3D printing is a hot topic at the moment. It’s hard to find a tech blog that hasn’t covered it in recent weeks and established news sources, such as the BBC, have also picked up on it in a big way. The main reason for this is that it’s such a fascinating form of technology. And what’s more it can be used for almost any application, giving it universal appeal & relevance. So, before we look at its uses in the design technology sector; what exactly is it?!
3D printing, or rapid prototyping as it is also known, is the process of creating 3D objects by ‘printing’ microscopic layers on top of each other. Gradually the layers build up, forming solid objects. The nature of the bottom-up layering process means that 3D printers can be used to create highly complex, multi-part objects. Usually 3D printers work from a digital model made with computer aided design software. It is widely used by design agencies and consultancies to create prototypes of their visions and sample products. The medical industry is also starting to use 3D printing as a means to creating custom designed implants such as lower jaws and joints.
When it comes to design technology it is clear that 3D printing offers some amazing advantages and it is more than likely it will become a game changer. These advantages are;
Design is all about creating objects that do something at the same time as being beautiful, but as the saying goes; beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 3D printing allows the beholder to become the designer! In the last 18 months a number of companies have sprung up that provide a custom 3D printing service. You create your own basic design and they print your object for you. Jewellery, toys, decorations, home-ware products, kitchen ware, furniture, gadget accessories and mechanical parts can all be created using these services.
If you think 3D printing is limited to basic objects think again. The way it works, building from the bottom up, layer by layer, means that highly intricate objects with more than one part can be printed in one go. Any shape imaginable can be created and extremely accurate geometric objects aren’t a problem for 3D printers. If it fits in the printing tray it can be created!
3D printing isn’t as slow a process as you might think, hence the alternative name: Rapid Prototyping. And it’s getting faster. It is thought that it will eventually develop to the point that large, detailed objects can be produced in just a few hours.
One area that many predict big things for 3D printing is replacement parts for household appliances. When an appliance breaks the current process involves calling someone out, ordering a replacement or replacing the entire appliance. Many feel that in the not so distant future there will be a 3D printer in every home. This will allow people to download a design from the internet and print the required part, and then fit it. This would revolutionise the way we live and the way companies work.
Despite the above advantages 3D printing does have some drawbacks that are preventing it from becoming a truly universal, accessible technology.
Whilst 3D printer prices have dropped considerably over the last few years, it is still an expensive form of technology. The materials are also expensive and currently limited, as mentioned below. As with most things it will become affordable and available to most people over time. However for the time being the most advanced 3D printing tech remains affordable to only professional design organisations.
A further limitation is the size of objects that can be created. Currently only smaller objects can be created on standard ‘desk top’ size printers. It is only a matter of time before 3D printers are large enough to realise larger designs. Robots that use the same tech, rapid prototyping, are already in use. In fact they were used to create the Audi Concept car in the film I, Robot.
At the moment there are only a few materials that can be used with 3D printers. Most of these are plastic based with varying levels of rigidity in a range of colours. Gradually more and more materials are being added, with metals also becoming more widely used.
Although 3D printing is becoming more accessible it does require a level of design ability. A vast majority of rapid prototyping machines require advanced design ability to create the digital blueprints required. The design stage, through software aimed at the public, is becoming easier to get your head around but it certain skill are still needed to produce good designs.
3D printing has come a long way from its roots in rapid prototyping. However it still has a way to go before it is a widely used in design. This said there is little doubt that it will eventually become a prolific form of manufacturing because the benefits far outweigh the downsides. Moreover the downsides can be ironed out over time and prices will also drop as the tech develops.
HK Rapid Prototyping is a leading European supplier of rapid prototyping machines and high end 3D printers..
3D printing, or rapid prototyping as it is also known, is the process of creating 3D objects by ‘printing’ microscopic layers on top of each other. Gradually the layers build up, forming solid objects. The nature of the bottom-up layering process means that 3D printers can be used to create highly complex, multi-part objects. Usually 3D printers work from a digital model made with computer aided design software. It is widely used by design agencies and consultancies to create prototypes of their visions and sample products. The medical industry is also starting to use 3D printing as a means to creating custom designed implants such as lower jaws and joints.
When it comes to design technology it is clear that 3D printing offers some amazing advantages and it is more than likely it will become a game changer. These advantages are;
Customisation
Design is all about creating objects that do something at the same time as being beautiful, but as the saying goes; beauty is in the eye of the beholder. 3D printing allows the beholder to become the designer! In the last 18 months a number of companies have sprung up that provide a custom 3D printing service. You create your own basic design and they print your object for you. Jewellery, toys, decorations, home-ware products, kitchen ware, furniture, gadget accessories and mechanical parts can all be created using these services.
Design Complexity
If you think 3D printing is limited to basic objects think again. The way it works, building from the bottom up, layer by layer, means that highly intricate objects with more than one part can be printed in one go. Any shape imaginable can be created and extremely accurate geometric objects aren’t a problem for 3D printers. If it fits in the printing tray it can be created!
Speed
3D printing isn’t as slow a process as you might think, hence the alternative name: Rapid Prototyping. And it’s getting faster. It is thought that it will eventually develop to the point that large, detailed objects can be produced in just a few hours.
Parts
One area that many predict big things for 3D printing is replacement parts for household appliances. When an appliance breaks the current process involves calling someone out, ordering a replacement or replacing the entire appliance. Many feel that in the not so distant future there will be a 3D printer in every home. This will allow people to download a design from the internet and print the required part, and then fit it. This would revolutionise the way we live and the way companies work.
Current Drawbacks
Despite the above advantages 3D printing does have some drawbacks that are preventing it from becoming a truly universal, accessible technology.
Cost
Whilst 3D printer prices have dropped considerably over the last few years, it is still an expensive form of technology. The materials are also expensive and currently limited, as mentioned below. As with most things it will become affordable and available to most people over time. However for the time being the most advanced 3D printing tech remains affordable to only professional design organisations.
Size
A further limitation is the size of objects that can be created. Currently only smaller objects can be created on standard ‘desk top’ size printers. It is only a matter of time before 3D printers are large enough to realise larger designs. Robots that use the same tech, rapid prototyping, are already in use. In fact they were used to create the Audi Concept car in the film I, Robot.
Materials
At the moment there are only a few materials that can be used with 3D printers. Most of these are plastic based with varying levels of rigidity in a range of colours. Gradually more and more materials are being added, with metals also becoming more widely used.
Design Skill Needed
Although 3D printing is becoming more accessible it does require a level of design ability. A vast majority of rapid prototyping machines require advanced design ability to create the digital blueprints required. The design stage, through software aimed at the public, is becoming easier to get your head around but it certain skill are still needed to produce good designs.
3D printing has come a long way from its roots in rapid prototyping. However it still has a way to go before it is a widely used in design. This said there is little doubt that it will eventually become a prolific form of manufacturing because the benefits far outweigh the downsides. Moreover the downsides can be ironed out over time and prices will also drop as the tech develops.
HK Rapid Prototyping is a leading European supplier of rapid prototyping machines and high end 3D printers..
For example if a person know about old Design the don't have experience window opreating system Does he create 3D Design. Some expert said if your imaganation is good you can do Every easily.
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