What is 3D Printing? How It Works, Benefits, Processes, and Applications Explained

#3dprinting #3dprintingdesigns #3dprintingservice #3dprintingtechnology #formlabs3dprinting

Remember when 3D printers seemed to be the topic of every headline? While the hype has mostly faded away, 3D printing technologies have been rapidly maturing behind the scenes. Businesses you wouldn't expect are already using 3D printers, and more will follow as the range of applications continues to expand.

3D printing, also aptly called additive manufacturing, creates parts layer by layer, based on digital models designed in CAD software. Recent advances have made this technology accessible to a wider range of businesses. Today, desktop and benchtop 3D printers accelerate innovation and growth across various industries, including engineering, manufacturing, dentistry, healthcare, education, entertainment, jewelry, audiology, and more.

First, digital 3D models are either designed using CAD software or developed from a 3D scan. Then, the 3D design is imported into print preparation software, sliced into layers, and sent to the printer. There are many ways to 3D print, some 3D printers use a laser to cure liquid resin into hardened plastic, while others fuse small particles of powder at high temperatures, or melt plastic filament to build parts. After post-processing, 3D printed parts can then be used directly or post-processed further for specific applications by smoothing, painting, coating, and more.

Plastics are the most common materials used in 3D printing with three established technologies being: fused deposition modeling (or FDM), stereolithography (or SLA), and selective laser sintering (or SLS). FDM 3D printing is popular among hobbyists and is best suited for simple designs. SLA 3D printing offers high resolution, accuracy, and the widest range of materials. SLS 3D printers are ideal for complex geometries and boast excellent mechanical characteristics.

The benefits of 3D printing are remarkable. It's fast, allowing for rapid production and shorter development cycles. It also cuts costs by eliminating the need for expensive tooling. It offers almost unlimited design freedom and enables the creation of complex shapes and customized products. The applications of 3D printing are vast, including rapid prototyping, tooling, manufacturing aids, models, and end-use parts.

3D printing is no longer a futuristic concept. It's actively shaping industries and offering new possibilities. Discover how it can improve, expand, or diversify your business.

00:00 - Intro
00:36 - What is 3D Printing
01:15 - How 3D Printers Work
02:14 - 3D Printing Technologies
04:49 - Benefits of 3D Printing
06:30 - 3D Printing Applications

▬ Learn More ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

▬ Socials ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

▬ About Formlabs ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Formlabs is expanding access to digital fabrication, so anyone can make anything. Headquartered in Somerville, Massachusetts with offices in North Carolina, Germany, Hungary, Japan, China, and Singapore, Formlabs is the professional 3D printer of choice for engineers, designers, manufacturers, and decision-makers around the globe.

Through a continuous commitment to innovation, Formlabs has become the largest supplier of professional stereolithography (SLA) and selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printers in the world. Formlabs also develops its own suite of high-performance 3D printing materials that continue to expand the range of applications of additive manufacturing, as well as best-in-class 3D printing software, post-processing tools, and automation solutions.

[johnflynn]

Very interesting video, well done. Gave me 10 mins easy intro to a world we might not have imagined 30 years

[SilverwingStudios]

I'd reduce the ease of use for the resin printer to 3 or 4 stars given that it needs its own enclosure and dedicated hardware due to post-print curing and fumes. :P