3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes. In an additive process an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the object is created. Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the eventual object.3D printing is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing which is cutting out / hollowing out a piece of metal or plastic with for instance a milling machine.3D printing enables you to produce complex shapes using less material than traditional manufacturing methods. Most of the current demand for 3D printing is industrial in nature. Acumen Research and Consulting forecasts the global 3D printing market to reach $41 billion by 2026.
3D Printing
3D printing is a process for making a physical object from a three-dimensional digital model, typically, by laying down many successive thin layers of a material. It brings a digital object (CAD) into its physical form by adding layer by layer of materials.
- 3D printing Introduction
- 3D printing Processes
- FDM and DLP/SLA in detail
3D Scanning
3D Scanning is the process of analyzing a real-world object or environment to collect data on its shape and possibly it’s appearance. The collected data can then be used to construct digital 3D models. 3D scanners are powerful tools for professionals in several industries, such as automotive, aeronautics, dental, jewelry, as well as video games, special effects, and animation movies.
3D scanning technologies rely on different physical principles and can be classified in categories:
- Laser triangulation 3D scanning technology,
- Structured light 3D scanning technology
- Photogrammetry
- Contact-based 3D scanning technology