The power of 3D Printing is now permeating almost every industry worldwide. Hence, if you’re a student who has a knack for 3D printing, know that there are so many opportunities that await you. As per Statista, the 3D printing market is projected to grow by 21.2% this year. Further, the market for 3D printers is seen to reach a whopping 5.3 billion U.S dollars. Well, that sounds a great future ahead of you!
Now, let’s zoom in to the 3D industry in the Philippines. The Manila Times said the additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D printing industry in the country is fast rising. Thus, we must get ahead of the 3D printing trends and maximize the perks we can get.
Are you an incoming senior high school who wonders how 3D printing works? CIIT Philippines is here to help you! We created the ultimate guide to help you get a better grasp of this trend. Are there 3D printing limitations you should know? What are the advantages of 3D printing you must take note? Read on and let’s find out.
What is 3D Printing?
Since 3D printing is currently taking over the world, you’d want to know how it works. But first, what is 3D printing?
3D printing is a process where a 3D printer creates three-dimensional objects using a wide range and specialized materials. To simplify, 3D printing is a process that turns your digital model or 3D design into an actual piece.
3D printers come in various forms. Usually, the materials used are plastics, rubbers, and metals. But since technology never stops evolving, many industries use 3D printing in a more serious note. Trades are now using specialized materials to create amazing 3D objects, which are key to futuristic innovations. Can you imagine the medical world trying to print a heart replica out of biological inks? That sounds incredible!
How Does 3D Printing Work?
Get started in just 3 steps…
Step 1: Modeling
The process starts with your digital design or 3D model. You can create your own design with a 3D modeling software, device, scanner, or app. Most people create their designs using CAD or Computer-Aided Design. But 3D scanners are much easier to use.
There are lots of 3D modeling programs available online that you can use. Just make sure to extract the file (.OBJ or .STL file), so the 3D printer can read it. Can’t craft your own 3D design? You can download 3D printing designs from online sources.
Though it’s awesome, 3D printers do have limitations. Before designing a model, you must consider the tuning basics. First, consider layer-printing style, assess the parts, then proceed to slicing.
Step 2: Printing
Once you’re satisfied with your digital design, you can now proceed to slicing. Slicing is a process that divides a 3D model into hundreds or thousands of horizontal layers. After slicing the model with specialized software, the printing process begins. The process involves stacking up layers of melted materials squeezed from the printer’s hot nozzle.
Step 3: Finishing
After printing the model, you can now assemble the object and apply the final touches. Usually, this step would require you to add colors and details to make your 3D object much better.
5 Advantages of 3D Printing Over Traditional Manufacturing
1. Complex Design Possibilities
Do you have ideas that you want to bring into life? 3D printing could be your best friend! Artists are free to attempt various ideas—from simple to complex ones—as long as they can design them. This is why this innovation became popular worldwide. It offers endless possibilities across various industries.
2. Customizable
Unlike the old-school method, 3D printing aids the production timeline. If there are flaws in the prior 3D model, you can easily alter the design, print the object, then check the model again. Instead of following the whole process, you spot the flaw in the 3D object. Hence, it’s less risky to develop a product starting with a 3D model.
3. Cost-Effective and Efficient
Think of it as an investment that will help you save more cost, time, and energy. You can settle with a great 3D printer and upgrade it later on. It’s best to use this technology to test designs before production.
Creating 3D objects will improve your designs and help you spot any flaws. That’s why it’s a cost-effective method for the designers in different trades. If a specific design didn’t work, just change the digital model and then print the object again.
4. Less Waste Production
Instead of cutting down sources to create the object, 3D printing uses raw materials, which leads to lesser waste production. The additive process uses only the material needed for the object. So, it creates much lesser waste and cuts more expenses.
5. Better Learning Experience
Teaching materials don’t just improve the learning experience for students. Through 3D printed objects, learners can also get a better view of the topics and help them absorb the information quickly. Hands-on learning is key to explore greater heights. With an actual object in your hands, you can get better prospects to improve your creation.
Why Students Need to Learn 3D Printing Now
3D printing is one of the fastest-growing developments in this era. The key to advanced innovation lies in the current development we have, so the young generation must learn.
For the incoming senior high school students in the Philippines, choosing the best school that can hone their talents is vital. CIIT Philippines, a top-rated multimedia arts school, offers modern education to young Filipinos.
Recently, 3 units of 3D printers arrived in the school and were added to the school’s state-of-the-art equipment. So, if you want to experience the CIIT 3D printers, choose CIIT Philippines.
Turn Your Dream into Reality Through CIIT 3D Animation Specialist Course
Are you looking for a K12-ready school that offers 3D printing and modern education? Look no further, check CIIT Philippines! We offer 3D animation short course that will help you get closer to your dream career. Our senior high school programs will hone your skills and bring out your potentials. Check out CIIT’s bachelor’s degree programs and specialist courses today!
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