3D Printing

a new industrial revolution

IntroductionI chose to research 3D printing and how it is on its way to revolutionizing our lives. I was first exposed to 3D printing in my studio class, which got me interested in finding out more about it. Throughout the semester I have completed three projects in regards to 3D printing: a research proposal and annotated bibliography, a research essay, and a PowerPoint presentation.

 

The research proposal and annotated bibliography got me thinking about what I wanted to learn from my research and how I would go about doing so. At this point in my research process I was looking at digital fabrication as a whole, which included much more than just 3D printing. The annotated bibliography helped me think about what sources would be beneficial and how I might be able to integrate them into my research essay.

The research essay was the meat and potatoes of my research process. I narrowed my topic down to 3D printing at this point and was focusing on an impending industrial revolution. I saw what kind of impact 3D printing is having on a wide variety of applications: designers, engineers, medical researchers, manufacturers, and even hobbyists have begun utilizing this technology in exciting ways. The possibilities for 3D printing are truly endless. 

My final project, a PowerPoint presentation, is meant to expose you to 3D printing and just some of what it is capable of. The presentation briefly describes the process of 3D printing and just a few ways it is being used.

What is 3D printing?

“Additive manufacturing or 3D printing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital model. 3D printing is achieved using additive processes, where an object is created by laying down successive layers of material.”

“3D printing is considered distinct from traditional machining techniques (subtractive processes) which mostly rely on the removal of material by drilling, cutting etc.”

www.3dprinting.com

Importance of 3D Printing

• Ability to revolutionize manufacturing and society– Shift from mass production to

customized products for consumers

• Affect every facet of business• Expansion beyond simple prototyping– Printers have ability to print final

products

New Opportunities

• Food industry• Medical science and research• Consumers• Manufacturing

Images source

blog.sculpteo.com