3D Printing Hardware Introduction

3D printing (3DP) technology was invented in early 80's. The technology is similar to inkjet printing, but allows us to print out tangible objects instead of using ink. 3DP uses " additive manufacturing," which means that the printing process output involves printing in successive layers using different materials.

3DP can be categorized to two different types, depending on the purpose of production.   

Type of 3D printing	Advantages of using 3DP
Hobbyist 3D printing	- People with comparatively cheap  machines print plastic objects in their homes - Customize anything you already own
Industrial 3D printing  (Additive manufacturing (AM))	- Change assembly line, some process can be eliminate and combine in one station - Eliminate the outsource process - Easier to make change to the design - Inventory management - Decrease labor and cost (in some country this might be a problem) - Reduce waste of raw material

There are four major players in the 3D-printer-maker market. Stratasys, 3D Systems, ExOne and Makerbot. The first three are public companies. In 2011, MakerBot had 21.6% market share. In 2012, MakerBot estimates that it now has 25% market share in the 3D printer market. 

1. Stratasys http://www.stratasys.com/

2. 3D systems http://www.3dsystems.com/

3. ExOne http://www.exone.com/

4. Makerbot http://www.makerbot.com/

Prices of 3D printers can range from $200 to $10,000. The materials are mainly plastic, but there are machines that can print out glass, sugar, aluminum or ceramics. Makerbot’s oldest version 3D printer called Cupcake can only print out 10x10x10 cm object, but the latest version, which is called Replicator^TM 2X, can print out 15x15x30 cm objects. 

(Cupcake 3D printer in Digital Media Center at Homewood campus)

 ( Replicator^TM 2X, Makerbot website)

President Obama highlighted 3DP in State of the Union Address. The government planned to build three more manufacturing hub that will connect high tech with government sectors, and 3DP plays an important role in the plan. It is no doubt that 3DP will have huge impact on various industries, or even individual like us.