3D printer output device

Output Devices - Computer Science GCSE GURU

What is an output device?

Output devices are pieces of computer hardware used to communicate the results of data processing performed by a computer.

The objective of output devices is to turn computer information into a human friendly/readable form.

There are many examples of output devices, each with their own benefits and drawbacks.

Jump to a section on this page:

LCD & LED Flat Display Screens

What is a display screen?

Display screens are amongst the most common types of output device.

Thanks to the development of LCD technology, display screens now require less power and are lighter and thinner than their obsolete CRT ancestors.

LCD screens produce sharp high resolution images.

Most display screens are either LCD or LED. Details of these can be found below.

Typical applications for display screens

Phone and tablets
Laptops and computer screens
Televisions
Gaming devices
Cameras
Household appliances

Benefits of display screens

Low power consumption means that displays can be placed on battery powered devices
Screens are now lighter and thinner – meaning they can be used in a variety of places
Sharp high resolution images
Vivid colours with good contrasts
Reach maximum brightness quickly
Reliable and long lasting

Drawbacks of display screens

Keeping up with the absolute latest screen technology can be expensive

LCD Screens

LCD screens are made from millions of tiny blocks called pixels.

Each pixel contains a red, green and blue light filter which can be individually adjusted to create any colour when combined.

This is possible because the liquid crystals found in each pixel can be manipulated to allow all, some or none of the fluorescent tube back light through to the individual RGB filters at the front of the screen.

LED Screens

LED screens work in a similar way to LCD screens but with one major difference, the light source.

Small LED bulbs are used to provide light to the LCD pixels, not fluorescent tubes.

These LED bulbs either fill the entire back of the display unit, or on thinner models are just arranged around the edges.

A fully back lit LED display allows for localised diming of the screen, producing deeper blacks in parts of the screen where no light is needed.

Edge lit LED displays allow the screens to become even thinner than standard LCD displays.

In some situations LED screens are more power efficient than LCD.

LCD & DLP Data Projectors

What is a data projector?

Data projectors are output devices used to project the digital output from a computer device on to a large screen or wall.

The user can usually choose whether the projector mirrors their computer screen, extends it, or replaces it.

Projectors are ideal when training or presenting information to a large audience.

Prices are very reasonable for basic projectors, however, a data projector capable of showing cinema films or sports footage in a bar are far more expensive.

Data projectors come in two mains types, 3LCD and DLP. The differences between these are detailed below.

Typical applications for projectors

Presenting to a large audience
Education and training environments
Boardrooms
Cinemas and bars

Benefits of projectors

Projected content can be seen easily be a large audience
Allow a wide range of media and ideas to be shared with others
Entry level projectors are affordable

Drawbacks of projectors

Top quality projectors are very expensive
Some projectors do not work very well in natural light

LCD Projectors

The lamp light is split from white into red, green and blue using dichroic mirrors.

The RGB light channels are passed through separate monochrome LCD screens, one for each of the three colours.

The RGB light is then reassembled into a single light beam and magnified out of the projector using lenses.

It is the three LCD screens that therefore control how much red, green and blue is present in the final image.

DLP Projectors

DLP projectors work in a different way to LCD projectors.

Most affordable DLP projectors use a fast spinning colour wheel filter to sequentially split the lamp light into red, green and blue light.

The projected image is created by a bank (chip) of thousands of microscopic mirrors. Each mirror represents one pixel.

These tiny mirrors are carefully in sync with the colour wheel, turning towards or away from the RGB light as and when it is needed, thousands of times per second. So, if part of the projected image requires no red light, they face away from the light when the colour wheel filter is allowing red light through.

The reflected image from the mirrors is then magnified out of the projector using lenses.

Inkjet Printer

What is an inkjet printer?

Inkjet printers are output devices usually used in a home or small office for low volume printing.

A moving print head sprays ink droplets on to the paper from a cartridge filled with liquid ink. Thermal bubble technology is used to fire these microscopic ink droplets from the cartridge.

Because the bulk of the action happens in the high-tech ink cartridges, they are priced quite highly in relation to the price of the actual printers (which are often very affordable).

Inkjet printers are now commonly combined with a flatbed scanner to create an all in one solution.

Typical applications for inkjet printers

Low volume printing where speed isn’t critical
High quality photographic documents
Home and small office
Printing on heat sensitive stationary, such as labels

Benefits of inkjet printers

Entry model printers are very affordable
Excellent photographic quality
Can print on a variety of stationary as no heat is applied

Drawbacks of inkjet printers

Generally slower at printing than compared to laser printers
Ink cartridges can be expensive
Printed text is nice and clear but laser printed text is still superior

Laser Printer

What is a laser printer?

