The making of parts and products using a computer-driven, additive process, one layer at a time. 3D printing builds plastic and metal parts directly from CAD drawings that have been cross sectioned into thousands of layers. It provides a faster and less costly alternative to machining (cutting, turning, grinding and drilling solid materials).
Used for making both prototypes as well as final products, 3D printing evolved from the "rapid prototyping" industry, pioneered by Chuck Hull of 3D Systems in the mid-1980s.
Concept, Prototype and Final Product
Capable of making a part from scratch in just hours, 3D printing is used to create models to determine if a design meets the customer's concept and expectations. It is also used to create prototypes of parts to test their form, fit and function with other parts in an assembly.
Using 3D printing technologies such as laser sintering and electron beam melting, "rapid prototyping" evolved into "rapid manufacturing," in which short runs of actual finished parts are made. Such techniques are also used to create products customized for each person, such as hearing aids, dental crowns and medical implants.
3D printing is also used to make tooling, such as molds and dies, as well as patterns for castings. Either the actual mold or the model to make the mold can be produced more quickly and less costly than with conventional methods.
Additive Fabrication and 3D Printers
Although various techniques are used, all 3D printers use methods of "additive fabrication," methods, building the part one layer at a time, with layers ranging from a millimeter to less than 1/1,000th of an inch. The building material can be a liquid, powder or sheet material that is cured by heat, UV light, a chemical reaction or other method.
The term "3D printing" has evolved to include both rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing. Initially, 3D printers referred only to the relatively small, inexpensive office-based machines that jet a wax, photopolymer or binder. Increasingly, the term refers to any machine that uses a method of additive fabrication either in the office or shop floor.
There are numerous 3D printing methods, including the cutting of paper, plastic and metal sheets with a laser or knife, and the layers may be glued or fused together. The more common methods use filaments, liquids or powders and are summarized below. See nanofactory and STL.
The Bible of 3D Printing
Known worldwide for his expertise in rapid prototyping and manufacturing, Terry Wohlers writes an industry report describing the applications, players, technologies and past, present and future of 3D printing. For more information, visit www.wohlersassociates.com.
Stereolithography
Chuck Hull of 3D Systems, who pioneered rapid prototyping in the mid-1980s, is pictured in front of a stereolithography apparatus (SLA). Prototypes and parts are built from a liquid photopolymer, and each layer is created by a UV laser that cures one cross section at a time. At the end of the job, the whole part is cured once more after excess resin and support structures are removed. (Image courtesy of 3D Systems, Inc., www.3dsystems.com)
Laser Sintering
Laser sintering machines build prototypes and final parts from powdered plastics and metals that are heated by a laser. At the end of the job, the excess powder is removed and recycled for the next build. This metal part was created in a 3D Systems Sinterstation using the company's LaserForm resin. (Image courtesy of 3D Systems, Inc., www.3dsystems.com)
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
FDM machines deposit ABS plastic or another type of thermoplastic through a heated nozzle to form the layers. After being extruded, the plastic solidifies. Developed by Scott Crump of Stratasys in the late 1980s, FDM is a popular technology for making prototypes. This shows a close-up of the print head of a Dimension FDM machine from Stratasys (www.dimensionprinting.com).
Electron Beam Melting (EBM)
Using an electron beam that melts metal powder a layer at a time in a vacuum chamber, EBM machines are used to create titanium and cobalt chrome parts. Conventional machining may be required to finish the goods. These engine parts were made with Arcam's CAD to Metal system. (Image courtesy of Arcam AB, www.arcam.com)
Color 3D Printing
The 3D printers from Z Corporation (www.zcorp.com) jet color binders onto powdered, composite materials one layer at a time, enabling the fabrication of fully printed prototypes. All the gears and rods in this demonstration model were created in place as a single unit from bottom to top. At the end of the job, the excess powder was removed between the gears. When any single gear is moved manually, all the others rotate simultaneously.
Jetting Liquid Polymer
Similar to inkjet printers, Objet's PolyJet piezoelectric print heads use thousands of nozzles to jet 16 micron layers of photopolymer that are immediately cured by UV light. The model material for the part and the support material that fills the voids come from different nozzles. Because of its 600x600 dpi resolution, PolyJet machines make fast prototypes. (Image courtesy of Objet Geometries Ltd., www.2objet.com)
Medical Breakthroughs
From CAT scans and MRIs to physical 3D models, surgeons can preview a patient's bones and organs and save hours of time at the operating table. In addition, 3D printers can make generic and custom implants. The model of a human spine (top) was created by Objet's PolyJet technology, while the bottom image shows a finished Stryker knee implant made out of cobalt chrome in a laser sintering machine from Electro Optical Systems (EOS). (Images courtesy of Objet Geometries Ltd. and EOS GmbH.)
