3D Blog

Did you know that there are a number of new and emerging technologies available today, which can be utilized for production? One such technology is the 3D printing which uses computer-assisted design to create objects. This technology has been in existence for many years, but it’s only recently that it has become more affordable and accessible to the general public. These printers are used to produce three-dimensional objects from digital models by laying down layer upon layer of a filament material, mostly used by architects and construction companies. No matter how expensive or cheap the 3D printer is, its usage remains the same. So if you have been thinking about getting your own personal 3D printer at home, here is what you should look out for before buying one:

Know What You Want To Print

This is the first and the most important step when buying a 3D printer at home. You should know the materials that you want to print with. You can print using a variety of materials, such as plastics, metals, and resins. The material you choose will have a direct impact on the final product. For instance, if you are looking to print toys, you should use a material that is safe for children. When you know what you want to print, it becomes easier for you to narrow down your search for the best 3D printer for your home, making the entire process a lot more enjoyable.

Check The Printing Material

The printing materials vary from one printer to another. The choices available are plastic, resin, fiber, and metal. You should check what printing material your preferred 3D printer uses. There are 3D printers that can use multiple materials like a plastic and a resin. You can also go with a 3D printer that has removable print heads where you can change materials during the printing process. This is usually seen in higher-end models.

Check The Resolution and Speed

Resolution is the level of detail in the object being printed. A higher-resolution model will produce a finer-quality product. You can check how fine the model is printed by looking at the model from an angle. If you are unable to see the object’s contours, then the model isn’t printed with the right level of detail. There are different resolutions that 3D printers can work with. You can find out the resolution of the 3D printer that you are buying. The speed at which the printer prints is also something you should look out for. A fast printer will give you a shorter period of time to wait before getting your product.

Check The Build Volume

The build volume is the amount of space that is available inside the printer to print a model. It is measured in cubic centimeters or cubic inches. You should determine the amount of space you have in your home to decide the 3D printer that would fit in your house. The build volume will help you decide what you can print and what you can’t. If you have a small build volume, you won’t be able to print large models. On the other hand, if you have a large build volume, you can print large models.

Check The Accuracy And Warranty

When buying a 3D printer, you should check the accuracy of the printer. You can check this by printing a test model. If it has the right level of accuracy, then you can proceed with the purchase. You can also check the warranty on the printer that you are buying. This will give you a little assurance on the product that you are buying. If the warranty is short, it means that the product is not of good quality and you should look for another option.

Summing Up

There are a number of things you should keep in mind before buying a 3D printer at home. You should know what you want to print, check the printing materials, check the resolution and speed, check the build volume, and check the accuracy and warranty. Once you are able to keep these things in mind, it becomes easier for you to find the best 3D printer for your home.

3D printing is becoming more and more popular, seen in the number of 3D printers on the market. It's hard to pass by a neighbor without seeing their new printer. Of course, this means it's more complicated than ever to decide whether you should get one or not. Deciding on buying a 3D printer can seem like an overwhelming decision, but if you're an avid DIY-er, there are many reasons why getting your printer could be rewarding for you!

3D printing is revolutionizing the world right now since it opened up so many possibilities for home décor objects. Have you ever thought about what items make sense to make at home? Since so many 3D printers are currently available on the market, on other hand, 3d architectural rendering is also available and very beneficial in illustrating a lifelike experience of how a space or building will look before it is built, accurately representing design intent. 

Choosing one idea can be overwhelming. If you're planning on using your device to create home decorations, here are our favorite nine 3D-printed designs that will easily fit into any modern décor:

If you're looking for some new ideas for home decor, why not try 3D printing? These nine designs are all beautiful and unique and can add a touch of personality to any room.

1. Wall art

One of the simplest ways to use 3D printing for home decor is to print out some wall art. You can find designs online or create your own and print them out on a 3D printer. It is a great way to add some personality to your walls, and it's also a relatively cheap way to decorate your home.

2. Mirror frames

Another simple idea is to print out mirror frames. It can add an extra bit of detail to your bathroom or bedroom, and it's a great way to show off your 3D printing skills. There are many different designs to choose from, so you can find one that perfectly matches your style.

3. Candlesticks

Candlesticks are a classic home decor item, and they can be even more stylish when printed in 3D. There are many different designs to choose from, so you can find the perfect ones for your home. They're also a great way to add some extra decoration to your table or mantlepiece.

4. Vases

Vases are another simple item that can be given a new look with 3D printing. There are many different designs to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for you. It is a great way to add personality to your home without going too over the top.

5. Coasters

Coasters are another simple item that can be given a new look with 3D printing. There are many different designs to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for you. It is a great way to add personality to your home without going too over the top.

6. Lamps and light shades 

Lighting pieces such as lamps and light shades can be hard to match, but 3D printing allows you full control to create them in the exact design and style that matches your room's style or décor theme. It also completes customization of colors and materials, which you can use to add a touch of warmth and comfort to your home.

