What can be printed in a 3D printer – the most interesting examples
A lot of time has passed since the debut of 3D printers on the market, but people still do not know what applications 3D printing has. However, we should consider the issue of what 3D printing itself is? 3D printing is nothing more than applying layers of material in the right order to obtain the shape we need. 3D printing has been developing for over 30 years, but only recently has it gained great popularity. Here, we will try to answer what the possibilities of 3D printers are.
3D printing as the technology of the future?
3D printers have had their debut a long time ago. They attracted the attention of large companies and smaller enterprises. Interestingly, experts estimate that 3D printing will become very popular only in a few years. 3D printing is made possible by the use of several advanced technologies, such as 3D design in CAD programs such as AutoCAD or Autodesk CAD Inventor. Especially in the latter program, you can create 3D designs relatively easily, which are then converted using a translator into the only language the printer understands, i.e. STL. The 3D design prepared for printing in this way is processed by a printer that optimizes what the print should look like.
Before you start printing, you must supply the printer with the appropriate raw material, the so-called filament. The printing process itself is fully automatic, so if we have good designs for the 3D printer, we can leave it alone and come back when the print is ready.
Where can you find applications for 3D printing?
Currently, virtually any material can be printed. The only limitation in this matter is the financial fund we have. Printers that can create metal prints are very expensive and not common in households due to their dimensions. On the other hand, you can find very cheap printers that will specialize in printing from PLA, a biodegradable polymer created using corn flour. Depending on our requirements, 3D printers can print almost anything, and printing fields are still undergoing research and development.
One of the industries and services that use 3D printers is medicine. The possibility of creating small, precise bioneutral elements opens the possibility of creating artificial veins and other implantable fragments. Using 3D printing, you can precisely fit the implanted elements to the patient, which will reduce the risk of complications.
The automotive and defense industries also benefit from the opportunities offered by 3D printers. The ability to create a prototype for testing is an extremely valuable asset. In the automotive industry, smaller elements of vehicle interior equipment, such as buttons, door handles or air intake frames, are often printed. These elements, made of ABS, are quite resistant to damage and at the same time cheap.
3D designs for the home
If you want to start your adventure with 3D printing, it is worth noting that most of the elements we see on the Internet are made on very expensive equipment equipped with very good quality filament. This means that the cost of producing one print can often be higher than purchasing a ready-made element in an interior design store. If we want to achieve a stunning effect, such as in the photos on the Internet, we may be disappointed. Especially if we buy a cheap printer and cheap filament. It is worth starting with simple 3D designs. You can find a lot of available printouts on the Internet. Free 3D designs are a good idea to start with.
Interesting free 3D designs
If we are a fan of animal trophies, but we want to keep up with the times, it is worth downloading a 3D design depicting a deer skull. From a distance, it is indistinguishable from natural, especially when we use filaments of appropriate colors.
Another interesting solution to start with is to print vases. You can find a lot of vases of various shapes on the Internet, so you will definitely find something for yourself.
You can also use a 3D printer to make a knife stand, which, if done well, will add style to your kitchen.
An interesting 3D printable project are boxes for trinkets. By printing one piece at a time, you can use a properly prepared design to combine several boxes into one larger one with a lot of drawers. This solution is good for both women and men. When we need a place for our jewelry or some workshop and construction accessories.
The last project I wanted to detail is a self-watering flowerpot. You can print it and then add a flower to it. Thanks to the water container, you will be able to water the flowers much less often.
