Ever wondered what 3D printing is?
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Simply, 3D printing is a method of creating a solid physical object from a digital 3D model. The reason it's called 3D "printing" is because the assembly process is similar to way you would print ink on paper. Most popular 3D printers are "extrusion printers", meaning they spray their material out of manoeuvrable nozzles so that base material is laid down in layers that eventually create the finished product.
3D printing is an "additive" process, which means that the object is created by adding layers from the bottom up, with each layer being printed on top of the last one over and over until the job is done.
Because of rapid development within this new market, printers are getting cheaper and cheaper, with prices typically in the range of $350 to $3500. This puts 3D printers into more and more hands.
It is predicted by some 3D manufacturing companies that this technological development will change the nature of commerce, because end users will be able to do much of their own manufacturing rather than engaging in trade to buy products from other people and corporations.
3D printers capable of outputting in colour and multiple materials already exist and will continue to improve. If you want to check out a full range of 3D printers sold in Australia, check out 3dprintersuperstore.com.au. There are also some great YouTube videos of some amazing 3D printing sculptures and artwork.
Source: 3dprinting.com.
Robert Morgan is the managing director at PIT Group.