WHAT IS
3D Printing is the name of the process of creating three-dimensional objects from a digital file. Additive manufacturing is the alternative name for 3D Printing. We create a 3D printed object using an additive process that entails laying down successive layers until the
prototype is manufactured. Each layer is a sliced cross-section of the object cut thin. 3D Printing is the process that enables you to produce complex shapes while using less material than traditional manufacturing methods at a fraction of the cost.
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how does
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What's available for
There are many 3D Printing software tools available for beginners to advance:
Tinkercad - The software allows anyone to create 3D printable models and serves as an introduction to solid modelling. Tinkercard is perfect for beginners and is free to use. Tutorials and guides accompany the software to assist the novice.
Blender - Blender is software used from beginners to the advanced and is free.Facets of 3D creation in this software, including modelling, animation, and simulation. This open-source software (distributed with its source code) has a steep learning curve for the intermediate user.
BRL-CAD - This free 3D printing software is for the advanced user. The software offered a high level of precision.
DesignSpark Mechanical - This free software is ideal for professionals. The user interface is straightforward, and the software runs with an efficient design. You also can generate a bill of materials that calculates the cost of printing potential 3D design projects.
FreeCAD - Free Cad is predominately for advanced users. A parametric 3D modelling tool that is open-source and enables you to design real-life objects of any size. The parametric component makes editing easy. Please note that the software is mainly a training tool and not suggested to be used by professionals.
OpenSCAD - OpenSCAD is free software from amateurs to the advanced. OpenSCAD takes a programming approach to 3D modelling. Instead of the traditional interactive modelling interface, users write code in a script file that describes the parameters of the 3D object. Another great feature is the ability of the software to import 2D drawings and extrude them as 3-dimensional.
SketchUp - SketchUp's price range is AUD$400 per year for the pro version or for free you can also utilise the web version for free. This software is intuitive and comes with a library of user-generated and manufacturer produced models, perfect for the advanced user.
Fusion 360 - This software costs AUD$800 per year for a commercial licence. If you are using it personally then it is free. Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D CAD program that utilises and brings the collaboration of design teams together for complex projects. Fusion 360 stores the model's entire history, including any changes. Many options of your design are available, including free-form, solid, and mesh modelling.
Rhino3D - The price point of the Rhino3D is $1335 AUD. The software is available for download in a variety of bundles on their website at different prices. The program uses a precise and mathematical model known as NURB, which allows you to manipulate points, curves, meshes, surfaces, solids, and more in all sorts of ways. Some users feel that w the software can be complicated to learn.
SolidWorks - SolidWorks is a CAD program often used by professional 3D designers. They are selling between $1700AUD and $5362AUD for a perpetual licence. Advanced features include design validation tools and reverse engineering. Solidworks lends itself to the industrial side of things by using a system of numbers that create averages of the edges to produce incredibly detailed curvatures and opts for dimensional sketching, ensuring resizing is possible.
Inventor - Inventor 3D CAD software offers professional-level 3D mechanical Design for $2664 AUD. The program comes with free-form, direct and parametric modelling choices as well as automation and simulation tools. Developed by Autodesk, Inventor offers different packages depending on the level of proficiency. New versions include improvements to visual data representation and reference 3rd party designs without quickly converting file formats.
INNOVATION & GROWTH
The acceptance of 3D Printing has been massive, and we see new industries integrate additive manufacturing somewhere in their supply chain as part of the norm. 3D Printing was only suitable for prototyping and one-off manufacturing in the early stages, however, now rapidly transforming into the manufacturing of the future.The majority of the current demand for 3D Printing is industrial—acumen. Research and Consulting forecast the global 3D printing market to reach $41 billion by 2026. As it evolves, 3D printing technology will transform almost every primary industry and change the future landscaping of manufacturing.
Examples of 3D Printing
Do You Need Help your Product Concept?
We can help you design your prototype from a rough sketch design. Send us the details of your product concept and we can help you realise your ideas .
