Eliane Agra

Show and Tell Presentation

• Printing has evolved over time through different phases like block printing, printing on the computer, to now being able to print 3D objects.

• This new technology began to emerge in 2003 and since then has developed and grown interest with consumers. 3D printers use digital files to produce 3D objects made out of plastic.

Click below for video3D printing video interview

3D printing machine

Printed object example

• The objects are created by laying down consecutive layers of material to form a 3D object.

• 3D printing is used in many different fields, such as education, engineering, and construction.

• There are various brands, types, and makers, for example Makerbot and Shapeways. However, they essential all do the same thing, print 3D objects. The difference can vary from a company who makes you the product in 3D and then sends them to you, to a company that sells the machines so you can do it yourself.

Click below for video3D printing video on layering

3D printing machines

• The 3D objects are all based on 3D design images that come to life. It’s rather time consuming to print, has a maximum of two different color choices based on manufacture, and object turns out to be no larger than a loaf of bread.

“Three-dimensional printing makes it as cheap to create single items as it is to produce thousands and thus undermines economies of scale. It may have as profound an impact on the world as the coming of the factory did....Just as nobody could have predicted the impact of the steam engine in 1750—or the printing press in 1450, or the transistor in 1950—it is impossible to foresee the long-term impact of 3D printing. But the technology is coming, and it is likely to disrupt every field it touches.”

—The Economist, in a February 10, 2011 leader (Wiki website)

3D printed objects

• 3D printing will put the power in the hands of the consumer to fit the personal interests and wants of re-printable objects, therefore changing how we go about our daily lives.

• It’s giving the people the option to create and develop an object that will meet their personal needs. People can now use their creative skills to customize, personalize, and self express themselves through various objects.

• Consumers can make items like a remote control car that is customized to what they want it to look like. In addition, they can also make moving gears, door knobs, and other endless possibilities.

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3D printing video with Makerbot

3D printed object with moving gears

• 3D printing is used most effectively with designers because they no longer have to go off of a flat representation of what they are building. They can now print it out and look at it from all angles, modifying and changing what is needed.

• Furthermore, consumers will now have the power to build what they want without the issue of manufactures price and availabilities.

“If you need to replace a broken part or need a custom-made object of some kind, 3D printing allows for access to an inexpensive personal manufacturing solution that otherwise would have cost many hundreds or thousands of dollars through traditional manufacturing methods,”

- Muyshondt. (Digital Trends website)

3D printing machine

References• CNET. (2012). The Future of 3D Printing. Retrieved January 21, 2012, from

http://ces.cnet.com/160633363_150118533.html?tag=mncol;cnetRiver

• Digital Trends. (2012). What is 3D printing? A beginners guide to a desktop factory. Retrieved January 30, 2012, from

http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/what-is-3d-printing-a-beginners-guide-to-the-desktop-factory/

• The Free Dictionary By Farlex. (2012). 3D Printing. Retrieved January 22, 2012, from http://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/3D+printing

• Wikipedia. (2012).3D Printing. Retrieved January 21, 2012, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing

• Youtube. (2012). MakerBot Replicator CES 2012 First Look. Retrieved January 21, 2012, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=SFC_ru5xfDI&feature=fvst

• Youtube. (2012).3D Printer. Retrieved January 21, 2012, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=Zo2It82rXSk&N R=1