3D printing has become a familiar term for many—whether through newspapers, blogs, or television, it's hard not to come across information about this revolutionary technology. The message often conveyed is that in the near future, we'll be able to download a model from the internet or design one using software like CAD and then print it out at home or in a local print shop. However, despite the excitement surrounding it, 3D printing is still overhyped when it comes to current technological capabilities.
As someone who has been working with 3D printing for the past two years, I've created over 5,000 models and operated the machines daily. I’ve also spent time educating the public and industry professionals on the intricacies of 3D modeling and received thousands of emails from enthusiasts around the world. Through these interactions, I’ve gathered valuable insights and experiences that I'd like to share.
Let people look forward to the world of 3D printing
One of the most impressive 3D printed products I've seen has stunned the manufacturing sector. At first glance, many mistake it for a combination of metal, plastic, and rubber. But in reality, it's entirely made from plastic powder and colored ink. It's similar to those plaster statues you used to make as a child.
Products with complex structures and unique finishes are typically produced on high-end machines costing hundreds of thousands of pounds. They require significant time, energy, and professional expertise. While media often showcases 3D printed furniture, architectural models, or even guns and claim they can be made at home, the truth is far more complicated.
Even though 3D printing is widely adopted globally, it doesn’t mean it’s accessible to everyone at home. The technology is still surrounded by hype, and many people have unrealistic expectations.
People's expectations for 3D printing
People see 3D printing used to create violins, shoes, and other intricate objects, but what they don't realize is that the equipment involved is expensive, often involving lasers and resins. Many believe they can do it all on a $800 printer without any training. Imagine if someone from a planet without cars saw a news report saying a car can go 250 mph and hold 10 people for $300. They’d probably think it was fake. Similarly, people today often have a one-sided view of 3D printing, not understanding its real limitations.
Face the true strength of 3D printing products!
When it comes to structural strength, 3D printed parts aren't as strong as those made using traditional methods. This is because 3D printing builds objects layer by layer, which is both its advantage and its weakness. Traditional casting results in uniform strength throughout the material, while 3D printed parts have weaker bonds between layers. For example, imagine building a wall with Lego bricks—if you push it sideways, it might collapse due to weak inter-layer adhesion.
What does surface treatment affect?
The smooth surface you see on a 3D printed object is usually the result of post-processing. The raw product is often rough and requires sanding, chemical treatments, or polishing. These steps take time and effort, and some chemicals like acetone can affect the accuracy of the final part, causing loss of detail or deformation.
A correct understanding of the cost!
The cost of a 3D printed item depends on the amount of material used, not the complexity of the design. A larger, higher-quality piece will naturally cost more, while smaller ones are cheaper. Unlike traditional manufacturing, 3D printing doesn’t require machining, which gives designers more freedom. Just like regular printing, 3D printing isn’t just about the output—it’s about the process behind it.
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