A Few Things 3D Printing Can Do

3D printing has the power to change the way that we look at manufacturing things on a small scale. Through this technology, we have the capabilities to create virtually whatever you want! There are large demands for the production of jewelry through custom wax casting prints. Other applications include character models for artists and toys. Mechanical parts have been rising up in quantity within the 3D printing world. There are so many possibilities within this technology, it’s ridiculous. Let’s try to highlight some of the possibilities within this manufacturing field.

Like I mentioned earlier, jewelry is becoming much larger within the 3D printing scene. When people want to have a special form of jewelry custom made for their significant other or for a class ring, there are quite a few custom factors that may come into play. Engraving a ring is going to become very boring thanks to 3D printing. For jewelry and 3D printing to sync together, a couple things have to happen. Just like with regular jewelry making, a design or blueprint has to be developed. This design will then be used when it comes down to actually creating the print. A 3D printer will receive the model, and it will be used to produce a part. SLA printing methods, or stereolithography can be used to create very detailed small parts layer by layer. These wax prints will then be taken and sent to a casting facility. The molten material will burn out the wax casting, and there you go – you’ll have your 3D printed piece of jewelry!

I also mentioned the production of mechanical parts through 3D printing methods. This process typically involves the use of metal 3D printing, or direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). These processes allow for the creation of truly unique, intricate, and detailed parts that can’t be made through other manufacturing processes. 3D printing allows for the creation of pretty much whatever you want, while machining and milling methods can only remove materials at certain angles and levels. The production of hollow, curvy, and deep models is very difficult and sometimes impossible through traditional methods, but 3D printing helps change the way we look at mechanical parts. If an aerospace engineer needs to have a very high detailed metal part that can withstand high levels of heat, it would be a good idea to look into 3D printing. If a part needed to be light, plastic, and a flame retardant with high levels of detail, it might be a good idea to invest into 3D printing.

This technology is also great for other applications. One in particular relates the most to artists and video game designers. If an artist spends hours on top of hours on a project, that piece typically means something to him or her. These models are works of art, and they are only 3D images on a computer, after all. Through additive manufacturing, these 3D models could be produced into real figurines. This is great for artists, as their creations, works of art, and “children” can be produced into physical models!