Unfortunately, prototyping takes a long time, and machines capable of making rapid prototypes cost a fortune. Fortunately, there are 3D printers that can build patterns per layer, which are faster and cheaper than traditional machines.

From hand-made prototypes to rapid prototyping

Before 3D printing and computer aided design (CAD) became widely used, models and prototypes were generally made from wood or plastic. It typically took days or weeks to build and getting new ideas or making changes took a long time.

For example, if you want to build a prototype car, you would start by carving a solid block of wood or other material inwards. Then, like a sculptor, he gradually reveals his hidden characteristics by exploiting the internal surface of the wood.

Rapid prototyping began to take off in the 1980s as a solution to the problems of traditional prototypes. Instead of using traditional methods, it uses automated machines that can produce models and prototypes in a shorter amount of time.

How does a 3D printer work?

A typical 3D printer uses a computer to create a model by printing multiple times on the same area. It then uses an automated process known as fused deposition modeling to separate two-dimensional from three-dimensional models.

Instead of using ink, the 3D printer deposits layers of plastic or dust in the model. Then it fuses them together using heat, ultraviolet light, or an adhesive.

Advantages and disadvantages

3D printer manufacturers say their machines can produce models in hours rather than days, which makes them ideal for people who need to prototype quickly. Although high-end 3D printers are still expensive, they are still cheaper than RP machines.
These 3D printers are also reasonably small and easy to use. They caught the attention of students from various design and engineering schools.

Unfortunately, 3D models produced using these machines tend to have poor quality and finish than those made with more expensive RP machines. In addition, they usually use limited materials and have poor surface texture. While these models are generally best for rough sketches, they can also be used later in the process to produce more sophisticated models.

Applications

In theory, 3D printing can be used for many different purposes. However, in practice, the limits are always the same: the precision of the model you create, the materials used and the precision of the machine. Despite the technological advances in 3D printing over the years, the range of applications in which it can be used is still astounding.

Medical

Due to the potential of 3D printing to reproduce damaged and fallible bodies, doctors were among the first individuals to try the technology. Currently, 3D models of various body parts such as arms and legs have been produced using the technology.

In addition to body parts, 3D printing has also been used to create artificial skin, cells and tissues. While it is still a long way from being able to create complete replacement organs, the technology is already being used in various medical projects. One such project is called Body on a Chip, which uses 3D printing to create miniature human organs. These organs are placed on a microchip and then subjected to artificial blood.

In addition to body parts, 3D printing is also used in various medical training and education projects. For example, surgeons at a Florida hospital use 3D models of children’s hearts to perform complex surgeries.

Aerospace and defense

For aerospace companies, 3D printing is a cost-effective way to test the capabilities of their airplanes. Computer models can be used to test various aspects of aircraft operation, but accurate prototypes are still required.

Unlike commercial aircraft, which are usually built in large volumes, military aircraft are more customized. With 3D printing, companies can easily create low-volume parts and test their designs.

Unlike airplanes, spacecraft are complex and require specialized equipment and tools for manufacturing. With 3D printing, companies can easily create one-off components instead of making complex productions.

As 3D printing is already widely used in the aerospace industry, it’s no surprise that many people imagine astronauts using the technology to 3D print spare parts for their space missions. This would allow them to produce items they need whenever they need them.

While 3D printing is not yet widely used in space missions, it can still be used in Earth-based projects. For example, NASA’s latest rover, designed to support humans, uses 3D printed parts.

Visualization

Creating 3D models of space rockets and airplanes is also a broad use case for this use of the technology. In addition to serving as prototypes, 3D printing allows people to visualize designs for new products.

Although 3D printing is not yet widely used in concrete and brick, it can be used to create models that look exactly like the finished product. Additionally, as plastics are commonly used in everyday products, 3D printed models can be used to test designs for new consumer products.

Personalized products

Today, most of us live our lives on the go, and disposable products are commonly used. However, not everyone appreciates the standard nature of mass production. With 3D printing, more people can easily customize their products.

Similar to how online marketplaces like Etsy have helped build a worldwide community of artisans, 3D printing can also be used to create unique and personalized fashion jewelry and accessories. Online services like Shapeways allow users to create their own 3D printed jewelry and fashion accessories.

In addition to being used to create unique products, 3D printing can also be used to print the food we eat. Since most processed foods can be 3D printed, it is possible that 3D printing could be used to produce pre-prepared foods.

An example is the case dating back to a couple of years ago, where a laboratory known as Evil Mad Scientist Laboratories made edible 3D printed sugar objects or that of a New York Times reporter who took on the challenge to eat a whole meal using 3D printed utensils and plates. Cornell University professor Hod Lipson believes that meals tailored to an individual’s taste and nutritional needs may be possible in the future with 3D printing.

The future of 3D printing

Many people believe that 3D printing will transform the way people produce and consume goods. While it is possible to create 3D printed objects using an inexpensive printer, it is not yet possible to make everything yourself.

The real economic benefits of 3D printing are expected to come as large companies begin adopting it as a core component of their manufacturing operations. This will allow them to offer more customized products and reduce mass production costs.