3D Printing: From sci-fi to reality

Nobody can deny the speed at which technology is advancing and the implications the world will have to face in the coming years. The manufacturing industry is buzzing with the upcoming 3D printing technologies. It is believed that this type of printing will fundamentally change the manufacturing ecosystem. Through this technique, a three dimensional object is build layer by successive layer, where each layer is a thinly sliced, horizontal cross-section of the eventual object. Much like a multi-layer cake where the baker lays down each layer after layer until the entire cake is formed, but with more precision.

How to create?

To get a 3D printed object, a Computer Aided Design (CAD) file is created with a 3D modeling program. The software slices the design into hundreds of horizontal layers and they blend together creating a perfect three dimensional object. It was once considered a science fiction fantasy but now three dimensional printers are to be seen everywhere, from home desktops to defense research centers.

3D Printing- a Game Changer

Changing the whole scenario of the manufacturing industry, the world is on the verge of the next industrial revolution. 3D printed products are designed and sold by individuals as users are capable of making anything they desire; iPad stands, guitars, jewelry, guns etc. This innovation threatens the manufacturing industry and economies relying on them might face difficulties in the near future.

Applications of Additive Manufacturing Technology

Desktop 3 D Printer are gaining popularity and consumers can print a variety of homemade objects such as a toothbrush holder, wrench or a light switch. Years from now, cars and other automobiles could be manufactured more quickly via 3D printing. In the medicine world, these new bio printers actually print human tissue for pharmaceutical testing. 3D printing has a myriad of medical applications- this technology is used to create custom artificial limbs too. Since these products are digitally designed, 3D printing allows for mass customization of products too. This additive manufacturing is well equipped and capable to create complex shapes, and jewelry designers use 3 d printing to create unique items or copy the famous ones. Apart from this, apparel manufacturing and toy industries too can use this kind of innovative printing technique to mass produce 3D objects effectively. Unlike traditional manufacturing technologies, 3D printer can replicate intricate designs and complex shapes quickly and more importantly, at a fraction of the cost. Instantly printing parts and entire products, anywhere in the world, this additive manufacturing technology has not only affected the industry but also our personal lives. From sculptures to light fixtures, beautiful objects no longer need to be handcrafted, just designed on a computer.

This is an innovative technology of mammoth proportions, affecting the energy use, waste, product availability, art, medicine, the sciences, construction and manufacturing. This controversial type of printing has the potential to alter many traditional and conventional methods and change the course of the way we work and live.

Jasmine is a freelance writer who has great knowledge over mainly 3D printing but she also writes on

Teleradiology, data archiving and she works at dvd duplication singapore