Printing equipment to produce a 3D effect is nothing new, it was predominantly used in manufacturing and engineering and the process has been around for many years. It did not take off initially because of the costs involved and the fact that it could be a very slow process. Technological developments in recent years has made the equipment much more affordable, the process much quicker, resulting in increases in demand.
Companies can spend anything from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars on research and development of new products each year. It can take months or often several years to come up with a working model of a new product. The design and prototype stage can be completed much quicker with computer design software linked to a 3D printer.
Fashion is one of the industries that are relatively new to the use of 3D printers. Fabric and fashion designers have been quick to catch on to the benefits of using computer aided design to produce samples of their designs. Many fashion retailers offer 3D design and printer services to their customers. Customers can choose a design, photograph, their name or a slogan to be printed on their item of clothing.
Medical professionals use x-rays and scans to give them an insight into their patients condition. X-rays are used to provide pictures of internal organs and bones, while scans provide a much more detailed 3D profile of the inside of the organ or bone. Scans provide a 3D image or the area which can then be assessed by the physician to identify anomalies.
Architects use computer aided design and 3D equipment to design and produce scaled models of their buildings. The model replicates in miniature the building design structure. Changes to the design can be made quickly on the computer and a new model produced.
Members of the legal profession and police often utilize 3D equipment to help them reconstruct a crime scene. They can use a 3D model to run through various scenarios that will help them to reach a conclusion as to the events. In cases where a victims face is damaged cannot be identified, it is possible to come up with a reconstructed face based on the remains of the head.
This type of 3D print equipment may still be too expensive for the home user. However as demand grows and technology improves the costs are gradually coming down. It will not be too long until 3D print equipment becomes affordable and will be aimed at the home consumer market.
Companies can spend anything from a few thousand dollars to millions of dollars on research and development of new products each year. It can take months or often several years to come up with a working model of a new product. The design and prototype stage can be completed much quicker with computer design software linked to a 3D printer.
Fashion is one of the industries that are relatively new to the use of 3D printers. Fabric and fashion designers have been quick to catch on to the benefits of using computer aided design to produce samples of their designs. Many fashion retailers offer 3D design and printer services to their customers. Customers can choose a design, photograph, their name or a slogan to be printed on their item of clothing.
Medical professionals use x-rays and scans to give them an insight into their patients condition. X-rays are used to provide pictures of internal organs and bones, while scans provide a much more detailed 3D profile of the inside of the organ or bone. Scans provide a 3D image or the area which can then be assessed by the physician to identify anomalies.
Architects use computer aided design and 3D equipment to design and produce scaled models of their buildings. The model replicates in miniature the building design structure. Changes to the design can be made quickly on the computer and a new model produced.
Members of the legal profession and police often utilize 3D equipment to help them reconstruct a crime scene. They can use a 3D model to run through various scenarios that will help them to reach a conclusion as to the events. In cases where a victims face is damaged cannot be identified, it is possible to come up with a reconstructed face based on the remains of the head.
This type of 3D print equipment may still be too expensive for the home user. However as demand grows and technology improves the costs are gradually coming down. It will not be too long until 3D print equipment becomes affordable and will be aimed at the home consumer market.
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