7. Planters

You can use 3D printing to create unique planters for your plants, making a great alternative to traditional flower pots. There are many different designs to choose from, so you can find the perfect one or get creative and try making your design. It is a great way to add some style and personality to any room in your house while also adding an extra splash of color.

8. Towel holder

Another simple item that you can customize using 3D printing is a towel holder. There are many different designs to choose from, so you can find the perfect one or get creative and try making your design. It is a great way to add some style and personality to any room in your house while also adding an extra splash of color.

9. Furniture

Finally, you can also use 3D printing to create furniture for your home. It is a great way to add some extra personality to your home, and it's also a great way to show off your 3D printing skills. There are lots of different designs to choose from, so you can find the perfect piece of furniture for your home.

Wrapping Up!

So there you have it – nine beautiful ideas for using 3D printing for home decor. These are just a few possibilities, so be creative and experiment with different to find the perfect look for your home.

3D printing has been revolutionizing the way companies do business for decades. It has helped push innovations forward in a variety of industries, specifically in the automotive industry. In fact, it has transformed the way car manufacturers are able to meet and overcome the demands they face in all areas of automotive production.

How is 3D printing used in the automotive industry?

3D printing has made a huge impact on the ways that car manufacturers are designing, developing, making, and distributing cars, car parts, and tools.

• Design and Development

It can be difficult to pinpoint problems in a car's design just by looking at CAD models. With 3D printing, car manufacturers are able to produce a physical model and use it to discuss any problems with form and fit that need to be addressed.

• Prototyping validation

Similar to other industries, the manufacturing process followed by car manufacturers includes prototyping which can be very expensive. 3D printing has enabled these companies to produce a full-scale rapid prototype that they can use to validate the product design and performance.

• Tooling preparation and production

Tooling refers to the process of designing and producing assembly tools. Tooling production can be expensive and take time. But with 3D printing, tool production costs can be reduced significantly. In fact, the Volkswagen Autoeuropa factory in Portugal claims to have been able to lower their tooling costs by 90%. BMW, on the other hand, has been able to use 3D printing to increase worker productivity and reduce project time by using 3D printers to create customized, ergonomic hand tools.

• Customized parts production

3D printing has enabled car companies to easily produce customized parts to cater to specific market needs. For example, they can tailor components in a specific vehicle to make it lighter. They can also produce specially-designed seats for race car drivers. Another example is the production of low demand, high-priced parts. Instead of storing this kind of inventory and incurring expenses, some car companies are using 3D printing on-demand to meet this kind of market need. In fact, Porsche is offering this service to car enthusiasts looking for spare parts for their classic cars.

What are the benefits of 3D printing for car manufacturers?

3D printing is a technology that has brought about numerous advantages to a variety of industries, including the automotive industry. Fast, low-cost production, efficiency, flexibility, and competitive advantage are just a few. Let's discuss them one by one, shall we?

• Rapid Prototyping

This is a huge advantage when you're designing a large, expensive product such as a car. As we've mentioned, it can be difficult to evaluate the form, fit, and function just by looking at a CAD model. With 3D printing, they can produce a rapid prototype at a low cost. Moreover, this allows companies to streamline and speed up the manufacturing process.

• Flexibility

Due to rapid prototyping, car manufacturers are able to enjoy design flexibility. They can try out various iterations and/or alternatives at a low cost. They can compare different design elements that will allow them to test quality and refine their design. All of this can be done in a shorter amount of time with little additional cost before pushing through mass production. GM, for example, produces various test models of around 20,000 of its functional components.

• Decreasing costs

We've mentioned it time and again, but this benefit deserves emphasis. 3D printing has not only enabled car manufacturers to lower the costs of prototyping, iterations, tool production, and customized parts.

• Inventory reduction

Because car manufacturers can utilize 3D printing on demand, car manufacturers don't need to store parts that have a low demand in the market. Usually, these parts are stored in a remote location which means delivering the part to a customer will require time and money. This, of course, translates to lower operational costs.

• Competitive Advantage

One huge advantage of using 3D printing is that car manufacturers can produce everything they need, from prototypes to customized tools, onsite. This means that they can avoid copyright infringements or information leaks.

3D printing can also enable car manufacturers to respond quickly to market feedback. It shortens the time spent on research and development while driving innovation. Car manufacturers can easily provide customers a personalized experience by creating customized products such as front and rear bumpers in different base patterns and colors.

How will 3D printing affect this industry in the future?

Innovation and 3D printing go hand-in-hand in the automotive industry. Printing prototypes, tools, and customized parts are just the tip of the iceberg. Yes, the direct result of these occurrences means that car manufacturers can simplify and shorten their supply chain as well as decrease the number of their suppliers. But that's something happening in the present. 3D printing has an even greater impact on this industry's future - 3D printed cars and the rise of micro-factories.

