Like Quertime on Facebook!

10 Secrets and Facts about 3D Printer You Should Know

Updated on by in Hardware

3D printers are catching on fast. The technology has only just initiated and now, we are waiting to see how soon it hits the mainstream market.

3d-printer-secrets-facts

The hardware is definitely ready for home use. Many enthusiasts are already buying their printing products, and the industry is taking a drastic change of direction. It remains to be seen if the momentum continues, but what is undeniable is that 3D printing is a fascinating piece of machinery. To our readers excited, we have gathered a list of 10 facts you may not know about this new generation tech.

1. 3D printing is not as complicated as you think
The secret behind how 3D printing works is actually not a secret. In fact, if you have ever seen a building under construction, then you already know how 3D printing works.

how-3d-printing-works

The machine does nothing more than stacking blocks of materials on a miniature scale. Fuse printing technique involves using a liquid gel that dries abruptly. The printer simply uses this gel as its ‘ink’ to create a model in three dimensions. As it layers it, the gel quickly takes shape and sets quickly. The printer is able to do this in a swift motion with laser precision.

2. The first 3D printer was invented in 1984
Many people are under the assumption that 3D is a relatively new concept. That is not the case. 3D printing has been around for nearly 20 years. The first prototypes were developed in japan when engineers were trying to come up with sculpting robots.

The results of their research, development and iterations have now yielded the compact 3D printer we know today, however, it still uses the same concepts from their early counterparts that were made in the 80’s. The only reason 3D printers emerge into popularity now is because it has taken us this long to make them cheap and viable enough.

3. They are only going to become cheaper
3D follow Moore’s Law and thus just like computers and laptops, they are going to get cheaper and more powerful over time.

Since there is not a heavy demand for it at this time, 3D printing is an expensive proposition. But give it a few more years, and their prices could drop by up to 30% or more. This gets more promising by the fact that more and more companies are jumping in and developing their own 3D printing products. Competition in the IT industry only benefits the consumer as we get more products that are better, and cheaper.

4. 3D printers can print anything. And we mean anything
Some people still confused over what exactly 3D printers are capable of modeling. The answer is nearly anything that has a viable 3D dimension. Boxes, toys, furniture, tools, utensils, you name it. It’s small enough to be sculpted by hand, chances are 3D printers can make it.

3d-printer-can-print-anything

They can even print complicated things such as a clock, with individual gears, or even another 3D printer itself!

5. 3D printers are banned in some countries
Since 3D printers can literally sculpt anything, some nations have had serious concerns. There have been instances where some people have been able to 3D print weapons such as a fully functional pistol. There were even reports of people printing explosive devices in their houses.

Because of this, some countries have imposed a ban on the usage of 3D printing until security measures can be enforced. In other parts of the world, owning a 3D printer requires a permit and an official warrant issued by the government.

6. It’s a must have for artists
If you are a sculptor or a modeler, then you may want to pick up the 3D printer for yourself. Modeling requires prototyping and its best to see what the end result might look like. Previously, artists had to preview their work on a screen before transferring it onto a turn-table. Now, however, they can have the option to easily see a preview model by cheaply printing their work in 3D.

It’s fast, time efficient and most importantly, cost effective. If you are an artist looking to get ahead and develop a stunning portfolio, you can do it in a snap using 3D printing.

7. 3D printers are being used by doctors
In many hospitals, doctors have already adopted 3D printing for making prosthetics and artificial organs. They have also been able to share their blueprints and easily use them in other regions.

3d-printing-organs

You may ask if 3D printing is safe for using in hospitals, and whether or not they are reliable enough to be trusted to save lives. To this concern, doctors themselves have testified that 3D printing is in fact safe for use and viable without a doubt. There are numerous stories of people receive transplants and artificial limbs that were 3D printed.

8. A student once treated himself using 3D printers
An engineering student who was experimenting with 3D printing for his university project was able to get a full dental treatment using nothing more than 3D printers. He was able to craft his very own braces and get an expensive treatment for nearly free of cost by his own work.

There have been many other stories of students using 3D printing for crazy ideas, such as 3D printing their clothes, or even 3D printing keys to gain access to locked doors.

9. The entire printer market is experiencing a change
Major companies around the world are wondering if conventional printers are going to become obsolete. As 3D printers become more and more popular, they may replace paper printers as even that can be handled by 3D printers.

There is a major hurdle with investors who are wondering if their money is safe in the hands of old-school printing companies.

10. There is no training required to use 3D printers
And finally, 3D printing requires little to no knowledge or experience to operate. If you are thinking about getting one, but are concerned if you’ll be able to handle it, then know that such printers are just as simple to use as conventional printers.

So don’t be afraid to get one for you.

Author: Aaron Martin

Aaron Martin is a computer engineer who writes for numerous topics related to social, human being and animated such as Whiteboard Explainer Video at VidWonders.com.

Tags: , ,

Comments are closed.