Post 4

DISADVANTAGES OF 3D PRINTING

Though there are so many advantages to 3D printing, there are unfortunately some disadvantages as well.

• 3D printers are still very expensive
• Current models can sometimes result in rough surfaces on the product
• Probably not the best for large size applications
• Could put jobs at risk because of the ability to make things yourself

It is hard to think of specific examples for different industries, but these disadvantages can pretty much apply to every industry that would use a 3D printer.

Sources:

http://3-d-printing.blogspot.com/2008/12/although-three-dimensional-printing-has.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prototype

Post 3

ADVANTAGES OF USING 3D PRINTING

--faster than rapid prototyping

--cheaper than rapid prototyping (can save money and time by doing it all at once rather than having to combine separate model parts)

--more user friendly than rapid prototyping

--3D printing can be used in many various industries including

• architecture
• dentistry
• automotive and aerospace industries
• jewelry
• even for artistic purposes
• basically anything you can think of could probably use 3D printing in some way

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing#Advantages

http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term/0,2542,t=3D+printing&i=37077,00.asp

http://chris.pirillo.com/what-is-a-3d-printer-2/

Post 2

3D printing is in the process of replacing rapid prototyping, which uses manufacturing technology to create physical objects. 3D printing is better because it can be done faster, cheaper, and more effectively.

example of a rapid prototyping machine

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapid_prototyping

http://www.five-star-plastics.com/images/photos/rapid_prototyping2.jpg

Post 1

3D printing is a new technology that allows businesses to print three dimensional objects by using computers to add one layer at a time. 3D printers have lots of applications in many different industries. It creates three dimensional objects by layering material.

an example of a 3D printer is pictured above

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing

http://chris.pirillo.com/what-is-a-3d-printer-2/

http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term/0,2542,t=3D+printing&i=37077,00.asp

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.madeforone.com/Articles/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/desktop_factory.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.madeforone.com/Articles/index.php/technology/developments-in-3d-printing-hardware/&usg=__NYBt3uE26ogdLwvc8Qpb9SCYNWE=&h=264&w=320&sz=15&hl=en&start=4&itbs=1&tbnid=tVu-gtRA47c9LM:&tbnh=97&tbnw=118&prev=/images%3Fq%3D3d%2Bprinter%26hl%3Den%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1