highlight some of the most prominent industrial applications of 3D printing.
Medical 3D printing technology has also gained ground in the field of medicine. It can be used to produce personalised prosthetics, dental fixtures, hearing aids, and even organs. Eventually, sophisticated 3D printers will be found in every hospital. In the near future, these printers will be able to print organs and tissue based on the patient’s individual requirements. The future of 3D printing in the medical field will be heavily dependent on ongoing research. In Past, the 3D printed heart made with tissues of human.
The aerospace industry has also benefited from the advancement of 3D printing. Today, manufacturers can produce parts with greater precision and reduced manufacturing costs. 3D printing allows parts to be combined into larger ones, which decreases assembly time. In the future, 3D printing technology may even enable serial production of parts.
3D printing technology can also help the food industry. It can determine the exact quantity of vitamins, carbohydrates, and fatty acids for a particular age. This will save time and effort in experimenting with new recipes and dishes. Furthermore, it will encourage creative thinking, as users are allowed to create dishes in ways they would have never imagined before. Moreover, 3D printing technology allows them to mix and match ingredients in a variety of ways.
Another example of the application of 3D printing is in the production of plastic hands for children who have no hands. Another example is a company called Open Bionics, which produces bionic arms and hand prostheses using 3D printing technology. This technology allows for personalized designs for their users.
Methods of 3D Printing
Three-D printing is a method of creating objects through physical transformations. At present, there are some main types of processes of 3D printing. Stereo lithography, Granular Materials Binding (GML), and Selective Deposition Lamination (SDL). Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, including speed, costs, feedstock material versatility, and mechanical properties.
3D printing processes are advantageous for small-volume manufacturing. However, as volume increases, 3D printing begins to lose its competitive advantage. Traditional manufacturing processes, such as CNC machining, become more cost-efficient as they scale. Additionally, the margin of error for 3D printing is low compared to other manufacturing techniques, ranging from 0.01 mm to +0.5 mm.
FDM uses a material bed and a liquid bonding agent to create a 3D object. After an initial layer of material is spread across the build platform, the print head applies droplets of binding agent, which binds the powder together. The powder bed is then lowered. Other methods of 3D printing involve using a laser or a chemical process.
Material Jetting 3D printing is similar to an inkjet printer, but instead of printing a single layer of material, the material is deposited in layers. The layers are then cured by UV light. When the layer is cured, the build platform is lowered, which produces a solid object. In contrast, Drop on Demand (DOD) uses two inkjets to deposit a build material and a dissolvable support material. Drop on Demand is more expensive than other methods and is not suitable for complex objects with mechanical features.
Stereolithography uses liquid plastic and then hardens to form an object. This method is also the cheapest. The cost-effectiveness of plastics and paper also make LOM a popular choice among architects. The SLM method was developed by Swedish company Arcam AB in 1997 and uses lasers and electron beams in a vacuum.
Cost of 3D printed parts
3D printed parts cost varies widely. Cheapest materials are thermoplastics and filaments, which cost as little as $20 per kilogram. However, you must invest a considerable amount of time and money to produce top-quality results. The best materials for 3D printing are resins, which are more expensive than filaments, but are easy to work with.
One of the factors that affects the cost of 3D printed parts is the complexity of the model. If the model is complex, it will require a more accurate technology and more materials. The volume of the part will also determine which type of material is needed and how much time the print will take. Obviously, a large volume will require more material and more time, while a small part will only require a small number of materials. Additionally, the size of the part will determine the post-processing processes needed to complete the product.
The time involved in 3D printing is another major factor in the cost of a part. The Wohlers Report shows that over 26% of the cost of 3D printed metal parts and polymer parts comes from labor. The time involved in the process depends on the material, mass, shape, support material, and orientation of the part. Adding extra processing time and labor will also raise the overall cost of the 3D printed part.
If you are ordering 3D printed parts from a third party printing studio, the cost per gram is going to be higher. However, if you can print your own accessories, you can save a significant amount of money. Having your own 3D printer will allow you to quickly recoup the cost of the equipment.
Safety concerns
When using a 3D printer, it is important to follow proper safety procedures to ensure maximum safety. The process involves the use of heat, lasers, and other materials that can be hazardous. Some of these materials can be explosive, while others can produce high temperatures that can burn human skin. To prevent such accidents, 3D printers should be used in properly ventilated areas and operators should wear personal protective equipment.
This process produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some VOCs can be harmful to humans and pose a risk for the environment. In addition to harmful vapors and gases, the process also generates ultrafine particles. These particles are nearly invisible to the naked eye, and they can pose health hazards.
Although there is no definitive exposure level for 3D printer emissions, engineering controls can help minimize these risks. For example, different covers for 3D printers can limit the amount of air that escapes from the machine. Another common concern is loose powder that accumulates after a printing job. Researchers are studying the potential health effects of these materials and developing safety recommendations for 3D printing.
As 3D printing technologies have become increasingly affordable and accessible to consumers, health risks associated with this technology are becoming increasingly important. Organizations using this technology should be familiar with these hazards and take precautions to minimize the risk to workers. Using personal protective equipment is essential in avoiding the risks.
Future of 3D printing
In the future, It will be widely used in manufacturing, from custom human parts to 3D printed buildings. It will be an integral part of the Internet of Things (IoT) and smartphones will be able to perform 3D scanning and print.
As It becomes more affordable and more widespread, it will disrupt many traditional manufacturing and logistics models and create new business models. For example, 3D printable content platforms will place the designer at the center of the manufacturing process, ensuring transparency in the design process and on-demand manufacturing. This will create a more personal connection between designers and end users. Today, most designers are relatively unknown, but this technology will allow designers to build brands and interact directly with their fans.
While 3-D printing is currently being used for prototypes and R&D, industrial companies are beginning to use it as an alternative to traditional manufacturing processes. However, output speed is a major hindrance, so differentiated technologies are needed to target production processes. Even with the challenges, the AM/3DP market is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
In the next decade, 3D printing is expected to expand its applications in new, emerging markets. It will also be the driving force behind the growth of enabling technologies. These new technologies will allow new players to be more flexible, enabling better quality parts and solving supply chain issues. With these changes, 3D printing will continue to become a valuable tool in the manufacturing process.
The automobile sector is a particularly promising application for 3D printing. Besides delivering personalized products, this technology will enable manufacturers to produce in smaller batches and allow them to make the necessary adjustments to their designs.
