From Modeling to 3D Printing

Geometric or 3D modeling playing key role in geometry definition. These modelers evolved from wire-frame models to Boundary representations or CSG models in solid modeling or Bezier spline or Non-uniform rational B-spline representation. After modeling process, using internal representation, part will be post-processed for manufacturing. Variety of postprocessors existing, and using unique G-code standard we producing on CNC machines requested parts. 3D Printers use the same G-Code standards with extensions for more than ten M functions that programmers use for setting 3D printing parameters different than we using for CNC manufacturing. List of M functions varies depend of the manufacturer.

History of Additive Manufacturing

History of additive manufacturing started in the 1980s in Japan. Stereolithography was invented first in 1983. After that tens of other techniques were invented under the common name 3D printing. When stereolithography was invented rapid prototyping did not exists. Tree years later new technique was invented: selective laser sintering (SLS). First commercial SLS was in 1990. At the end of 20t century, first bio-printer was developed. Using bio materials, first kidney was 3D printed. Ten years later, first 3D Printer in the kit was launched to the market. Today we have large scale printers that printed large 3D objects such are cars. 3D printing will be used for printing everything everywhere. List of pros and cons questions rising every day.

What Is Next?

Fourth Industrial Revolution gave birth to few different technologies, not known until now. One of them is 3D printing. If subtracting manufacturing is part of Industrial Revolution 3, Additive manufacturing is for sure part of Industrial Revolution 4.0. 3D printing has the potential to transform science and technology by creating bespoke, low-cost appliances that previously required dedicated facilities to make. 3D printers are used to initiate chemical reactions by printing the reagents directly into a 3D reactionware matrix, and so put reactionware design, construction and operation under digital control. Some models of 3D Printers can print uniquely shaped sugar confections in flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, mint, cherry, sour apple and watermelon. They can also print custom cake toppers–presumably in the likeness of the guest of honor.

Law Issues and 3D Printing

Revolution in 3D bioprinting advancing so quickly. Our special interest is focused on 3D bio printing, the printing of mammalian or human body parts. Very close to this term is cloneprint. The 3D printing living tissues is real and may be widely available in the near future. This emerging technology has generated controversies about its regulation. Another equally important issue is whether bioprinting is patentable. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (Patent Office) has already granted some bioprinting patents and many more applications that pending on a patent. This chapter highlighting these issues that can be part of our future.

Trend Forecast in 3D Printing

Few forecasting companies at the end of first decade of 21st century predict boom in 3D printing manufacturing including developing new technologies. Three most famous, Gartner and Wholers Industries and McKinsey even calculated volumes. Gartner in their Hype Cycle predict phases in technology development. All analytic companies predicted usability of technology and fast adoption. Because of very fast adoption, this technology even today generates revenue in different industries. Consumer market, automotive industry, medicine, aerospace industry is top performers and leaders in usability. This technology generating revenue in material consumption and spare part production and delivery. Personal 3D Printers are now available for more households then before, giving the space for home manufacturing to the more and more home offices.

3D Printing and Supply Chain Management

Modern production is based on dislocation and decentralization. Production will be closer to the end-consumer in decentralized production and distribution structures. Workers (machinists) are no longer required as the machines can run unattended for a long period of time. Since Charles Hull invented additive manufacturing, 3PD got more and more attention by practitioners, especially in the field of mechanical engineering. 3D printing has accelerated strongly in recent years. As it was stated in chapter 2, the technology has come a long way from simple prototyping to fully integrated utilizations in direct manufacturing and because of its many forms of application, 3D printing is said to be one of the most significant industrial developments of this decade.

3D Printing Technologies

Today, in general five different 3D Printing types of technologies exists: 1. Extrusion deposition 2. Light Polymerized 3. Powder Bad4. Laminated Object Manufacturing 5. Wire Electron-Beam Free Form Fabrication Today technology use following materials: (a) ceramic, (b) metal, (c) sand, (d) plastic, (e) wax and (f) biomaterials. Universities and university driven companies were 3D technologies were developed. This explosive development leads to establishing tens of technologies. Some of such companies were acquired by other that kept existing 3D technology in their product palette. Boom in this field was happened in only twenty years. We expecting new technologies in coming year.