Thursday, June 21, 2012

How 3D Printers Will Change Your View On Life

By Bernard Miner


In times past, taking your product idea and making it a workable model could be a money and time-intensive business. You had to outsource to outside manufacturers to create the physical realization of a pipe dream on paper. This had to be done before even thinking about approaching investors, doing market research with customers and enlisting distributors. Nowadays, with 3D printers, the process is affordable in house and can be ever so much quicker.

This technology is young, born in the Eighties. Since the late 90s, 3D printing has evolved to become much cheaper and available more widely, thanks to research, greater sales and competition. The machines themselves are now smaller with desktop models recently available. This all brings an incredible technology within the reach of companies that are smaller.

3D printing, put simply, is like a normal printer that instead of producing text or images on paper, prints out three-dimensional models as you have designed them using Computer Aided Design (CAD) or animation modelling software. These ground-breaking printers use a whole variety of materials, rather than inks, to build up a model of what you see on screen by adding layer upon layer of cross sections. The emerging models are very true to the screen blueprint, either solid or rubberized.

With either industrial or desktop printers, depending on the size of your organization and budget, you can now produce accurate renditions of your idea as a three-dimensional prototype. This is absolutely invaluable for all designers, engineers, inventors, students and entrepreneurs. This technology will put you as a top competitor in your field of work.

As with many technologies, the machines have come down in size - and so have the prices. So even a university department or small to medium-sized enterprise should be able to afford to bring this incredible technology into their buildings, rather than relying on expensive outsourcing. Companies like Objet have brought the know-how bang up to date in recent years.

3D printing is intrinsically bound to design software which helps you build a computer model of your idea. So, you need to find a knowledgeable supplier to provide you the full package: a CAD program and printer which can render accurate models. There are many reputable suppliers to provide advice and after care that you need.

Construction companies, civil and aviation engineers, architects and designers of cars, jewelry and clothing will find 3D printers an absolute necessity in business. You are now able to make use of rapid prototype technology, bringing your visions to life. This technology will change the way you see things forever.




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