3D printed cars are not a new idea. It's something that's already in the works. But what are micro-factories? These are small car manufacturers that focus on producing a small series of specialized vehicles instead of mass production, to cater to a small market.

The transformation of the automotive industry through 3D printing is only just beginning. The only limit to its growth is perhaps a car manufacturer's imagination.

Author Bio: Louisa is a content marketing professional and editor creating her successful career past 2 years at D3D Printing. She is a goal-oriented, creative individual with a unique voice in writing, editing, and optimizing content for various projects. She's a devoted mom and an excellent piano player.

4 Criteria for Selecting the Right 3D Printing Filament

by Olivia Hooper

The development in filaments has impacted 3D printing a lot. It has changed the way users used to depend on technology. With more options and a variety of properties that these materials exhibit, 3D printing has gained trust from almost every niche in existence. One can utilize 3D printing for numerous needs and requirements. Depending on the results one desires in terms of physical appearance, internal characteristics and a lot of other factors, one can choose the right 3D printing filament for best results.

Among all the types of additive manufacturing technologies, FDM uses filament for creating models. The number of filaments is huge and it is increasing with time. Apart from a few of the standard ones, there are many advanced filaments that are used for specific printing jobs. Hence, understanding the reason which differentiates these filaments from one another is very important when choosing a material for your printing needs.

When picking the filaments, the selection process is broken down into several factors. With a few basic tips, one can make an informed decision when buying a 3D printing filament.

Look for 3D Printer’s Instruction Manual

If you haven’t found the 3D printer of your choice, you must know that 3D printers are available for all budgets. If you have purchased the one like, you must find out what the obligations regarding printing filament that you must abide to. To be precise, every 3D Printer comes with a note about the kind of filaments that it allows. Some only works with PLA or ABS. However, others support multiple filaments. Again, few companies only permit their proprietary filaments and others let you work with any third-party filaments. Looking at what your printer says should be the first thing you should look for. Otherwise, you may end up damaging your 3D Printer. And, trust this, these machines aren’t cheap. You must ensure you follow the suggestions exactly as mentioned, especially if it is about the filament you are planning to feed to your machine.

Looking at the flip side, if the company is only recommending and not making it a necessity, you can definitely try other brands. However, you must be aware of the nozzle diameter and other specifications before placing the order. Like it or not, the reviews of other customers help a lot. Try reading a lot about the experiences of other users with different filaments and then decided for good.

Which Filament Fits your Application

Every filament offers unique characteristics, surface finish, appearance, etc. Learning about each one of them may be daunting at first. However, as your experience will grow, you would be in a better place to make the decision quick and correct right away. By then, you may have to read about the filaments and their properties and the required 3D printing settings many times.

Some filaments are flexible and others are tough. Few aren’t very durable and others go on for a lifetime without a problem. Some are cheap and other very expensive. What decides which one is the best for your models is the properties that you want in your final product.

For example, if you are wishing your item to be flexible, you must choose ABS. However, for a tough and durable finish, you can go with PETG. However, if the application requires a biodegradable filament, PLA would be of huge help.

Find the Right Company

After you have decided which type of filament you would be using for your 3D prints, it is time to purchase them. Even if that makes it look scarier, finding a trustable company would be like rolling from one side to another, if not researched well. Narrowing down the list of manufacturers may be time taking at first, however, it would be less likely for you to jump into the wrong ones.

The first thing that you must look for the years of existence of the company. While newer ones aren’t always bad, it is wise to play safe when you are yourself novice. Depending on the companies that have been around for some time and have gathered a large customer base to back their product, it would be safer.

Secondly, the company must be open about what they offer. And, should tell everything about the pros and cons of the materials they sell. You can cross review the claims with the help of the feedback from existing customers.

In addition, you can also go with the companies that offer free samples. Although this is provided in a few special cases, mostly, if the probable order is high. If you are getting that option, never shy away from grabbing it.

Test the Filament

Nothing is more convincing than seeing it for yourself. If you have got the sample filament, go ahead. If not, the order in a small unit. Because you do not want to end up with something that you may not be used later. Even if smaller units are expensive, it is better than getting it for lower unit cost and not using it at all. So, depending on your final decision on the print results from your 3D printer.

Most of the time, you may get satisfactory results in the first attempt, after all, you did a huge groundwork to get there. However, if not, try others on the list. You must find the one that matches your expectations.

In case, you wish to change the filament type, try asking for a sample for other material types. Not every company has the best filaments in all the categories. So, check what your company has to offer in case of a change of filament type and proceed as you did the first time. 

The Conclusion

To break this down in a simpler term, you must start by exploring your machine, knowing your filament and understanding the possibilities these entails. Once you have a lucid vision of what you can achieve when creating models with the right 3D printing filament, your theories would put into play, in the right direction. So, work for it and attain as much knowledge as you can.