In America, they call it the manufacturing technology that will put factories in China out of business. That is, until a Chinese firm built 10 full-size houses using the same tech. If you’re a fan of science fiction TV show Star Trek , you may dream of marvellous technologies that can synthesise objects out of thin air — a cup, a jar or even a bucket filled with refreshing lemonade.
Well there have been exciting developments that can make it possible for you to own your own “replication” machine today — to be used for hobby, small business or even full-scale commercial operation — a 3D printer.
What is it?
Also known as additive manufacturing, three-dimensional printing is the process of making a solid object of virtually any shape from a digital model. The technology is based on an additive process whereby successive layers of material are used to craft a 3D model. The scale of a printer is only limited by the size of the “frame” of the printer.
The technology has developed so rapidly that home users can now print objects ranging in size from a small plastic doll to as large as a doll house. Businesses too have begun using additive technology to print objects as large as car radials. And these are made of metal. The technology has also been used to fabricate objects that consist of many small parts and components, such as guns. And now, it's possible to even print out human body parts!. The time taken for printing an object also varies, depending on the size.
Why is it important?
Is there a closet inventor in you? Have you ever had a concept that you wished brought to life, but didn’t possess the means to fabricate? Your use of the 3D printing technology is only limited by the 3D models that you feed into the machine. But before you get exasperated at the thought of having to learn a computer language, you should be aware that many 3D models are already available on the internet for free.
And many manufacturers bundle software to create models with their printers, though you are welcome to use a program that you are familiar with if you choose. And if you feel the urge to simply replicate objects — such as a plastic cover for a phone, or one of those little Army soldiers that your niece or nephew plays with — there are also 3D scanners now available, but these are largely commercially-oriented, though you might see an HNI or two with one.
Why should I care?
Besides keeping up with the times, there are myriad ways that even a casual user can get involved with 3D printing. Printers can be bought for prices ranging from as low as ₹29,995 to ₹1.5 lakh on sites like eBay India and even more on overseas websites that offer international delivery.
Naturally, take the size of object you wish to print if you decide to experiment with the concept. Also, remember that as with conventional printing, the quality of printing differs between machines. The “cartridges” carrying the plastic granules that are used for printing objects are also costly. But you would note that costs of all technology, such as smartphones, eventually fall.
The bottom line
This is a technology that was only possible in the wildest dreams once upon a time. You owe it to yourself to watch a video on Youtube about the technology. If the urge to acquire one overtakes you, don’t feel buyer’s remorse.