3D Printing Comes Out: Illusion And Reality Of Technology

3D printing is real, and this technology has been very exciting recently. Although the 3D printer is not entirely a replicator in Star Trek, it uses computer graphics to create or print three-dimensional objects. People can use it to make plastic ornaments, toys, jewelry, make fake flippers for lame ducks, and make human kidneys and even guns. Although the use of guns can still be used effectively, there is still controversy.

3D printing came out in 1983, when Charles Herr (Charles Hull) invented stereolithography, making objects by layer by layer. The technology is used in industry to rapidly manufacture prototype products, hard to find parts and unique design products. No matter how complex the structure is, enterprises can independently build models without outsourcing, thus saving time and money. In recent years, home 3D printers have begun to appear. This printer is easier to operate, the price is greatly reduced, and the use of non-toxic materials. All of a sudden, every consumer's home can become a factory, presumably optimistic.

In February this year, the president of the United States Obama Begin to promote the development of 3D printing technology. He mentioned in his state of the Union address that a warehouse in youndtown, Ohio, has been transformed into an advanced 3D printing laboratory. Obama said the technology "could subvert all our production methods." He announced that he would build three more laboratories and asked Congress to help build a network of 15 locations. Obama believes that the use of 3D printers in the industrial sector can revive the manufacturing industry in the United States, but the public's attention to this technology has produced a new batch of products in the consumer market.

In May, office supplies chain corporation (Staples) announced that it would launch a 3D printer called "Cube" for consumers. Cube is made by 3D Systems, founded by Hull, at a retail price of $1300. According to the information on Staples's official website, Cube and the use of complex computer aided Design software The industrial 3D printers are very different. There are five bright colors to choose from. It's a plug and play device. You can easily start without training.

In July, eBay launched the 3D printing service called "eBay Exact". Consumers can order products that are customized. The price of the product varies, with a $9 iPhone protective cover and a $350 metal ring. Even Amazon has opened the 3D printer sales area. At the same time, Microsoft is also in line with the trend, adding 3D printing support in the upcoming Windows 8.1 system update. Shane Boche, manager of Microsoft Shanen, wrote in a blog in June 26th that making 3D objects with computers is as simple as editing documents with Word and printing them out again in Boettcher. We want 3D printing to be simple and easy, so that anyone can build their own desktop factory. "

It is still niche.

However, just because the price of 3D printers is becoming more affordable does not mean that many consumers will buy. David Robertson, a part-time professor at Walton business school, does not believe that 3D printers will be widely used in the mass market. (Robertson) "I'm not sure if 3D printers can break through this amateur circle," he said. Robertson's keynote course is innovation and product development. He should have a say in this. He owns two Makerbot 3D printers at a price of several thousand dollars per unit. He can make use of 3D printer for his son. Sumo Robot toys can also make lampshade for electric lamps. But he pointed out that 3D printing is more suitable for special tasks than ordinary tasks.

Robertson compares home 3D printing with home photo printing. Even if consumers can afford to buy Photo Printers, most people will not buy them, but send them to professional printing agencies to produce high-quality photos. This is both convenient and inexpensive. Consumers do not have to buy expensive photo paper and ink cartridges, so they save money. Robinson believes that the 3D printing market will also be like this. Although some amateurs want to own a 3D printer, most people are more willing to buy 3D printing service, because this service is more convenient and cheaper.

The limitations of home 3D printers also make its attractiveness dim. This product can only use one material at a time, the most commonly used is plastic, and most goods are made of many kinds of materials. Robertson said that although the price of 3D printers has dropped from tens of thousands of dollars to a few hundred dollars, the average price is still between 1000 and 2000 dollars. The material that makes the product will also cost.

Robertson added that in addition, home 3D printers are "constantly on the go". "They may break down when you need it, and you need some skill and patience to maintain the stable operation of the 3D printer. The parts of the printer are not so precise. The actual printing effect may be different from the design. Lastly, the 3D printing process may take hours or even days to complete a task.