What objects can be obtained with 3D printing

3D printing is a process that works by adding layers of material (usually plastics) and allows the creation of 3D objects or prototypes.

3D printing has 8 main features:

• has relatively short processing times compared to other techniques;

• is able to make very small objects with extreme precision;

• is able to reproduce objects with complex angles and geometries;

• is easy to use;

• offers great versatility of use;

• guarantees short processing times, especially in the case of series production;

• the time and cost ratio is advantageous;

• allows a high level of customization and modification of the piece.

Given all these characteristics, 3D printing is highly performing in the case of rapid prototyping or manufacturing of engineering parts, thanks above all to the wide range of materials suitable for this type of processing.

So, what objects can be created with 3D printing?

The answer is almost everything. In fact, today 3D printing is used to develop objects for different sectors and markets. Let's discover the main ones together.

3D Printing for automotive and aerospace sector

In the case of automotive, the main advantage offered by 3D printing lies in the speed of execution. In fact, different car components can be mass-produced quickly and precisely. The same motor can be composed of components made using a 3D printer and maintain maximum efficiency in terms of performance and material. 

In the same way, the aerospace sector can also rely on 3D printing for the manufacture of mechanical parts, or components that must meet very strict criteria in terms of safety and performance. 

In both cases, 3D printing offers an important competitive advantage, both in terms of costs, procurement of materials and timing. 

3D Printing for the medical industry

3D printing is widely used for the medical sector, especially for the manufacture of complex medical components or instruments. In fact, 3D printing is able to respond to the need to create objects with precision and attention to detail. 

Prosthetics, respirators and other medical instruments that are reproduced via 3D printing for the medical sector are an example.

This technique is also advantageous for scientists, since thanks to the rapid prototyping of an object, it allows to verify the functionality of an object and possibly to make changes in a timely manner. 

Therefore, 3D printing is an important ally for science, since it allows you to try and experiment in a short time and at a low cost.

3D printing for electrical or engineering components

3D printing can be used to reproduce components for engine parts or electrical systems. It also allows you to create ad hoc structures to test new engineering solutions and support scientific research in the development of new technologies. 

Although this part is considered by some to be secondary to the other applications of 3D printing, actually its use is increasing even considering hobbyists or the creation of models on demand.

So, in this case, the ability of 3D printing to customize each object and be able to reproduce it in detail, allows research and development offices to create and test new ideas.

3D printing for teaching

3D printing in recent years has been adopted by schools also thanks to the low costs. 

In particular, universities and secondary schools with STEAM and STEM addresses are among the largest users of 3D printers in education. 

An example of this are the universities of architecture that give their students the opportunity to create scale models to verify the feasibility of projects and their most creative ideas.

In some cases, 3D printing has also been used by primary schools to develop solar models and other materials to stimulate student learning.

Conclusions

3D printing today has many fields of application not only in the production of technical parts, but also in more artistic and creative sectors such as textiles, art, and music. 

The wide range of materials available, the precision in reproducing even the most complex models and the speed of execution, together with the low costs, make 3D printing a very versatile tool.