Not texts, but printing complete items: Nowadays this is no longer a problem. But does everyone need a 3D printer or is it still just a toy for technology enthusiasts?
“Darling, the handle of the vacuum cleaner has broken off!”
— “No problem, I’ll just print you a spare one.”
Can 3D printers really already do this?
Such devices are now available from approximately 300 euro.
From the industry into the home
In industry, 3D printers have already been in use for years — primarily for cost-effective production of prototypes. For example, the device creates the first draft of a new game controller or a new camera housing.
With a 3D printer this works a lot faster and more efficiently than with a production of relevant moulds.
And if the controller isn’t quite right, the developers can commission another design with just a few mouse clicks. A short time later they can then assess the further development.
Layer by layer
How does the technology work? 3D devices have little in common with conventional inkjet or laser printers. Using special 3D programs, photos or pictures on the computer can be transferred to 3D models.
Or a 3D scanner is used, which digitalises real objects and then sends them to the 3D printer. This then builds in a special 3D-printing process of the object layer-by-layer, usually from liquid plastic. The device usually takes this “3D printer filament” from a roll.
Objects that are printed with photo polymer resins are subsequently treated in a UV-curing chamber.
Ready-made templates on the Internet
If you do not want to incorporate a 3D program, you can find a lot of print-ready templates on the Internet.
There are various platforms on which inventors, designers and other 3D-enthusiasts collect, exchange or make their designs available for free or for a small charge. The most popular is Thingiverse, the 3D printer forum by Makerbot.
You will find real highlights in the “Featured” or “Popular” categories.
Not a must for everybody
But what do home users actually need a 3D printer for? For a start: The dream of a replicator, from “Starship Enterprise”, is still a distant dream.
However, there are still practical application possibilities, also for affordable 3D printers. For example in ambitious modelling. Or for personal prototype development. Also toys and sculptures can be made themselves.
With genuine food filaments, individual dishes can be printed, which will attract attention at any party. Extremely popular, for example, are individual cookie cutters. But also the production of any spare parts for the home is also possible more easily.
In the Internet, more and more 3D scans are offered for printing. The possibilities are forever increasing and whet the appetite for more.
Image: Fotolia / 118597567 / science photo
