INTRODUCTION
3D printing is an "additive" manufacturing process which creates a three dimensional object from a digital file by printing layers of material on top each other to form the object. This process differs from the conventional ("subtractive") manufacturing where an object is carved from a block of raw material or injected into a solid mould.
Though this technology was first created with the purpose of rapid prototyping, it has since taken a more progressive part in the manufacturing process. WHY INVESTING IN A 3D PRINTER COULD BE WORTHWHILE FOR YOU
Replacement parts can be so challenging to obtain plus the bill that comes with it often hurts our wallet. One of the best things that come with owning a 3D printer would be the online resources at your fingertips. With this, the next time one of your appliances decide to take a "break", just pop into Thingiverse and easily find replacement parts uploaded by other users.
HOW IT IS Affecting BUSINESS MODELsRapid Prototyping | Through this the process of prototyping is simplified from weeks to a matter of a couple of hours. This allows for cost reduction when you compare the time it takes for manual prototyping to that of 3D printing.
Direct Manufacturing | It can be expected that the 3D printer is able to completely reconfigure the production process, especially due to its far greater adoption potential. As of now, the cost of manufacturing traditionally may still be cheaper, however, companies do turn to 3D printers when more customization is required or when the unique advantages of 3D printing is desired. However if a significantly high number of units are required to be 3D printed, the mass production via this method will be more economical. Additionally, set-up cost for 3D printing is relatively low. Cool online platforms1. FROM CAMERA TO 3d PRINT
2. This app is available on your mobile device (whether you are team Android or iPhone) and allows you to create a replication of whatever you can take a photo of...which basically means endless of possibilities for the creative. 3. It gives you all the basic functions you need and is FREE! If that's not a reason for the average budget student (like myself), I don't know what else would captivate you. ;) 4. I don't know about you, but tutorials can be a drag if you want something informative and fast. This website not only gives you 5 minute tutorials, they have it organized where you won't be spending hours trying to find an answer. 5. They have a community that shares projects with you. This means that someone out there who is as big a minion/LOTR/anime fan as you, has probably uploaded a downloadable (and printable) file for your creation! http://www.123dapp.com/catch 2. Full cloud CAD system
It also provides you with video tutorials to help you get started. Not to mention, you can set up an account for free.
https://www.onshape.com/3d-cad
USEFUL LINKSThe links below were referenced in creating the summary above, do refer to them for further details.
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