If you’ve just purchased your first 3D printer or are simply curious to learn more about this fascinating technology, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re looking to explore technical details, better understand practical applications, or discover where to buy equipment and materials, this guide is the perfect starting point for your journey into the world of 3D printing.
3D Printing: The Technology of the Moment
Lately, 3D printing has been one of the most talked-about topics, not just in the tech world, but also in fashion and design. It seems like everyone is discussing the transformative potential of this technology. And with good reason! In this guide, I’ll share my experiences and provide a comprehensive overview of the history and current state of 3D printing.
Why Write This Guide?
The main reason I created this guide is due to the insistence of friends who, knowing my “know-how,” asked me to share my knowledge. And here we are! The goal is for all of us to learn and grow together on this technological journey.
Since we’re talking about collaborative learning, here’s a request: if you find something that could be improved or expanded, please use the comments section! All contributions are welcome.
Ready? Let’s Start with the Basics
Before we continue, a warning: by reading further, you run the risk of becoming smarter. Proceed at your own risk!
What is 3D Printing?
Also known as “additive manufacturing,” 3D printing is a process where a three-dimensional model is created by successively adding layers of material. Described by the “Financial Times” as a technology with greater growth potential than the internet itself, 3D printing was invented in 1984. Although this technology has been around for a few decades, it is now seen as a revolutionary innovation, often as if it were invented yesterday.
The Reality of 3D Printing
It’s true that 3D printing has a significant impact, but there’s some exaggeration in the way it’s presented to the public. Instead of being informative, the focus is often on selling the idea as something that will instantly transform our lives and make us rich very quickly. The reality, as always, is a bit more complex.
So, What Makes 3D Printing Different?
The key difference of 3D printing lies in the process of adding material layer by layer on a sub-millimeter scale. This is the basic principle that distinguishes it from traditional manufacturing methods, such as molding or machining, which typically involve material removal.
The Future of 3D Printing
Like other technologies, 3D printing will take time to fully showcase its potential and convince the general population of its advantages over traditional methods. Even so, its impact is already being widely discussed, from changes in industrial design to social, economic, and security implications.
In the upcoming posts of this series, we’ll explore comparisons with traditional processes, how to get started with a 3D printer, which materials are most common, and even how to order 3D printing services.
Welcome to this journey!
