There is one technology that is rising in popularity across the world; it has been around for a couple decades, but is just now becoming available to consumers and designers. This technology gives artists the chance to manufacture virtually anything, out of so many materials. This newer style of manufacturing is known as rapid prototyping, or 3D printing. What's 3D printing? 3D printing is additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, or just another form of manufacturing that brings in a new style of creation. 3D Printing uses 3D printers, or manufacturing machines, which lay down layers of material on top of layers, all while fusing together these materials. Essentially, 3D printing consists of the layer by layer assembly of objects within 3D printers. The designs and blueprints which are used to create these models come from 3D models created by artists and developers across the world! This gives 3D enthusiasts and engineers the chance to create a variety of products.
3D printing is different from other forms of manufacturing like mold manufacturing, or CNC cutting. Through the layer by layer concept, 3D printing can manufacture virtually anything out of a wide variety of materials. Artists can manufacture virtually anything! This layer by layer concept can be easier in quite a few aspects when it comes down to actually designing models, and it doesn't give certain limitations that other forms of manufacturing give off.
3D printing can give consumers and artists across the globe to manufacture virtually anything. Depending on the material, pricing can be pretty inexpensive as well. In addition, artists don't have to order in bulk as they might have to when dealing with manufacturers. It wouldn't be ridiculous to order a quantity of 4-5, or even 1-2. This makes it easier for custom pieces to be created.
On top of the efficiency of 3D printing, this technology offers such a variety of materials to choose from when developing a product or model. There are quite a few 3D printing companies across the globe offering loads of materials, some even offer over 50! Image that, over 50 materials to choose from. Artists and engineers have the option to create their model or gizmo in virtually any material, whether it be cobalt chrome, to sandstone, to colored prints, to abs, to precious metals, and on and on! There are so many options! This gives artists and engineers so many options when it comes down to 3D printing. There are metals, ceramics, plastics, thermoplastics, precious metals, mechanical materials, flexible materials, see through materials, high detail materials, etc. There is a lot to choose from when it comes down to 3D printing! Perhaps an engineer is looking for a very specialized piece that can withstand massive heat, or a piece that is chemically resistant and waterproof. Maybe an artist is just looking for a detailed material so that he or she can show off a design. There is an opportunity for virtually any model!
The availability of 3D printing services is growing across the globe. There are companies everywhere! Some services are offered world-wide as well. The possibility of 3D printing is becoming very widespread, anyone can do it!
