If the first industrial revolution began the invention of the steam engine, and the second using oil and electricity, then we can say that the third began a few years ago when on the market appeared the first 3D printers.
3D printing or additive manufacturing technology is actually a very easy way to quickly create an object that you previously created in a specialized program on your computer. Although it sounds like rocket science, in fact it is very simple, and its application is already found in a number of areas – from medicine to automotive industry up to art and fashion.
3D printers have been with us since the eighties of the last century. They were used by industrial engineers and the army for prototyping. However, in the last 5 years 3D printing is slowly conquering the world. The technology has become part of our everyday lives. Breakthrough new technologies in our lives does not come overnight. Just remember Jobs and Wozniak, their garages, vision and obstacles they faced to implement it. The same thing is happening now! We live in very interesting times. We are on the threshold of something that can change our way of life. For better or for worse. Which direction will go remains to us. We are the creators of our own destiny.
But how does this work? The first you should make digital (CAD) model of the object. This model is then sent to a 3D printer that “prints” material layer by layer and complete the model you created. One layer has a thickness of approximately 0.1 millimeters. The most common material used is a special type of plastic, but you can work with the special types of rubber, paper or metal. More on construction, materials and other sights about 3D printing can be learned in the infographic below:
