Nowadays, people who know a little about Makerspace mostly associate it with 3D modeling and printing environment. Of course, Makerspace is more than 3D technologies, but indeed, it plays a big role in running an effective Makerspace. Therefore, I have decided to write a particular post about 3D Modeling and Printing.
History of 3D Printing
We may think that 3D Printing is a new trend in a world of technologies. However, according to Leo G. (2018), the idea of "rapid prototyping devices" or in other words, the history of 3D printing begins back in 1981, when Dr. Hideo Kodama patented this idea for the first time. Unfortunately, he did not realize his idea and it was further developed by trio Jean-Cluade Andre, Olivier de Witte, and Alain le Mehaunte. They also succeed on patenting their ideas, but the in application process failed because of poor funding.
The first invented 3D printer, which was called "Stereolithography" was in 1988 by Charles Hull.
The SLA-1. Source: sculpteo
General principles of 3D printing
In order to print an object with the 3D printer we need to have a 3d model of that object. Let's say that you want to print a paper in a usual printer. For this you create a file (.doc, .pdf, or any other formats that the printer supports) and send it to the printer for print. The mechanism of 3D printing is pretty similar with ordinary printers.
History of 3D Printing
We may think that 3D Printing is a new trend in a world of technologies. However, according to Leo G. (2018), the idea of "rapid prototyping devices" or in other words, the history of 3D printing begins back in 1981, when Dr. Hideo Kodama patented this idea for the first time. Unfortunately, he did not realize his idea and it was further developed by trio Jean-Cluade Andre, Olivier de Witte, and Alain le Mehaunte. They also succeed on patenting their ideas, but the in application process failed because of poor funding.
The first invented 3D printer, which was called "Stereolithography" was in 1988 by Charles Hull.
General principles of 3D printing
In order to print an object with the 3D printer we need to have a 3d model of that object. Let's say that you want to print a paper in a usual printer. For this you create a file (.doc, .pdf, or any other formats that the printer supports) and send it to the printer for print. The mechanism of 3D printing is pretty similar with ordinary printers.
- First, you create a file that 3D printer supports. According to fictiv.com there are three types of formats for 3D printing:
- IGES or IGS (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification)
- STL (Stereolithography or Standard Tessellation Language)
- STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product model data)
- To create this 3D printing format files, you use the Computer-aided Design (CAD) programs. Here are some example of CADs:
- AutoCard - https://www.autodesk.com
- SmartDraw- https://www.smartdraw.com
- Tinkercad - https://www.tinkercad.com/
- Then you make sure that your 3D printer is ready for print. Here is a tutorial that guides you step by step to print 3D models:
For more readings:
Hi Lutfullo - As always, I enjoy reading your blog updates! I did not know much about 3D printers and so this was an interesting read! I feel like 3D printers may be expensive; throughout your research, have you found any reference to the cost of 3D printing and how this technology may be made more accessible for Makerspace administrators?
ReplyDeleteThe cost of 3D printer very much depends on the size and purpose of use. Here is an official website where 3D printers and the different components are sold: https://www.makerbot.com/3d-printers/
DeleteNot only the equipment, but to maintain it is also very costly. I would recommend to take some courses about the use of 3D printer before purchasing it.
Hi Lutfullo,
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading your blog, where I can get a lot of useful, interesting, new information! Look forward to your next blog.
Thanks so much for your interest :)
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