3D printing is a seemingly complicated process but, it can be simple once you break it down. 3D printing is the process of hardening plastic or resin fibers into the desired shape. In order for 3D printing to work, you need to be able to use G-code. G-code is “the programming language that plots specific coordinates on the print bed where your model will be manufactured” (Craft Cloud) Basically, it is the code that tells the printer where to print. Unfortunately, every printer is different so you may have to learn specific details or quirks about each system. There are many options for free printing software. Some options include:
- Tinkercad
- Blender
- Fusion 360®
- Cura
- FreeCAD
Where Did it Come From?
The first 3D printer is dated back to 1981. The inventor was Dr. Hideo Kodama. He was the first person to use resin in layers to create a design repeatedly. Years later in 2006, 3D printers became commercially available. 3D printers are used in a variety of applications, aerospace, architecture, manufacturing, automotive, healthcare, construction, and just for fun.
Why is 3D Printing Useful?
3D printing has revolutionized the production of the same object over and over. It leaves less room for error than a traditional manufacturing machine and it is much more cost effective. 3D printers are easy for all ages and kids as young as grade school have found ways to make money out of creations. It also allows for more complex designs as it is built layer by layer as opposed to molding a single piece of metal or plastic. 3D printing is constantly improving and changing.
3D printing does have a few disadvantages. It can be hard to find the right materials to use. They must be able to melt and harden at certain temperatures. Many of these materials aren’t recyclable so if there is a mistake it can be a challenge to reuse it. There is a limit to the size of your product. It can only be as big as the platform in the printer. Although the layer-by-layer way of printing allows for more complex designs, it can also cause weakness. When the object is small it is susceptible to breaking.
The Future of 3D Printing
Believe it or not, you can eat 3D printer creations. 3D printing food is now possible. It is in the fairly primitive stages right now but, it has a promising outlook. A popular example of this is the Pancake Bot. It uses a material, pancake batter, and builds the design programmed into it. 3D-printed food is mostly found in fine dining establishments where consistency is vital. It may be a swirl design on top of a dish or a decoration on a dessert but, there are advancements every day. There are rumblings about 3D-printed pizzas and plant-based meat. The future of 3D printing is bright, and tasty!