What is 3D printing？

In the current period of rapid technological development, 3D printing is a highly remarkable technology that is widely applied in numerous fields, driving the progress of innovation and manufacturing.

3D printing, formally known as additive manufacturing, is an advanced manufacturing technology that builds three-dimensional entities by layering materials based on digital models. It is distinctly different from traditional subtractive manufacturing (such as machining, where excess parts need to be cut away from the whole raw material to obtain the desired shape) and equal-volume manufacturing (such as forging, where the material undergoes plastic deformation in the solid state to form the final product shape while maintaining basically the same volume), thus initiating a brand-new manufacturing mode.

Firstly, professional 3D modeling software needs to be used. Designers construct a three-dimensional model in the software according to the specific requirements of the product, and this model will serve as the basis for 3D printing.

Next, the model will undergo a “slicing” operation, that is, the three-dimensional model is divided into a series of two-dimensional layer data information according to a specific thickness, and then this information is transmitted to the 3D printer.

Inside the printer, depending on the selected printing technology type (such as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), etc.), the corresponding printing materials (such as filamentous PLA plastic, liquid photosensitive resin, powdered metal or ceramic, etc.) start the process of building the object layer by layer under the control of the control system. Taking Fused Deposition Modeling as an example, the filamentous material is heated to a molten state, and the nozzle moves precisely on the printing platform along the path planned by the slice data, extruding the molten material and piling it up layer by layer until the final object is formed.

In the product research and development stage, it greatly shortens the time from design conception to the production of a physical prototype. In the past, it took weeks or even months to produce complex prototypes, but now with 3D printing technology, it can be completed in just a few days, accelerating the innovation iteration speed.

For small-batch and customized production requirements, 3D printing demonstrates strong adaptability. Without the need to invest in high-cost mold development, enterprises can flexibly handle personalized orders and provide customized products for consumers.

In the medical field, it can accurately print out bone implants, dentures, surgical models, etc. that are suitable for patients’ physical conditions based on patients’ CT, MRI and other imaging data, helping to improve the precision of surgery and the treatment effect.

In the aerospace field, it can manufacture lightweight components with complex internal structures, ensuring the strength of the components while reducing weight, thus improving the performance of aircraft.

In the educational field, it can concretize abstract knowledge. Students can personally print out three-dimensional mathematical models, biological organ models, etc., enhancing the learning experience and effect.

Although 3D printing has achieved remarkable results, it is still in the process of continuous development. Currently, there are still some deficiencies in terms of printing speed, material types and costs, printing precision, etc. However, with the continuous efforts of scientific researchers, it is expected that in the near future, 3D printing will overcome these problems, achieve more widespread popularity, become an essential and effective tool in people’s lives and production, open up more development space for mankind, and initiate a brand-new customized and intelligent manufacturing era.