Laser printers are output devices usually found in businesses and organisations.

Using static electricity, the way they work is completely different to inkjet printers.

Laser printers are ideal for high volume printing because they produce very high quality documents at fast speeds.

Laser printers use a powdered ink/toner cartridge, not liquid ink.

The rotating printing drum is given a negative charge.
A laser removes the negative charge from certain areas of the drum as it scans across it, creating a neutrally charged copy of the text/image to be printed.
From an ink roller, negatively charged toner is attracted to the neutral spaces on the printing drum.
The toner image/text then transfers from the printing drum to some positively charged paper.
A fuser is used to heat the document and permanently melt the toner on to the page.

Typical applications for laser printers

High volume printing where speed is critical
Shared printer for several users
Predominantly text based documents
Found in businesses and offices

Benefits of laser printers

Very good at producing sharp text
Fast high volume printing
Large input trays to hold more paper
Cost per page is generally lower than inkjet

Drawbacks of laser printers

Good quality images, but inkjet images are superior
Initial cost for printer can be expensive
Heavy and bulky
Toner is expensive but is replaced infrequently

Test your knowledge of output devices with our quick quiz.

3D Printer

What is a 3D printer?

3D printers are output devices used to create three dimensional objects from a 3D computer model.

The computer model can be created by using a 3D scanner, or by hand using CAD modeling software.

Using a method called additive manufacturing, 3D objects are created by layering a material, layer by layer, from the ground up until the object is completed.

Typical applications for 3D printers

Home and commercial use
Prototyping parts and solutions
Human prosthetics
Medical aids

Benefits of 3D printers

Prototype objects can be created at a fraction of the cost of a factory
A variety of intricate and “impossible” objects can be printed in a variety of materials
Computer designs can be shared and printed by others

Drawbacks of 3D printers

Expensive to buy although entry models are becoming more affordable

Wide-Format Printer

What is a wide-format printer?

A wide-format printer is an output device capable of large scale printing.

Most wide-format printers work in a similar way to inkjet printers, allowing for some flexibility with the materials that can be used.

Wide-format printing is economical when printing a larger item in small volumes as setting up a traditional print run can be expensive.

Typical applications for wide-format printers

Banners, posters, murals
Vehicle image wraps
Architectural drawings and construction plans
Theatre and TV studio backdrops
Signage

Benefits of wide-format printers

Economical for small volume printing
Can print in a variety of larger sizes, using continuous rolls of paper

Drawbacks of wide-format printers

Initial cost is expensive

2D Cutter

What is a 2D cutter?

A 2D cutter is an output device capable of cutting holes or shapes into a flat 2D surface.

Examples range from inexpensive paper/card cutting machines used by craft enthusiasts, to industrial models used in manufacturing to cut through metal.

Typical applications for 2D cutters

Manufacturing (laser cutters)
Craft projects (paper and card blade cutters)

Benefits of 2D cutters

Fast and consistently accurate cuts can be made all day long

Drawbacks of 2D cutters

Some industrial models can be expensive to setup and maintain
Output is only as good as a the computer 2D model

3D Cutter

What is a 3D cutter?

A 3D cutter is similar to a 2D cutter except it is capable of rotating and cutting at many angles. This means that 3D objects can have cuts made to all of its surfaces, unlike 2D cutters that can only cut into a flat 2D surface.

3D cutters come in many varieties, some of which do not use lasers.

Typical applications for 3D cutters

Manufacturing

Benefits of 3D cutters

Fast and consistently accurate cuts can be made all day long
All sides of an object can be cut into

Drawbacks of 3D cutters

Can be expensive to setup and maintain
Output is only as good as a the computer 3D model

Speakers and Headphones

What are speakers and headphones?

Speakers and headphone are the output devices responsible for producing sounds.

Speakers and headphones convert digital signals into analogue sound waves that are audible to our human ear drums.

Speakers come as standard is most portable computing devices. Desktop computers usually require the purchase of separate speakers.

Speakers and headphones aren’t just for music, they also allow us to hear computer warning signals and other people when communicating via voice or video calls.

Typical applications for speakers and headphones

Headphones keep sound personal so as not to disturb others
Speakers allow for sound that can fill the room
Music
Communications (phones, tablets, laptops)

Actuators

What is an actuator?

