If you had told someone even just a decade ago that someday people would be able to print three-dimensional objects in their homes, they would have probably thought you were crazy. But that’s exactly what’s happening today, thanks to the incredible technology of 3D printers.
3D printing is changing the way we live, work, and play, and it’s only going to become more commonplace in the years to come, now that we even have access to an online 3D printing shop. Here’s a look at how this amazing technology came to be and where it’s headed next.
The Origins of 3D Printing
3D printing is also known as additive manufacturing, because unlike traditional manufacturing methods that involve subtracting material from a block to create an object, 3D printing builds an object by adding material layer by layer. This process was first developed in the 1980s, although it was very rudimentary compared to the technology we have today. It wasn’t until the early 21st Century that 3D printing began to gain traction, thanks to advances in computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D scanning technologies.
How 3D Printers Work
Today’s 3D printers are incredibly sophisticated machines that are able to create objects with amazing accuracy and detail. The most common type of 3D printer used today is called fused deposition modelling (FDM), which works by heating filament (usually plastic) and extruding it through a nozzle to build up an object layer by layer. As each layer cools and hardens, the nozzle moves around to deposit the next layer on top – this process continues until the entire object is complete.
3D Printing Applications
3D printers are being used in all sorts of fields, from healthcare to aerospace to fashion. In healthcare, for example, hospitals are using 3D printers to create custom prosthetic limbs and implants. In aerospace, engineers are using them to create prototypes and lightweight parts for airplanes. And in fashion, designers are using them to create everything from jewellery to shoes. The possibilities are truly endless! This process was first developed in the 1980s, although it was very rudimentary compared to the technology we have today. It wasn’t until the early 21st Century that 3D printing began to gain traction, thanks to advances in computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D scanning technologies.
The Future of 3D Printing
Experts believe that 3D printing is still in its infancy and that we will see even greater advances in the years to come. Some believe that one day we’ll be able to print entire houses using this technology! We can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings. This process was first developed in the 1980s, although it was very rudimentary compared to the technology we have today.
Where will it go next?
3D printing is an incredible technology that is changing our world in ways we never could have imagined just a few short years ago. From medical implants to fashion accessories, there’s almost no limit to what can be created with a 3D printer. We can’t wait to see what this amazing technology does next!
