3D printing
Filament becomes object
3D printing is a manufacturing process that builds objects layer by layer from digital designs, depositing material (typically plastic, metal, or resin) rather than cutting it away.
Also called additive manufacturing.
The technology ranges from desktop hobbyist machines to industrial systems producing aerospace components: We 3D printed replacement parts for the drone.
Pushing through a die
- layeringForming successive strata
- filamentVery thin thread
- nozzleFlow-directing pipe fitting
- raftsFlat buoyant watercraft
infill · slicing · cross-section · retraction · bridging · overhangs · warping · stringing
Heat-softenable, repeatedly reshapable polymer
- ABSAnti-lock braking system
- nylonSynthetic textile polymer
- resinViscous plant secretion
- photopolymerMaterial cured by illumination
powder · carbon fiber · ceramic · hydrogel · composite · biodegradable · dissolvable
UV resin 3D printing
Preliminary design representation
- iterationRepeated procedural pass
- proof-of-conceptFeasibility demonstration
- scale modelProportionally reduced reproduction
- maquettePreliminary sculptural study
Fabricated body part replacements
- implantsSurgically embedded devices
- architectural modelsMiniature building representations
- jewelryOrnamental personal accessories
- figurinesSmall ornamental sculptures
spare parts · dental crowns · hearing aids · automotive parts · orthotics · fashion accessories · home decor · tooling
Adapted for an individual
- bespokeMade to individual specifications
- made-to-orderCreated to individual specifications
- custom-fitAdjusted to individual specifications
- tailoredAdjusted to fit exactly
one-of-a-kind · parametric · on-demand · individualized · modular · configurable · personalized gifts
extrusion
Pushing through a die
rafts · infill · slicing · cross-section · retraction · bridging · overhangs · warping · stringing · calibration
thermoplastic
Heat-softenable, repeatedly reshapable polymer
photopolymer · powder · carbon fiber · ceramic · hydrogel · composite · biodegradable · dissolvable
stereolithography
UV resin 3D printing
mockup
Preliminary design representation
- iterationRepeated procedural pass
- proof-of-conceptFeasibility demonstration
- scale modelProportionally reduced reproduction
maquette · validation · design iteration · preproduction · fail fast
prosthetics
Fabricated body part replacements
- implantsSurgically embedded devices
- architectural modelsMiniature building representations
- jewelryOrnamental personal accessories
figurines · spare parts · dental crowns · hearing aids · automotive parts · orthotics · fashion accessories · home decor · tooling · jigs
personalized
Adapted for an individual
- bespokeMade to individual specifications
- made-to-orderCreated to individual specifications
- custom-fitAdjusted to individual specifications
tailored · one-of-a-kind · parametric · on-demand · individualized · modular · configurable · personalized gifts
- future techAI, drones, robots, autonomous vehicles, VR
- futuristicfuturistic, holograms, holographic, space age, robots
- fashion innovationwearable tech, sustainable fashion, digital fashion, custom fit, adaptive clothing
- Futuristic Architectureglass towers, organic forms, smart buildings
- hands-on exhibitstouch tanks, touch screens, water tables, building blocks, pulley systems
- machine operationsdrilling, milling, grinding, pressing, stamping
3D printingmass production
Large-scale standardized fabrication
injection molding · die casting · stamping · factory production · industrial manufacturing
3D printinghandcrafting
Manual creation of objects
hand carving · traditional craftsmanship · woodworking · hand tooling · blacksmithing
print, three-dimensional, 3D printer, rapid prototyping, 3D printers