3D Printing

3D printing is an innovative technology that lets you create a physical object from a digital model. All you need to do is make a design, transfer the file to a 3D printer, then bring your object to life.

3D Printing History

The 3D printing process was devised in the 1980s and was initially called ‘rapid prototyping’. It enabled companies to speedily develop prototypes to precise specifications. Nowadays, its uses are far more diverse. Businesses, educators, medics, researchers, and hobbyists alike use the technology for a huge range of different applications.

Digital Design

The first stage of 3D printing is to create a digital model in a 3D modeling program (CAD – Computer Aided Design) or by using a 3D scanner. Another option is to find a pre-existing 3D model design, for example from a company database or design-sharing website.

Printing 3D Model

The final step is to press print. The printers produce layers of material, one on top of the other. This forms the finished object. Desktop printers usually use plastic filaments, which are fed in, then melted in the print head. This liquid substance is extruded onto the build plate.