Actuators are the output devices responsible for creating real world movement. This could range from physically opening automatic shop doors to lowering the landing gears on a plane.

They are often used in a computerised control system, acting upon a signal sent by the microprocessor. Actuators include electric motors, pistons and pumps.

3D Printer - Javatpoint

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What are printers?

A printer is an electronic device that transfers the information and graphics from the computer to paper in the printed form. A printer can be used with mobile phones, personal computers, or laptops.

The output document or a file can be in the form of only text information, graphics or images, or the combination of both text and graphics. We need to provide an input command to the printer attached to the device to produce the output.

What are 3D printers?

3D printers are the hardware devices that produce 3D printing outputs in paper instead of a product. It can also produce a 3D model from ready to print CAD files. It uses less material as compared to other manufacturing processes. The output is generally in the form of a 3D object. 3D printers use a different material, such as stereolithography materials, nylon, photopolymers, etc. that forms the output object.

The common uses of 3D printers are to produce a prototype, miniature models, etc., for testing or development. The term is generally confused with regular printers. But it is different from the traditional printers.

Today, printers are available is wide sizes and prices according to the specific features. Here, we will discuss 3D printers, 3D printing, types of 3D printers, etc.

Let's start.

Printers are commonly classified as 2D printers and 3D printers. Let's first discuss 3D printers in detail.

3D printers do not require any ink for printing. As discussed, the output of the 3D printers is in the form of a 3D model, prototype, or object.

Working on a 3D Printer

We have discussed 3D printers. But, we must be confused about how the printing process works in a 3D printer. The input of a printer requires a file for printing. Various file formats can be used as an input file for a 3D printer. The input file is generally a CAD (Computer-Aided Design) or STL (Standard Triangle Language) file.

It means that the required input file should be a 3D file. We can also use any 3D software to convert a flat file into a 3D file. We can also say that the required file is a blueprint of the object to be formed. The file consists of related information, such as geometry, color compositions, structure, materials, etc. When a file is ready as per the requirements, we can send the file to a 3D printer. The printer uses raw materials, such as resins, thermoplastics, powders, melted solids, etc., to convert that 3D image into a 3D model. The printing process is quick and uses fewer materials than another manufacturing process to produce the same output.

Let's discuss the differences between 3D printers and 2D printers. It will help us to understand the process and applications of both printers.

3D Printers vs. 2D Printers

3D printers are considered better than 2d printers. It is because 3D printers produce the output as a real 3D object rather than printing on paper. On the other hand, 2D printers are easily accessed by anyone to convert the soft copies into hard copies. It is cheap and affordable. But, 3D printers are mostly used in industries and are not affordable.

Let's discuss the differences between 3D printers and 2D printers. It is listed in the below table.

Category	3D Printers	2D Printers
Printing plane	3D printers display the image with respect to the 3D planes as the output 3D product.	2D printers display the image with respect to the 2D plane on the paper.
Use of toners or ink	3D printers do not require any toners or ink. It is based on raw materials that create a copy of the object.	2D printing requires the use of toners or ink to print the text or graphics on the paper.
Material used	3D printers use materials such as resins, thermoplastics, etc. to produce the output 3D object.	Traditional 2D printers use ink or canon to print the graphics on paper.
Uses	3D printers are generally used to design manufacturing parts of a product, machine, etc.	2D printers are generally used to create project files, documents, reports, etc.
Skills Required	The ready to print CAD file is a 3D file. For this, knowledge of 3D drawing is essential. We can also use any software to convert a flat image into a 3D image.	It does not require any skill. 2D printers scan the image or text and use ink to print it on A4 paper.
Applications	Jewelry, Construction, etc.	Brochures, banners, printed t-shirts, etc.

3D Printing

Most of the 3D printing files are the output of the CAD modules created in the computer system. 3D printing produces a 3D model from a CAD file or other 3D file systems. The material is used to form a layer by layer structure, which further appears as a 3D model. 3D printing is generally a layering process. It means that the output produced is created layer by layer using a particular material. 3D printing can be performed using different materials, such as thermoplastics, powder, melted metals, etc.

Let's discuss the 3D printing technologies. It will help us to clearly understand the materials and the process of different 3D printing technology in various 3D printers.

3D Printing Technology

Various 3D printers vary as per the printer cost, quality, speed, etc. The 3D printers depend on the 3D printing quality of various printers. The different types of 3D printers are listed below:

Stereo lithography
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)
SLM (Selective Laser Melting)
LOM (Laminated Object Manufacturing)
BJ (Blinder Jetting)
MJ (Material Jetting)
DLP (Digital Light Processing)
EDM (Electron Beam Melting)

Let's discuss this in detail.

