The 3D Printing Revolution

[sprintst]

I got my first on 4 years ago and had barely heard of them. I’ve just seen this video is 11years old. You really called it. Spot on!

[tenderlovingempire]

This guy is classic. I love the music. This will be a real gem in 20 years.

[ExplainingComputers]

The RepRap open source 3D printer does just this -- built one RepRap, and it can print all of the (plastic) parts needed to build another . . .

[ExplainingComputers]

Objet printers can already output 14 materials! :-) Also, do not assume that 3D printing will be able (re)producing existing things -- it will not really take hold until we start using it to make things designed for this kind of manufacture. You are right that it will not have a "chilling effect" on trad manufacturing for some. But already direct digital manufacturing is taking hold.

[Smonjirez]

You're someone who doesn't push technology forward. There are no limits. We will achieve everything.

[ExplainingTheFuture]

Thanks for the feedback. This is not done in 3DS max (it is LightWave). And it is quick animation for a YouTube video. I worked professionally for the BBC and others as an animator for many years, and my LightWave work has been show in TV in the UK, US, Holland and parts of Asia. I've also done LightWave work for several other companies. And why do you believe I have a budget to hire anybody to work on this stuff? The economics of being a YouTube partner do not stretch to that! :)

[ExplainingTheFuture]

You are right that there is a long way to go. However, 3D printing is not limited to plastic. Already it is possible to 3D print in metals (stainless steel, titanium, aluminum) and ceramics, with over 200 materials already available. There are also printers (eg the Voxeljet 4000) that 3D print in sand for sand casting, which can save a great deal of time and money in industry. About 20% of 3D printed items area already final parts or products --eg the cleat on a Nike Valor Laser Talon boot.

[ExplainingTheFuture]

The materials used are plastics, resins and metal (powders). They are expensive to purchase for 3D printing use (as the market is small at present), but the actual materials themselves (eg standard thermoplastics like ABS) are no more expensive than those used in traditonal manufacturing. I've even see progress on a grinder device that will turn old plastic cartons into 3D printing supplies . . .

[JMNTLRDRX]

These 3D animations are outstanding. Excellent video.

[knopflerforpresident]

Prof. Barnatt taught me at Nottingham Uni a few years ago! He's awesome.

[ExplainingTheFuture]

Thanks for your feedback. You are entitled to your opinion -- different styles of video clearly appeal to different people. In terms of research, I have been writing about this topic since 1996, have links with many industry pioneers, run a 3D printing directory, and have a book on the subject out next year. I also show metal printing in the video that follows this.

[ExplainingTheFuture]

Right now there are over 200 materials available. These include plastics (like ABS, PLA and many others), a whole host of photocurable polymers (the Connex printers from Strataysis can print in over 100, & 14 at once!), and a wide range of powder materials (eg stainless steel, bronze, iron, titanium, cobalt chrome, waxes, etc). Some printers can also print ceramics (that are then fired), chocolate, concrete, wood, sand (to make sand castings), and even human cells (see my bioprinting video!).

[ExplainingTheFuture]

As I've just posted in another comment (and say in the video), 3D printing is not limited to plastics. Also, even many "consumer" 3D printers can print in bioplastics (like PLA) which is biodegradable.

[ExplainingTheFuture]

This is so true. We must not judge 3D printing's relatively near future based on today's technology or its current price.

[ExplainingTheFuture]

Yes, 3D printers that print in metals are very expensive (currently c.$100, 000 to $500, 000). But, the scenario is more like, you go to the store and if the screws you want are not in stock, they can print them for you on their machine (which in five years costs maybe $5-10, 000). You can currently get/build a 3D printer that prints in plastic (ABS or PLA) for about $500+ :)

[SDSuko]

Awesome! Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I'm loving this 3D Printing revolution. :)

[ExplainingTheFuture]

Yes, making anything in metal is not simple, but I am not referring to capillary casting here. I am referring to sand casting, which has been practiced for thousands of years and is where molten metal is poured into a mold (sometimes with cores also fitted). Alloys (eg steel) can be used but are not needed for sand casts -- for example sand casts are made in steel, bronze and aluminium. And direct 3D metal printing (DMLS, SLM, EBM) is certainly possible, also expensive.

[CRESILAS]

Since September 1993, Cresilas, is specialized in the production of models, prototypes and all types of objects using the methods of rapid prototyping (3D printing)
20 years that we participate in this revolution ;-)

[InventionTherapy]

I love watching 3D printers do their magic.

[nigeljohnson]

one major limitation of 3D printing is the volume of feed material required. A further limitation is the physical and chemical properties of the printing materials, a number of which lack long term chemical stability and physical strength. Industrially, 3D printed parts may find application as templates in metal castings. I am constantly surprised at the rapidly falling cost of 3D printers, where as 2D printers for PCB production remain so high.