Printing Products: the fast, fabulous high-tech of 3D printing

What an amazing world we are creating by developing new products through the technical ingenuity of 3D printing; it is transforming so much of the manufacturing process by facilitating speed, accuracy and waste reduction. Whilst there is expense involved in designing the new equipment that is required, in the long term there will be cost savings as products become available faster and ever-new ideas find their way to the production process with less difficulty.

Looking at the way engineering is adapting to skilfully create with the latest 3D printing technology, you can only admire the increasing and very evident advantages of flexibility, efficiency, and innovation. There is no doubt that 3D printing is opening up exciting new possibilities across a wide range of industries – and is here to stay and expand.

How the process works – seven key steps

•  Concepts begin with brainstorming. Ideas motivate and initiate action. And ultimately find fruition in designing a product using computer-aided design (CAD) software. This is where engineers or designers create a digital model of the product, specifying its dimensions, features, and other details.
• Once the initial design is created, engineers may use simulation software to analyse the product's performance under various conditions. This helps identify potential weaknesses or areas for improvement before moving to the next stage.
•  At this point, the digital model is prepared for 3D printing through the application of specialised software that converts the CAD model into a format that can be understood by the 3D printer, while adding support structures if necessary.
• Depending on the choice of the type of 3D printing technology, the process can utilise a variety of materials, such as plastics, metals, ceramics, and composites. It is the job of the engineers to select the most suitable material for the desired properties and application of the product.
• Once prepared, a digital model is sent to the 3D printer. And here the magic begins as the printer, working to the specifications of the digital design, proceeds to build the product layer by layer. This process may take hours or even days, depending on the complexity and size of the product.
• Once the printing process is complete, additional finishing processes can take place – such as the removal of support structures, polishing, or any specific surface treatment to achieve the desired appearance and functionality.
• The testing that follows completion is vigorous to ensure that the product does meet the required standards and specifications. If any issues are identified, the design may need to be modified, and the printing process repeated until satisfactory results are achieved.

Advantages of 3D printing abound

While the process can be complex and exacting, making products with the latest 3D printing technology presents continually expanding possibilities. Not to mention a broad spectrum of advantages. For instance, 3D printing allows for the creation of intricate and complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods. In addition, products can be easily customised to meet individual customer requirements without incurring significant additional costs.

The speed with which prototyping can be effected, iterated, and tested, means that mass production can be enabled at a rate that can meet the growing demand of an ever-burgeoning society. With 3D printing, products can be manufactured on-demand, reducing the need for large inventories and facilitating just-in-time production. And then – the green crown in the process – the fact that 3D printing is an additive process that generates minimal waste.

A short list of just some of the functional uses of 3D printing 

Medical implants: Personalised implants tailored to a patient's specific anatomy can be created using 3D printing technology, ranging from dental implants to prosthetic limbs. These limbs can be customised to fit an individual's unique anatomy, providing comfort and functionality. One of the most valuable uses of 3D printing is the ability to produce precision-made dental crowns, bridges, and orthodontic appliances, providing perfect comfort and customisation for patients.  

Educational models: 3D printing can be used for educational purposes to create anatomical models, geological formations, and other educational aids to enhance learning experiences.

Tooling and jigs: Customised tooling and jigs can be 3D printed to aid in manufacturing processes, improving efficiency and precision.

Consumer electronics: Cases, mounts, and other accessories for consumer electronics can be produced with 3D printing, allowing for personalised and targeted customisation.

Art and sculptures: Artists and sculptors are able to use 3D printing to create intricate and complex artworks with unique designs and structures in shorter time frames.

Get in Outsource Engineers to handle your project

Imagine you could take your pick from a dream stable of just about every kind of engineering resource available at a moment’s notice. OutEng offers just that. Comprising a network of trusted, experienced and highly skilled engineers, project managers and technical people, including ECSA registered engineers in almost every discipline, all our engineers are freelancers or contractors who are contracted in per job as their skill is required. Each operates as an independent Business Unit, therefore covering own overheads (working from home or over weekends or remotely).

OutEng is setting new trends and standards in an agile, trust-based business style that is taking the engineering environment by storm. Across a multitude of cost-effective engineering and project services, you can expect:

• solid expertise and experience 
• a unique combination of design, project management and engineering capability
• well-informed professionals who are up to date with the latest research.

To find out more, visit: www.outeng.co.za