A Desktop Breakthrough
At $4995, the Desktop Factory is a breakthrough in low-cost 3D printers. Expected in 2008, the technology fuses 10 mil layers of powdered plastic by light, somewhat like a laser printer. Targeted at $1 per cubic inch, it is also a breakthrough in less costly 3D printer consumables. (Images courtesy of Desktop Factory, Inc., www.desktopfactory.com)
Used for making both prototypes as well as final products, 3D printing evolved from the "rapid prototyping" industry, pioneered by Chuck Hull of 3D Systems in the mid-1980s.
Concept, Prototype and Final Product
Capable of making a part from scratch in just hours, 3D printing is used to create models to determine if a design meets the customer's concept and expectations. It is also used to create prototypes of parts to test their form, fit and function with other parts in an assembly.
Using 3D printing technologies such as laser sintering and electron beam melting, "rapid prototyping" evolved into "rapid manufacturing," in which short runs of actual finished parts are made. Such techniques are also used to create products customized for each person, such as hearing aids, dental crowns and medical implants.
3D printing is also used to make tooling, such as molds and dies, as well as patterns for castings. Either the actual mold or the model to make the mold can be produced more quickly and less costly than with conventional methods.
Additive Fabrication and 3D Printers
Although various techniques are used, all 3D printers use methods of "additive fabrication," methods, building the part one layer at a time, with layers ranging from a millimeter to less than 1/1,000th of an inch. The building material can be a liquid, powder or sheet material that is cured by heat, UV light, a chemical reaction or other method.
The term "3D printing" has evolved to include both rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing. Initially, 3D printers referred only to the relatively small, inexpensive office-based machines that jet a wax, photopolymer or binder. Increasingly, the term refers to any machine that uses a method of additive fabrication either in the office or shop floor.
There are numerous 3D printing methods, including the cutting of paper, plastic and metal sheets with a laser or knife, and the layers may be glued or fused together. The more common methods use filaments, liquids or powders and are summarized below. See nanofactory and STL.
The Bible of 3D Printing
Known worldwide for his expertise in rapid prototyping and manufacturing, Terry Wohlers writes an industry report describing the applications, players, technologies and past, present and future of 3D printing. For more information, visit www.wohlersassociates.com.
Stereolithography
Chuck Hull of 3D Systems, who pioneered rapid prototyping in the mid-1980s, is pictured in front of a stereolithography apparatus (SLA). Prototypes and parts are built from a liquid photopolymer, and each layer is created by a UV laser that cures one cross section at a time. At the end of the job, the whole part is cured once more after excess resin and support structures are removed. (Image courtesy of 3D Systems, Inc., www.3dsystems.com)
Laser Sintering
Laser sintering machines build prototypes and final parts from powdered plastics and metals that are heated by a laser. At the end of the job, the excess powder is removed and recycled for the next build. This metal part was created in a 3D Systems Sinterstation using the company's LaserForm resin. (Image courtesy of 3D Systems, Inc., www.3dsystems.com)
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
FDM machines deposit ABS plastic or another type of thermoplastic through a heated nozzle to form the layers. After being extruded, the plastic solidifies. Developed by Scott Crump of Stratasys in the late 1980s, FDM is a popular technology for making prototypes. This shows a close-up of the print head of a Dimension FDM machine from Stratasys (www.dimensionprinting.com).
Electron Beam Melting (EBM)
Using an electron beam that melts metal powder a layer at a time in a vacuum chamber, EBM machines are used to create titanium and cobalt chrome parts. Conventional machining may be required to finish the goods. These engine parts were made with Arcam's CAD to Metal system. (Image courtesy of Arcam AB, www.arcam.com)
Color 3D Printing
The 3D printers from Z Corporation (www.zcorp.com) jet color binders onto powdered, composite materials one layer at a time, enabling the fabrication of fully printed prototypes. All the gears and rods in this demonstration model were created in place as a single unit from bottom to top. At the end of the job, the excess powder was removed between the gears. When any single gear is moved manually, all the others rotate simultaneously.
Jetting Liquid Polymer
Similar to inkjet printers, Objet's PolyJet piezoelectric print heads use thousands of nozzles to jet 16 micron layers of photopolymer that are immediately cured by UV light. The model material for the part and the support material that fills the voids come from different nozzles. Because of its 600x600 dpi resolution, PolyJet machines make fast prototypes. (Image courtesy of Objet Geometries Ltd., www.2objet.com)
Medical Breakthroughs
From CAT scans and MRIs to physical 3D models, surgeons can preview a patient's bones and organs and save hours of time at the operating table. In addition, 3D printers can make generic and custom implants. The model of a human spine (top) was created by Objet's PolyJet technology, while the bottom image shows a finished Stryker knee implant made out of cobalt chrome in a laser sintering machine from Electro Optical Systems (EOS). (Images courtesy of Objet Geometries Ltd. and EOS GmbH.)
