Three-dimensional printing (3D printing), also known as additive
manufacturing (AM), is a process of assembling materials to create objects from
3D model data, usually layer by layer. It is basically a process of creating
three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file.
Process of 3D Printing:
Applications of 3D Printing:
1.Defence and Aerospace: At
present, AM technology in the aerospace and defence sector is broadly used for
prototyping, repair of small parts and component manufacturing. Examples: The
UK Royal Air Force and Navy use AM for repairing spare parts.
2.Health:
- Hearing aids have been made using 3D printing technology.
- Bio printers: Organ printing or body part printing is
being printed and some parts being used as implants of actual body parts. Example:
Titanium pelvic, plastic tracheal splint, titanium jaws
- Tissue engineering: Tissue engineering made
remarkable progress with printing of 3D blood vessels. This was achieved
3D bio-printing technology and biomaterials through vascularisation of
hydrogel constructs.
- Dentistry: Dental Implants are being made on a
commercial level using 3D printing technology
- Prosthetics: 3D printing is being used to make
surrogate body parts
- Artificial organ: Additive manufacturing of stem
cells has also led to various possibilities in printing artificial organs,
although most of the work is still in the experimental stage
3.Manufacturing: 3D
printing can be used to manufacture varied forms of products- from car or plane
parts to sport goods, toys etc. Customised products are able to be manufactured
as customers can edit the digital design file and send to the manufacturer for
productions.
4.Domestic Usage: 3D
printers can be used in the home to make small objects such as ornamental
objects, small toys etc.
5.Architecture, housing:
The technology can be used for a variety of housing projects with application
in custom luxury designer homes, large scale development projects, to temporary
housing projects. It could also enable engineers to design and build stiffer
and safer geometries for houses. Further, can also help engineers to rebuild
and restore old heritage designs quickly yet accurately.
6.Food: 3D
printing enables fast automated and repeatable processes, freedom in design, as
well as allowing large and easy variability of the cooking process which can be
customized.