Stereolithography

SLA or Stereolithography 3D printers have various advantages, such as smooth and quality finish, great details, etc. It is the world's first 3D technology used for 3D printing. It was developed around 1986. SLA uses a solid-state laser to cure the part of the product. But, DLP (Digital Light Processing) can take a shorter time to trace the object's cross-section compared to SLA.

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)

FDM technology is based on thermal plastic materials for 3D printing. It is generally a spool of filament that is loaded inside a 3D printer. The brands that use FDM for manufacturing 3D objects are Nestle, BMW, etc. It follows the sanding process and finishing process after the printing. Such a printer also can extrude the objects. The extrusion is carried out through the nozzle and the base.

Fused Deposition Modeling is popular for creating prototype and concept models.

SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)

SLS works with a wide variety of materials, such as ceramics, metals, powders, etc. SLS is generally preferred in aerospace manufacturing parts due to its high cost.

SLM (Selective Laser Melting)

SLM is commonly used in mass production and building prototype. The primary difference between Selective Laser Sintering and Selective Laser Melting is the type of feedstock and the power material usage. Otherwise, both the processes are quite similar. SLS uses a different type of materials, while SLM is a process commonly for metals.

LOM (Laminated Object Manufacturing)

As the name implies, LOM uses heat and pressure to laminate or fuse plastic and paper parts. The product is further cut using the lasers into the desired shape. It is considered one of the fastest and inexpensive 3D printing processes to create a prototype model.

BJ (Binder Jetting)

The 3D printing process is a layering process. It means one layer is formed at a time. In the Binder Jetting process, a binder is used to fuse the areas. We can say that the binder acts as a bonding material. The common materials used by the BJ are metals, ceramics, etc. The applications of Binder Jetting include sand casting molds and the fabrication of color prototypes.

MJ (Material Jetting)

Material Jetting printers work in a similar way to 2D printers. A layer is build using the printhead droplets (like the ink) that are cooled using UV light. The materials used in the droplets are the photosensitive material. It offers high accuracy with a smooth surface finish.

DLP (Digital Light Processing)

DLP is a similar technology to SLA. It was developed around 1987. DLP is also considered the oldest 3D technology used for 3D printing. It uses modern light sources, such as arc lamps. But, SLA uses an ultraviolet light source. It also prints faster as compared to SLA.

EDM (Electron Beam Melting)

As the name signifies, it uses an electron beam to fuse parts. The electronic beam originates from an electronic laser. The material used is generally metal rather than thermoplastics. Such a process takes place in a vacuum. It is because electron beams can collide with gas or air particles. EDM builds a layer of powder on the part and applies laser after the power is set. The electronic beam causes the powder to melt that further results in the joining of metal parts. 3D printing is a layering process. It continues till the final object is formed.

Types of 3D Printers

Here, we will discuss the types of 3D printers that are based on the 3D technology discussed above.

Viper SI2
It is a 3D printer developed by 3D Systems. It uses resin materials for 3D printing.
It is based on Stereolithography technology. It is the combination of two solid imagers in one.
Its features include:
- Low layer resolution of around 250 microns.
- High layer resolution of around 75 microns.
- High printing quality and resolution.
- Superior quality.
- Dual resolution.
- Long-life laser.
- High resolution even for ultra-small parts.
ProJets 3D printers
It is a 3D printer developed by 3D Systems. The latest series is ProJets MJP 3600. It also offers 3D printing quality but in a compact footprint. Its advantages include high surface finish, supreme accuracy, high flexibility, high performance, quick speed, and ease to use. It allows easy swapping between material modules, which makes it more flexible for use. It also offers easy part processing.
The parts of the ProJets 3D printers have an excellent smooth finish compared to other 3D printers.
iPros 3D printers
It is a mid-range 3D printer available for 3D printing and manufacturing. Its advantages include outstanding surface finish, resolution, and tolerances.
It is a 3D printer developed by 3D Systems. It also uses resin materials for 3D printing and is based on Stereolithography technology.
Pro X 3D printers
ProX printers come with sealed powder loading that prevents the printer from any contamination. It also offers recycling that increases operator safety. Its advantages include:
- High surface quality and performance.
- Finest details.
- Integrated precision metal printing solution.
- Unmatched resolution.
Fab Pro 3D printers
Fab Pro printers are cost-efficient with maintained accuracy, quality, and speed. These printers' cost is 22% less than the average cost of the parts of other printers. Its advantages include simple post-processing, quick production, small layer thickness, and six sigma accuracy.

