3D PRINTERS
The term ‘printing’ used to denote 2D applications on flat surfaces, but that line of definition is about to be blurred. By enabling anyone to print a plastic version of any solid object, these technological marvels are set to unlock a whole new level of creativity, convenience, and safety concerns.
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of creating three dimensional physical objects with data from a digital model. Basically, a 3D printer will analyse data from a digital 3D model, and then lay down successive layers of material to create a physical object from the bottom up.
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of creating three dimensional physical objects with data from a digital model. Basically, a 3D printer will analyse data from a digital 3D model, and then lay down successive layers of material to create a physical object from the bottom up.
This technology has been around since the 1980’s, but up until the past few years, it was only used as a big and expensive industrial machine to create prototypes and to do research. Things are about to change around here.
Today, there already several companies like Makerbot, Mojo, Objet, and Cubify, which have been commercially producing relatively cheaper and more user-friendly models. Since then, we’ve seen everyday people ‘print’ everything from toys to deadly assault rifles that could fire live rounds. And in case you are wondering, it is possible to simply download the blueprints of a gun to produce a functional plastic replica, but getting it to work properly would require the right materials, a good deal of know-how, and the intention of going to jail if you’re in Malaysia.
Aside from toys and tools, there are tons of other fascinating creations that have been made possible thanks to 3D printing. Some fashion designers have already created 3D printed apparels like shoes and dresses. On the more scientific side of the spectrum, people like Gaël Langevin have even created a 3D printed robot which he shares on the net as a downloadable digital 3D model for free.
Unlike laser jet printers that print digital pictures and documents onto paper, a 3D printer requires instructions from a digital 3D model. These digital 3D models can be constructed with sophisticated scanners that can draw out an entire blue print of an object just by scanning it, or they can be manually designed from scratch on a computer. For those who are unfamiliar with 3D modelling, pre-designed digital 3D models can also be downloaded for free or purchased online.
The fastest printers in the market today could produce sizable physical 3D models within a few hours, which may seem like a really long time. But considering the fact that most 3D printers in the market can easily take days to complete the same job, a few hours is a relatively short time. And since you probably will not be spending tens of thousands of ringgit on a 3D printer for your home, be prepared to exercise a whole lot of patience with an affordable entry-level printer.
The most basic 3D printers out there, such as the Cubify Cube, have relatively limited capabilities compared to their industrial counterparts. You’d still be able to print an infinite number of creations within a 140mm x 140mm x 140mm limit in one of several colors available with one material at a time, but do not expect to be able to print life-sized electric guitars or multi-material pieces with it.
If you still want to print something bigger like a guitar, or multi-colored objects that the Cube cannot produce, Cubify offers what they call ‘Cloud Printing’ services where they will print and mail you anything that is beyond the Cube’s capabilities. This may defeat the purpose of purchasing a 3D printer, but companies like Cubify do offer an impressive range of highly customizable digitally printed products that they can make for you.
Still, at USD 1399, the Cubify Cube remains one of the most ‘affordable’ consumer 3D printers out there, although we strongly feel that the Markerbot Replicator 2 seen on the first page of this article would be worth the extra few hundred dollars more if you want to make more than a few miniature pieces.
It may be an expensive hobby for now, but 3D printing is here to stay. So keep an eye on it, for like the 2D printing and DVD burning, 3D printing may just grow with us and eventually become a significant part of our daily lives.
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