Rapid Prototype Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Printers’

i understand that there are “scanners” that tells you how much of a certain element there are in a sample.

relating to this question, are there printers that also print other material?

James Janeteas with Cimetrix, a Stratasys reseller, explains 3D printing technology with real working models printed on the Dimension 3D Printer during the Canadian Manufacturing & Technology Show in Tornoto, Ontario, October 2009. Using a 3D Printer, engineers can enhance their design process by printing concept 3D models and functional prototypes in house, saving time and money over out-sourced solutions. Dimension 3D Printers use Stratasys Fused Deposition Modeling, or FDM technology to produce accurate, durable models for testing form, fit and function.

I know the basic idea, but how does it make things that parts in them like gears?

3d printer by Objet Geometries, at work www.objet.com Click to view more 3D Printers by Objet Geometries.

Here’s Proof! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printer

Soon, do you think we’ll be able to order McDonald’s online, charge it with the credit card, and print our food?!?

What can a 3d printer do? Can it make hollowed out 3d things or no? Any good ones you recommend?

Z Corporation has introduced more innovations than any other provider of rapid prototyping solutions, including development of the fastest 3D printers, the world’s only color 3D printers, and high-definition 3D printing (HD3DP™) capabilities. Our 3D printers create physical models from computer-aided design (CAD) data by using an inkjet print-head to deposit a liquid binder that solidifies layers of powder. This cutting-edge technology supports a full line of 3D printers that deliver the speed, low operating costs, and high-quality models that product developers need to compete in today’s global market.

3D printers are today creating a revolution in the rapid prototyping industry. Rapid prototyping technology (RPT) utilizes computer assisted design software incorporated into 3D printers which allow companies to create 3D Models during all phases of the product development process. The prototypes created by the 3D printers can then be used by marketing agencies to incorporate further enhancements and improvements into the designs. 3D printers used for rapid prototyping technology are able to produce models quicker, easier and more cost efficient then traditional model making techniques. The tremendous application potential for 3D printers and rapid prototyping technology is just beginning to be realized and will continue to play an important role in designing and creating 3D models for decades to come.

3D Printers used for 3D Models

The technology used in 3D printers for producing 3D models is computer assisted design (CAD) software which directs inkjet nozzles to deposit small amounts of fabrication material on to a platform in layers thereby producing a three dimensional model. Rapid prototyping technology has been used in various industries for over 10 years now. The cost efficiency of producing models for marketing agencies that need to make design changes quickly and easily based on focus group testing have found 3D printers an excellent solution for their rapid prototyping needs.

Marketing groups use sales demos and 3D models to solicit feedback from demographically selected groups before releasing a product on to the market. Based on the feedback the marketing agency receives from the focus groups design changes may be necessary. 3D printers are able to make the desired design changes and rapidly produce a new and improved model. With the new and improved 3D model in hand the marketing agency can obtain second level feedback from the focus group until they produce the most desirable 3D model possible. RPT is a method most suited for incorporating design changes and creating models in a very short period of time for market and sales research agencies engaged in product development.

3D Printers: The Advantages of 3D Models and Rapid Prototyping

3D printers bypass the costly and timely process inherent with traditional 3D model production techniques. Previous to rapid prototyping technology development most industries relied on traditional methods for producing models and prototypes. This meant using skilled craftspeople with very specialized tools to produce a single prototype or model. Many hours or days could be necessary to produce a single usable model. Employing skilled craftspeople for the task of producing models is an expensive proposition for any company. 3D printers assisted by CAD software produce 3D models for companies for a lot less expense and the turn around time is shorter as well.

With 3D printers there is no need to maintain workshops with specialized tools or to add the cost of skilled craftspeople to the bottom line of the company. 3D printers once up and running can provide the technology to produce models for a large number of industries in shorter periods of time and for less money. In today’s business climate in order for a product development company to advance and grow the capability to rapid change product designs in a cost efficient manner is crucial for continued success. 3D printers and rapid prototyping technology provides the answers for the company seeking more cost efficient and more timely 3D model and prototyping solutions.

3D printers have gained favor over traditional prototyping methods due to the ability of cutting the necessary production time by a considerable percentage. This technology has prototypes available for inspection and design testing the same day. The technology used in 3D printers also eliminates the need for extensive post production tooling and the technology also makes it easy to implement custom features. 3D printers are capable of producing prototypes with even the most complex design specifications. The rapid prototype technology used in 3D printers has brought prototyping capability to a completely different level of efficiency. 3D printers also have the capability of reproducing prototypes in metal, giving owners many design options never before available with rapid prototyping techniques. As 3D printers continue to advance capabilities continue to expand.

Production Process of 3D Printers

3D printers reduce the time needed to create prototypes by a considerable amount and can implement design changes in a shorter amount of time. The technology used to operate 3D printers can support post production finishing and is able to accommodate a wide variety of finishing materials. Techniques used with 3D printers are easy to use, cost effective and a time saving method for producing rapid prototypes for a number of applications. The computer assisted design program used in 3D printers builds prototypes layer by layer until a complete reproduction or prototype has been created. The process is automated during most of the production process and depending on the prototype will require little set and finishing.

The installation of 3D printers brings many advantages for the production of prototypes to the companies utilizing them. From design, testing and final production stages the technology of 3D printers has improved the speed, cost, and ease of reproducing models and prototypes. 3D printers using rapid prototype technology streamlines and coordinates the design process necessary to produce 3 dimensional models. Because 3D printers can produce actual models that can be tested by designers and engineers it helps to streamline prototype enhancements. Compared to the technology used by 3D printers, traditional techniques are time consuming, costly and have to be repeated for each step of the design process.

Fabrication Materials for 3D Printers

Advancements in 3D printers allow the production of prototypes in many other types of materials besides plastics. Using polyurethane, polyester or epoxy 3D printers can produce a number of products with a diverse menu of materials. Comparing the production 3D printers and traditional tooling rapid prototype technology is the most cost effective method. With this technology comes the additional advantage of being able to control the number of prototypes produced. With traditional manufacturing, small product orders are more expensive and prices decrease as the number of prototypes increase. But with 3D printers the cost remains low throughout the prototyping process regardless of the number of models produced.

With 3D printers and polyjet technology a number of new materials have been developed in recent years including metals. 3D printers can produce fine quality prototypes which are functional and created in accordance with specific design requirements. 3D printers can manufacture small items in gold, silver and zinc which have applications as replacement parts, jewelry or in new products. The materials being developed for 3D printers continues to expand and with the capability of computer assisted software the application, fabrication and production of prototypes using 3D printers and rapid prototyping technology continues to grow as well. Traditional time consuming and costly prototyping techniques are being replaced by 3D printers and advanced technology because of the capability, convenience and cost efficiency of production.