Advantages of 3D Printers

The advantages of 3D printers are listed below:

Flexible printing
3D printers allow producing a realistic view of the product on paper. It also allows printing complex designs with better visibility.
Lightweight
3D printers today are not bulky. The manufactured parts of the printers are light in weight.
Easy to access
We can easily access the 3D printers. Today, these printers are available with an increased number of local service providers. The local manufacturing makes the product easily available with reduced transportation costs.
Cost Effective
3D printer's usage does not require a team for its operation. The local service providers have reduced the cost of transportation of 3D printers. Thus, we can say that the low transportation cost, lightweight, and easy access of the printers have reduced its cost compared to the traditional printers imported from abroad.
Fast design production
The 3D printers can print objects within hours. It is much faster compared to other machine productions. The design can be printed by ready to print CAD (Computer-Aided Design) files.
Right product as per the requirement
The demand for 3D printers is increasing all over the world. We can produce the right print by using the ready to print CAD or STL (Standard Triangle Language) file.
Medicine and healthcare
3D printers are also used in medicines and healthcare. The 3D printing process provides a 3D model of the patient's body.

Disadvantages

There are also some disadvantages of the 3D printers. Let's discuss some of the most common disadvantages.

Limited materials
The materials used for 3D printing in various 3D printers are limited.
Job reduction
The increased use of machinery has reduced labor costs in both pre-processing and post-processing of the products.

Top Manufacturers of 3D Printers in India

The manufacture of 3D printers in India has reduced transportation costs from abroad, such as China. Today, 3D printers are easily available in various designs and features. Let's discuss some of the top manufacturers of 3D printers in India.

3D Systems
'3D systems' is one of the top manufacturers of 3D printers worldwide. It also manufactures 3D printing materials, 3D scanners, etc. It takes input from the CAD files or ready to print CAD files, 3D sculpting devices, and other 3D manufacturing software. Its products and services are used in various fields, such as healthcare, automotive, industries, etc.
3D systems were founded by Chuck Hull in California, who was also the inventor of SLA (Stereoithography).
Proto Labs Inc. (PRLB)
PRLB is considered as the world's fastest source of prototype and parts production. The production is in the form of uploading 3D file format, Per formation of design analysis, manufacturing, and the produced is finally shipped. The PRLB manufacturers send the pricing and design analysis within few hours after the CAD file is received. After the finalization, it manufactures the final product and delivers it to the desired place.
FARO Technologies Inc. (FARO)
The FARO technologies deal in the 3D manufacturing products and imaging solutions across the world. It has FARO software, a handheld mapper, and Scanlan. The handheld mapper captures the 2D floor plans, while the software is CAD and scanner-based.
The FARO products are used in various fields, such as architecture, construction, cultural heritage, etc.

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3D printers. Rapid prototyping technology for KOMPAS-3D models

ASCON actively cooperates with hardware manufacturers. We are confident that this cooperation will contribute to the development of modern technologies and their successful application in various sectors of the economy.

The ability to quickly and easily create physical prototypes of 3D models of new products or construction objects speeds up the development process, and we hope that users will appreciate our initiatives.

How does a 3D printer work?

A three-dimensional or 3D printer is a device for outputting three-dimensional data (usually three-dimensional geometry). The result of his work is some physical object, a prototype.

There are several 3D printing technologies, but all of them are based on the principle of creating solid geometry layer by layer.

Prototyping procedure

Development of a 3D model in the KOMPAS-3D system.
Export geometry to STL or WRL format.

Saving in *.Stl format.

Starting from version V15.1 in KOMPAS-3D, the dialog for setting saving parameters in Stl has changed. If earlier the setting depended on the accuracy parameters set for the part, then in the new version the dialog Stl export parameters appeared.

Parameters dialog for writing to STL format. Description.

The dialog appears on the screen when exporting a model to STL format. Surfaces existing in the model are transferred to the STL format as polyhedral surfaces with triangular faces. The process and result of constructing a finite number of non-overlapping triangles that join each other along common sides is called by triangulating . The segments connecting the vertices of the triangles are called edges .

Triangulation parameters are configured in the dialog.