A Desktop Breakthrough
At $4995, the Desktop Factory is a breakthrough in low-cost 3D printers. Expected in 2008, the technology fuses 10 mil layers of powdered plastic by light, somewhat like a laser printer. Targeted at $1 per cubic inch, it is also a breakthrough in less costly 3D printer consumables. (Images courtesy of Desktop Factory, Inc., www.desktopfactory.com)
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- 3D Issue Professional 1.1 (Mac)
- 3D Issue is a software solution that allows you to convert your press ready PDFs into page turning interactive digital editions. 3D Issue is not a service. Once you purchase a company license thats it. There are no additional costs or charges. You can use this license to produce digital...
- Software downloads 2009-11-19
- 3D Issue Lite 1.3 (Mac)
- Are you looking for a way to quickly convert your print publications into online edition editions? 3D Issue Manager Lite is an easy to use tool that automatically converts your PDFs into searchable digital editions in a matter of seconds. Simply select your PDFs, choose your output settings, click convert...
- Software downloads 2009-11-19
- PhotoLine 15.52 (Windows)
- PhotoLine is an imaging processing software, image browser, layout program, vector editor, batch converter and web editor with many functions. It is available as 32/64 bit application. The imaging functions fully supports Lab, CMYK, 16 bit per channel, ICC profiles and raw data of digital cameras. It offers all tools...
- Software downloads 2009-11-10
- PhotoLine 15.52 (Mac)
- PhotoLine is an imaging processing software, image browser, layout program, vector editor, batchconverter and web editor with many functions. It is available as 32/64 bit application. The imaging functions fully supports Lab, CMYK, 16 bit per channel, ICC profiles and raw data of digital cameras. It offers all tools you...
- Software downloads 2009-10-28
- Cover Professional 1.0 (Windows)
- Maybe you can't judge a book by its cover. But with Cover Professional, you can be sure that the cover your customer sees is professional looking and that it creates just the right impression. And first impressions are everything. In most cases, your products cover design is also your point...
- Software downloads 2009-10-20
- GdsViewer 2.1 build 383 (Windows)
- GdsViewer is a large capacity, fast, convenient, and multifunctional GDSII viewer. Viewer provides: 64-bit file access; viewing and exporting in both binary and ASCII GDSII format; exporting in 3D vtk format; visualizing DSPF RC extraction results; flattening of the hierarchy to the desired level; fast high resolution large size printing;...
- Software downloads 2009-09-24
- bonzai3d 1.2 (Mac)
- bonzai3d is a new 3D modeler developed by AutoDesSys for quick, easy, simple, yet robust 3d modeling. The goal is to offer conceptual and sketching stages of design, yet CAD accurate models that can be used further down the production pipeline such as construction drawings, renderings, animation, fabrication, rapid prototyping...
- Software downloads 2009-09-22
- Bonzai3d 1.2 build 7406 (Windows)
- Bonzai3d is a new 3D modeler developed by AutoDesSys for quick, easy, simple, yet robust 3d modeling. The goal is to offer conceptual and sketching stages of design, yet CAD accurate models that can be used further down the production pipeline such as construction drawings, renderings, animation, fabrication, rapid prototyping...
- Software downloads 2009-09-18
- PanoramaStudio Pro 2.0 (Windows)
- PanoramaStudio Pro is a complete solution for the creation of panoramas. It stitches single- and multi-row sets of images to seamless panoramas of up to full spherical 360x180 degrees. Besides the easy and established creation of panoramas offers PanoramaStudio Pro now also the option to stitch arbitrary arranged images to...
- Software downloads 2009-09-17
- 3D Route Builder 1.3.4 (Windows)
- 3D Route Builder is a fine grain GPS route editor for Google Earth with real-time playback and location, altitude, and time-stamp editing. Edit existing data or generate GPX, KML or Garmin TCX from scratch. Version 1.3.4 features route data grid printing and improved messages for file load errors.
- Software downloads 2009-09-03
- StitchBuddy 1.2.1 (Mac)
- StitchBuddy can modify and convert embroidery files: Patterns can be flipped or rotated, thread colors can be changed and you can convert i.e. a PES file used by Brother embroidery machines into Janome's JEF format. The functions in detail: reading Janome JEF and SEW, Brother PES, Melco...
