3D PRINTERS AND THEIR

APPLICATIONS
COMPUTER SCIENCE
HAIQA NASIR
IX -A
WHAT ARE 3D PRINTERS?
3D printing is when 3D solid objects are made from a model on a
computer. 3D printing is done by building up the object layer by layer.
Usually, 3D printers use plastic, because it is easier to use and cheaper.
Some 3D printers can 3D print with other materials, like metals and
ceramics.

INNOVATIVE 3D PRINTER APPLICATIONS

1. Slam dunk with 3D print

In August, Chinese sports brand PEAK launched the world’s first pair of 3D printed
basketball boots. Developed in partnership with Charlotte Hornets star Dwight
Howard III, the boot deploys a 3D lattice structure in the middle of the sole, using a
3D printed TPU structure for the vamp side walls.

2. Clear opportunities for growth

In a development that could open up a whole new market

to those in the 3D print sector, German researchers
announced details of a technique to use the technology to
produce glass. A team at the Karlsruhe Institute of
Technology said this new technology, which features a
honeycomb structure, can be used to produce glass items
such as jewellery, lenses and computer parts.
3. The beating heart of development

Continuing on a medical theme, scientists

in Switzerland were able to produce an
artificial heart using 3D-print techniques.
The silicone heart weighs just slightly more
than an actual human heart and, with
further development, could replace
mechanical pumps that are currently used
with some patients that suffer from heart
problems.

4. Bringing life back to the oceans

Australian company Reef Design Labs has

started to use 3D print to create structures that
mimic coral. The project has been designed to
help save wildlife affected by a sharp rise in the
amount of coral reefs that are dying off around
the world. The structures act as a form of
protection for coral polyps and other marine
species that call coral reefs their home
5. 3D print bridge over troubled water

Officials in the Dutch town of Gemert set a

world-first by opening what they believe
are the first 3D-printed bridge in the world.
Developed by a team at the Eindhoven
University of Technology, bridge features
some 800 layers and is made from
reinforced, pre-stressed concrete.

6. Manufacturing in Space

Previously astronauts had to rely

completely on supplies from
Earth including all the
engineering parts and models.
With 3D printing approach, they
can now model any part with
ease with just a hunk of
thermoplastics necessary for it
now!
7. Vehicles

There have been numerous instances

of vehicles being manufactured with
the help of 3D printing. A 3D printed
car has been made within 45 hours
by local motors. The car could reach
a top speed of 80 Km/h. could 3D
printing be the future of automotive
production?

8. Homes
3D printing and 3D assembling
technology is being used by builders
to demonstrate the swift nature of
3D printing. This approach could
revolutionize the housing industry.
Special adhesives and other
chemicals are used to make this
possible.

9. Fashion design and Decoration

Intricate fashion designs created on the computer

can easily be converted into modelled physical
versions with the aid of 3D printing. Usually it
would take a lot of artistry and skill to make them
but a computer and a 3D printer can do things
much faster, thus meeting the demands of this
dynamic industry.
3D printing 'could herald new industrial
revolution'
 As potentially game-changing as the steam engine or
telegraph were in their day, 3D printing could herald a new
industrial revolution, experts say.
 For the uninitiated, the prospect of printers turning out any
object you want at the click of a button may seem like the
stuff of science fiction.
 But 3D printing is already here, is developing fast, and looks
set to leap from the labs and niche industries onto the wider
market.
 In addition to the potential ecological impact of producing
products right where they are needed, Jones said, 3D printing
could make small-scale production of objects cheaper, rather
than turning out huge numbers which may go to waste.
 But for those tempted by home-output, a handful of 3D
printers have hit the consumer market, retailing for around
$2,000.
 As with computers, the price is expected to fall over time as
demand rises and technology advances.
 Despite remaining small in global terms, Gurry noted, the
value of 3D printing is expected to expand relatively fast, to
$6.5 billion by 2019.

REFRENCE
 https://www.fespa.com/en/news-media/features/top-20-3d-print-
applications-of-2017
 https://seacadtech.com/top-10-awesome-innovations-made-with-3d-
printing/
 https://phys.org/news/2013-04-3d-herald-industrial-
revolution.html