3D printing has taken the world by storm. Researchers continue to look for ways to use this technology to benefit people, and they are succeeding in many areas.
For example, this printing technology is currently being used to create human organs and orthopedic devices. Men and women may no longer need to wait for a human transplant, as the organ they need can be created using a printer. However, there are other ways this technology can benefit humans today.
What is 3D printing? How does it benefit the world today? Manufacturers now use this technology to create structural components that may not be found elsewhere. For example, the technology may be used to create a gear for a machine that the company has not been able to find elsewhere. Capstan Atlantic is one company using the technology for this purpose.
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing, often referred to as additive manufacturing, is a process that allows for the creation of a solid object. The printer constructs this object by piling material layers one upon another to create the desired object.
The blueprint used by the manufacturer is one created from scratch or it may be pulled from a library of 3D plans. Once the plan has been selected, it must be sliced into individual layers, so the printer knows what to include with each layer. Upon completion of the slicing process, the plan is uploaded to the computer.
The printer creates each layer and adds it to the prior layer. It builds the component step by step. However, many people wonder if the structural components created using this method are sound.
Are 3D Objects Structurally Sound?
Researchers have examined products made using 3D printers and found them to be equivalent to items created using more traditional methods. The key lies in knowing which materials to use in the printer to achieve this result.
For example, a person cannot replace certain materials with others. Fabric will not work in place of metal. However, many manufacturers today use a 3D printer to test different materials when creating new products.
They use the printer to develop prototypes using various materials to determine which should be used for the final product. This allows them to test more materials in less time to determine which will be most effective.
The Space Station
Individuals who wonder about the soundness of structural components created with the help of 3D technology need to look no further than the Space Station to ease their minds. Manned space operations are no longer required to deliver supplies and parts to the station.
The printer can create these components on-site when they are needed. In addition, less space is needed to store the parts on the Space Station.
The Housing Industry
In addition, homes are being built today using 3D printed components. Many people see this as a solution to homelessness. In addition to reducing construction costs, the use of 3D-printed construction materials allows for the use of more materials that are friendly to the environment.
Any business in need of structural components should look to 3D technology to provide these parts. With many uses for this technology today, finding the right part has never been easier. Learn more today to see if this is a solution that people should turn to more often when in need of structural components.
