We live in time when many businesses must adapt new techniques for product production. 3D print is changing business today, and is widely used in today’s fields of architecture, fine arts, fashion and medicine.
“3D printing will change the way we live our lives,” said engineer Alan Lund at a 3D printing presentation that was held at the South City Campus on July 16.
In 3D printing, melted polymer is laid one layer at a time, which forms an object. The use of 3D printing allows businesses to save money, time and energy.
“A 3D model is built up layer by layer. Therefore, the whole process is called rapid prototyping, or 3D printing,” said Lund.
Lund has been an industrial engineer and mechanical designer for 15 years. He has worked for ATK motorcycles, Setpoint Engineering and FlexpointSensor Systems. In 2009, he started 3DProtoPrint, which is a design firm that builds ideas using rapid prototyping technology of CAD design, 3D scanning and 3D printing. With these technologies, 3DProtoPrint can bring a client’s ideas from concept to working prototype very quickly.
In 1987, when 3D printing was first introduced, the processes used coal and glue to create 3D objects, which was a big technological step for the day. Today, 3D print allows designers to create shapes that engineers from previous generations only dreamed about. In a single build, it is possible to create very complex objects. The combination of laser beam, computer software, and graphic design allows generate objects in a matter of hours. Using layer-by-layer technique saves time and energy. Most materials used in the process also recyclable
“3D Printing will change medical industry,” said Lund.
The average cost of traditional prosthetic leg is $ 70,000. Using 3D printing technology, it is now possible make prosthetic for much less money. The end product is even individually customized to a person and his or her personal lifestyle.
Cynthia Bias hosted and organized the 3D printing presentation in collaboration with the Digital Arts Grant (CBJT) Student Group. She began the presentation by emphasizing the usefulness of 3D printing in a wide variety of fields.
“The world of 3D printing is fascinating. 3D printing could be used by fashion designers and fine arts professionals,” said Bias.
The fashion industry is taking advantages in using 3D printing to make new weaves for the cloth and new ways of tailoring clothing.
3D printing is also used by masters of fine arts. Traditional ways of sculpturing always had certain physical restrictions. This is no longer the case with 3D printing. The technology allows artists to construct any shape on the external surface as well as the internal. Nothing seems impossible in creating unique art pieces.
The 3D printing presentation is held at the South City Campus twice a month and is open to all students and their guests.
