What is 3D Printing?

3D printing also referred to as additive manufacturing is a technique of building three-dimensional structures employing a computer-generated pattern. The process involves the layering of components such as plastics, polymers and biomolecules to construct products. These products are made in various sizes, textures, shapes and colours. Even though the innovation is relatively new, its applications have made it one of the in-demand professions. Many organizations are on the lookout for professionals who can grasp, execute, and create using 3D printing and 3D modelling principles.

What are the types of 3D printing?

• Stereolithography (SLA)

SLA 3D printers utilize a laser to treat liquid resin further into hardened plastic through a technique called photopolymerization.

• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

SLS 3D printers sinter tiny fragments of polymer powder to form a rigid structure using a high-power laser. The component is supported during printing with the help of an unfused powder, which excludes the requirement for specific scaffolding.

• Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)

FDM is the most extensively utilized type of 3D printing at the customer end. FDM 3D printers function by extruding thermoplastic filaments like ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PLA (Polylactic Acid) over a heated nozzle, further melting the substance layering it onto an assemble platform. Then, each layer is applied one by one until the section is prepared.

• Digital Light Process (DLP)

It prints a 3-D object from a design developed in 3-D modelling software by casting the structure, one layer at a time, upon a liquid polymer then solidifying it.

• Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)

It is an industrial 3D printing technology that can create working nylon prototypes and terminal production parts in as quick as one day. Compared to techniques like selective laser sintering, the finished components have better surface ends, finer functionality resolution, and reasonably coherent mechanical characteristics.

• PolyJet

PolyJet is a cutting-edge 3D printing method that creates seamless, precise objects, prototypes, and tooling. It can create thin walls and intricate geometry. It employs the broadest spectrum of substances accessible with any technology, having microscopic layer resolution and precision up to 0.014 mm.

• Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)

The DMLS 3D printing technique involves melting and fusing layers of metallic powder collectively using a computer-controlled, high-power laser beam.

• Electron Beam Melting (EBM)

The Electron Beam Melting 3D printing process involves melting a powdered metal with a high-energy electron beam. The electron beam is a flow of electrons directed by a magnetic field that melts powdered metal layer by layer to form an object that meets the exact requirements provided by a CAD model.

What are the applications of 3D printing?

3D printing has numerous applications and is used across diverse industries for various factors. The following are some of the most prevalent examples:

• Manufacturing: Tooling, Metal casting, Metal casting, Metal casting.
• Healthcare: Medical device, surgical instruments, living human cells or tissues, Prosthetics.
• Engineering: Rapid prototyping, communication models.
• Dental: Dentures, Crown, and bridges model.
• Art: Sculptures, character models.
• Jewellery: Wax jewellery, gold 3D printing.

What are the career opportunities in 3D printing?

The requirement for individuals who can design and create innovative products and related solutions will only increase as the industry progresses. The demand for 3D printing skills continues to rise, and hence one can explore several career opportunities such as:

• 3D Design
• 3D Customization and Prototyping
• 3D printing IP and copyright lawyers
• 3D CAD Modelling
• Research and Development
• 3D printing auto Mechanics and Engineers
• Biological Modelling
• 3D organ and prosthetic designers
• 3D Printing Specialist
• 3D printing software developers

The 3D printing business is steadily expanding due to its capacity to quickly and cost-effectively generate a vast spectrum of varied items. As a result, prospective employees will find several exciting opportunities in the 3D printing business, the hottest technology sector. So, if you have a creative streak as well as a technical curiosity, consider 3D printing as a career option!