Description of controls

Item	Description
Items	The group of options allows you to control the export of model objects. When the corresponding options are enabled, the following objects are exported: bodies, surface.
Coordinate system	The list allows you to select the CS that contains the coordinates of the vertices and normal vectors of triangular faces. The list is not available if only the absolute coordinate system exists in the model.
Units of length	The list allows you to select a unit of length for recording the coordinates of vertices and normal vectors of triangular faces.
Approximation accuracy	Group of options that allows you to set approximation parameters. At least one option from the group must be enabled.
Maximum linear deviation	Enabling this option allows you to set the maximum allowable deviation along the normal of the triangular face of the transferred surface from the original surface. Deviation can be set using the "slider". To change the deviation value, move the "slider" on the scale between the extreme left ("coarse") and extreme right ("fine") positions. The range of allowable values depends on the dimensions of the model. The desired value can be entered manually in the field to the right of the scale.
Maximum angular deviation	Enabling this option allows you to set the maximum allowable angle between the normals of adjacent triangular faces of the transferred surface. Deviation can be set using the "slider". The range of allowable values of the angular deviation is 45–0.1 (in degrees). The desired value can be entered manually in the field to the right of the scale. The maximum allowable value is 90.
Maximum fin length	Enabling this option allows you to set the maximum edge length. The range of allowable values depends on the dimensions of the model.

After completing the settings, click OK. To exit the dialog without writing the file, click the Cancel button.

Save results with different parameters for a ball with a diameter of 50 mm.

Microsoft 3D Builder is used to evaluate parameters

Maximum linear deviation

Maximum angular deviation

Maximum edge length

Opening a file with geometry in a special program - a slicer that serves a 3D printer.
The main function of the slicer is to cut a solid object into many layers of small thickness and create a G-code - a set of commands for creating 2D images (sections) of each layer in a plane perpendicular to the Z axis.

If the model has a complex shape, the slicer can create supports - additional sections of material that are separated after the model is made.

In addition to cutting models into layers, the user can use additional functionality, for example, change the view, scale, rotate, label, multiply models.
Send G-code to 3D printer.
Sending is carried out either via a network, or via cable, or by recording to a media (memory card).
Layer-by-layer "growing" of a three-dimensional model in the working chamber of a 3D printer.
Removing the finished model from the printer.
If necessary, separation of supports from the model and additional processing of the model.

Hercules 3D printers
3D printers ZPrinter
PICASO 3D 3D printers

3D printer - Computer device

3D printing is the construction of a real object based on a 3D model created on a computer. Then the digital three-dimensional model is saved in the STL file format, after which the 3D printer, to which the file is output for printing, forms a real product.

The printing process itself is a series of repetitive cycles associated with the creation of three-dimensional models, applying a layer of consumables to the desktop (elevator) of the printer, moving the desktop down to the level of the finished layer and removing waste from the surface of the table.

The cycles follow one another continuously: the next layer of material is applied to the first layer, the elevator is lowered again and so on until the finished product is on the working table.

The principle of operation of a 3d printer is based on the principle of gradual (layered) creation of a solid model, which, as it were, is “grown” from a certain material, which will be discussed a little later. The advantages of 3D printing over the usual, manual methods of building models are high speed, simplicity and relatively low cost.

For example, manually creating a 3D model or a part can take quite a long time - from several days to months. After all, this includes not only the manufacturing process itself, but also preliminary work - drawings and diagrams of the future product, which still do not give a complete vision of the final result.

As a result, development costs increase significantly, the period from product development to its mass production increases.

3D technologies, on the other hand, allow you to completely eliminate manual labor and the need to make drawings and calculations on paper - after all, the program allows you to see the model from all angles already on the screen, and eliminate the identified shortcomings not in the process of creation, as is the case with manual production, but directly during development and create a model in a few hours.

This virtually eliminates the possibility of manual errors.

1. Medicine.

First of all, the stereolithography method has been used for quite some time now to obtain customized dental braces based on a patient's oral cavity scan. The material is a polymer that is harmless to humans. This method of orthodontics is used by Align Technology. Siemens, on the other hand, makes hearing aids that are perfectly compatible with the ears of patients.

2. 3D printing is used to manufacture the tubes used in the production of F-18 fighter jets.
Whereas early versions only made it possible to print simple objects, like chess pieces, modern models can produce very sophisticated forms, for example, you can make a whistle with a ball inside, or any other object in an object without interrupting the process.

In fact, the first bioprinter has already been created by Invetech engineers and Organovo medical specialists. The material for products in it are very small clusters of cells, "fused" into one whole according to a given pattern.