- Software downloads 2009-09-01
- LanFlow Net Diagrammer 6.20.2040 (Windows)
- LanFlow is a drawing tool for laying out, designing, and documenting a network, LAN, Internet, vector or other communications system. Drop in components like computers, workstations, routers, and servers and connect them with lines and cables. Choose components from built in symbols and clip art or add commonly available clip...
- Software downloads 2009-08-10
- 3D Photo Browser for 3D Users 10.04 (Windows)
- 3D Photo Browser Pro is a must for viewing, editing and organizing your images, 3D files and audio files. For each directory, 3D Photo Browser Pro displays high quality thumbnails in a comfortable customizable window. it recognizes more than 60 image formats, many 3D formats and most of audio files....
- Software downloads 2009-07-16
- 3D Photo Browser 10.04 (Windows)
- 3D Photo Browser is a x32/x64 bits file explorer that makes viewing, editing, and organizing your 3D files (Max, Maya, Lightwave), images (+60 formats supported), videos and audio files easier. It displays large thumbnails in a highly customizable window. It offers a complete image/video editor and a 3D OpenGL textured...
- Software downloads 2009-07-16
- Fujifilm soon to release a 3D digital camera
- Fujifilm is taking digital photography to the next level with the promise of a 3D digital camera model. The FinePix Real 3D System, set to ship in September, will come equipped with two lenses, "spaced about the same distance apart as human eyes, which allow for the taking of simultaneous...
- Blog posts 2009-07-13
- Microspot Interiors Pro 4.1 (Mac)
- Microspot Interiors Professional takes 3D interior design to a whole new level with superb raytrace rendering and a host of modeling tools including 3D text, lathing, pipes and Boolean operations. By providing Interior space and modelling space in the same application with a shared library Interiors Pro gives professionals...
- Software downloads 2009-06-16
- MacMolPlt 7.3 (Mac)
- MacMolPlt is a Chemistry visualization tool that can be used to build molecules with an integrated graphical model builder, create input files for the GAMESS computational chemistry program, and then visualize the results of computational chemistry runs. Features include a high-quality 3D display, animations of normal modes and reaction sequences...
- Software downloads 2009-05-28
- PhotoLine 15.06 (Mac)
- PhotoLine is an imaging processing software, image browser, layout program, vector editor, batchconverter and web editor with many functions. It is available as 32/64 bit application. The imaging functions fully supports Lab, CMYK, 16 bit per channel, ICC profiles and raw data of digital cameras. It offers all tools you...
- Software downloads 2009-05-26
- Intel, Novell stump for Moblin netbook OS
- Intel, Novell stump for Moblin netbook OSThere is no reason for this projectAndroid is a perfectly good Linux-based stack that can run on Atom as well as other CPUs like ARM. And for that matter, so is LiMo, and Ubuntu and... . I don't see the unique value of Moblin.Netbook...
- Discussion threads 2009-05-07
- ARmedia Plugin For Google SketchUp 1.1 (Mac)
- AR-media Plug-in technology allows users to bring their models from the 3D modeling tool by Google into "reality." Once installed and configured the plug-in allows users to visualize any model textured or not in Augmented Reality and experience a new way to interact with their digital content and show...
- Software downloads 2009-05-06
Neighboring Terms
Premier Vendor Content Whitepapers, webcasts & resources from our Power Center Sponsors
- Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online - Free Six-Month Trial for Eligible Organizations
-
Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online provides fast online access, simple contact management and better sales performance for a low monthly cost - the best value on the market today.
- Learn more about the free, six-month trial offer>>
- The best support in the Linux business
-
If Linux is going to power your mission-critical applications, you'd better have the best support known to business. Novell was rated the top provider of Linux technical support.
- Learn more >>
- Learn more about tools to grow your business
-
The Business Essentials Guide provides you useful tools and templates to help grow your business and save you time with automated shipping solutions.
- Save time with the UPS Business Essentials Guide
- Reduce risk. Reduce complexity. Increase reliability.
-
A simplified IT environment isn't just less complex. It's also more reliable. Standardize on a single Linux platform with SUSE Linux Enterprise from Novell, and get the world's most interoperable Linux
- Learn more >>
Meet Doc
-
-
Here to help you with your Document Management Needs
- Check out Doc’s Blog on ZDNet
- Help your company, help the earth I want to share with you the Environmental Defense Fund Paper Calculator, which allows you to gauge your organization's environmental impact.
- Which is Greener: Paper or Digital? The Answer May Surprise You Anything we can do to reduce paper consumption is good. But what about the impact of digital waste?
-
Produced by
ZDNet and -
