3D Printers

Brief Background:

3D Printing first began in 1980 when Dr. Kodama used it as a rapid prototyping technique. Over the next few decades the technology began to advance and was slowly integrated into the world. However, when President Obama mentioned 3D Printers in his 2013 State of the Union Address the idea took hold and its development and use has been increasing ever since. Advancements have been made: Daniel Kelly's Lab has been successful in printing bone, a full car was printed, and the process grows faster everyday. 

How It Works:

Some types of 3D Printing include Stereolithography (SLA), Digital Light Processing (DLP), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Selective Laser Melting (SLM), Electronic Beam Melting (EBM), and Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM). All of these different techniques are used for different purposes and use different materials. Most use plastic or metal that is melted down or in powder form to create layers of the object until it is complete. The Printers are controlled by a computer that directs the arm and head in the X, Y, and Z directions. The melted plastic or metal is placed in specific spots on the base as the Printer forms the first layer. After the first layer is finished it will move up to the next layer and repeat the process until the object is fully constructed.

Pros:

• Quick for Prototyping
• Can Create almost any Object
• Products can be made right at house
• Easy to make Custom Products

Cons:

• Expensive
• Can only use certain Materials
• Size restrictions
• Inefficient for Factories

Future:

In the future 3D Printers could be used to produce almost all goods. They could use any material and be any size so eventually they could even print houses and buildings. They could also be used to print human tissue and organs allowing many more people to be able to receive the care they need.

Works Cited

3dprintingfromscratch.com. “Types of 3D Printers or 3D Printing Technologies Overview.” 3D Printing from Scratch, 2 Feb. 2016, 3dprintingfromscratch.com/common/types-of-3d-printers-or-3d-printing-technologies-overview/.

“The History of 3D Printing: From the 80s to Today.” 3D Printing Blog: Tutorials, News, Trends and Resources | Sculpteo, 23 Nov. 2017, www.sculpteo.com/blog/2016/12/14/the-history-of-3d-printing-3d-printing-technologies-from-the-80s-to-today/.

Walker, Andrew. “3D Printing for Dummies: How Do 3D Printers Work?” The Independent, Independent Digital News and Media, 21 June 2013, www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/features/3d-printing-for-dummies-how-do-3d-printers-work-8668937.html.