3D Printing For Dummies, 3rd Edition

Introduction

3D printing has been around for more than 30 years, but for much of that time it would have been inconceivable for anyone without corporate backing to even think of taking advantage of this technology. Recently, however, the core technology for 3D printers has developed to the point where it is now available at prices many individuals and smaller companies can afford.

Three key things make 3D printing stand out from almost any other manufacturing process:

• Printed parts are “grown” in layers. Many complex objects that have internal structures or are comprised of interlocking sub-assemblies can be manufactured in a single run, with no further intervention, whereas previously they would be made from many separate parts, some of which could not be made by fully automated machining processes or more traditional means. Multiple materials can be used together to improve the performance or overall integration of the finished part. For example a simple referee's whistle needs to have a hollow inside with a slot and pea inserted that will not fall out. All traditional methods for manual or automated manufacture would require at least three separate parts to be connected together. With 3D printing, the hollow shell of the whistle can be made as a seamless object and the pea inside can be printed and designed to release and form the rattle all in a single operation where the finished whistle is ready to use directly after 3D printing.
• Material is added rather than subtracted. ...