3D printing

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3D computer graphics
Basics
3D modeling / 3D rendering 3D scanner / 3D printing 3D computer graphics software
Primary Uses
Computer aided design Graphic design / Computer games Visual effects / Visualization Virtual engineering / Virtual reality
Related concepts
Computer-generated imagery 3D display / Wireframe model Animation / Motion capture Skeletal animation / Crowd simulation This box: view • talk • edit

Three-dimensional printing (3D printing) is a subdivision of the rapid prototyping technology. 3D printers are generally faster, more affordable and easier to use than other rapid prototyping technologies^[1].

1 Technologies
2 Medical research
3 References
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Technologies

One variation consists of an inkjet printing system. Layers of a fine powder (plaster and resins) are selectively bonded by "printing" a water-based adhesive from the inkjet printhead in the shape of each cross-section as determined by a CAD (computer aided design) file. This technology is the only one that allows for the printing of full color prototypes. It is also recognized as the fastest method. This technology is marketed commercially by Z Corporation.

Alternately, these machines feed liquids, such as photopolymer, also through an inkjet-type printhead to form each layer of the model. These Photopolymer Phase machines employ an ultraviolet (UV) flood lamp mounted in the print head to cure each layer as it is deposited. This technology is marketed commercially by 3D Systems (MJM) and Objet (Polyjet).

Fused deposition modeling (FDM), a technology also used in traditional rapid prototyping uses a nozzle to deposit molten polymer onto a support structure, layer by layer. This technology is marketed commercially by Stratasys (Dimension), and the first Open Source designs such as RepRap are beginning to become available.

Each technology has its advantages and drawbacks. Generally, the main considerations are speed, cost of the printed prototype, cost of the 3D printer, choice of materials, color capabilities, etc. ^[2]

Unlike traditional additive systems such as stereolithography, 3D printing is optimised primarily for speed and low-cost and ease-of-use, making it suitable for visualising during the conceptual stages of engineering design when dimensional accuracy and mechanical strength of prototypes are less important.

Some people call their 3D printer a "Santa Claus machine" ^[3].

[edit] Medical research

3D printing technology is currently being studied by biotechnology firms and academia for possible use in tissue engineering applications where organs and body parts are built using inkjet techniques. Layers of living cells are deposited onto a gel medium and slowly built up to form three dimensional structures. Several terms have been used to refer to this field of research: Organ printing, bio-printing, and computer-aided tissue engineering among others.^[4]