What can a 3d printer make?
With falling costs and the development of smaller, more compact ‘desktops’ what can a 3d printer make, it’s easier now than ever for anyone to try their hand at turning 3-dimensional digital designs into physical objects. 3D printing is becoming more common across every industry, from prototyping to manufacturing and even construction (Habitat for Humanity recently used a 3D printer to print an entire house). It’s a tool that can cut weeks off product development time, making it much easier for manufacturers to test and optimize their products. It can also be used to make custom jigs and fixtures that streamline the manufacturing process for first-time-right results.
Unlocking Possibilities: What Can a 3D Printer Make?
Once a virtual design is made, it needs to be prepared for the 3D printer using software that slices it into layers. Then, the layers are sent to the 3D printer over a USB cable or wireless connection, and the machine works to build up the object by extruding material layer-by-layer until it’s complete. The printer can be configured to use plastic materials that are easy to shape and tough to break, or it can use a combination of rubber and plastic or carbon fiber to create a range of flexible and rigid products, from phone cases to tools.
Some of the most popular printed items include figurines and statues. Gambody hobbyists often give preference to different dragons, characters from the Avatar movies and the Game of Thrones series, impressive warrior women, dinosaurs, and MechWarrior Online (MWO) combatants.