The Growth of 3D Printing Technology
Author: zohar ohayun
The world today is at the cusp of a new technology that can change the way products are manufactured- 3D printing. The last time the world witnessed a new method of mass production, it triggered the industrial revolution, which influenced the modern world economy in many ways. 3D printing is a cheap and easy way to create single items, and price to print items on a large scale is also much smaller. 3D printing is has already made a profound impact in companies across the world. Here is a quick look at how this technology works:
How 3D printing Works
3D printing works by using a virtual 3D file made on a computer- it is as simple as that. Like any regular paper printer, you just need to click on the print option on the computer, and the 3D printer comes to life. The machine either deposits material through a nozzle or solidifies and binds thin layers of plastic laid on top of each other using an adhesive. In other words, the 3D product is built by progressively adding material to it, instead of the traditional method of carving or cutting out the model. It is for this reason that 3D printing is often referred to as additive manufacturing.  Of course, plastic is not the only material used by 3D printers. These machines can use several kinds of materials like resins and even metals, and they can provide models that are precise to a tenth of a millimeter.
Advantages of 3D Printing
3D printing offers several benefits over conventional forms of manufacturing. 3D printers can cut production costs by doing away with the need for production lines. Moreover, this technology also curbs the amount of waste generated during the production process. Many 3D printers require only a small fraction of the amount of material to create precise models. In addition to this, 3D printing technology allows you to create certain shapes and parts that are not possible through conventional techniques. This results in better and more efficient designs for products being turned into reality, like aircraft wings.
The Effects of 3D Printing on the Current Manufacturing Scenario
As mentioned above, 3D printing can significantly change the manufacturing industry. It can limit the barriers of entry for manufacturing companies because there is no longer a need for large and complex production lines. All you need to do is design the model on your computer and then turn it into a real object. You can also print a prototype model, test it for any discrepancies, and then print a modified version. This can be very useful for start-up companies as well as investors since creating and trying out new products can be less expensive and safer.
Some people feel that the impact of 3D printing will not just be felt in separate manufacturing companies, but in the function of the industry itself. 3D printing has the potential to change a lot of aspects of industrialization, because there will be no need to create large factories. 3D printing has not yet made the impact it can make, but it is clear that the time will soon come.

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ezine/5679576