History of 3D Printing
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in 3D Printing for Art and Design course at LearnUNI. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
3D Printing #
A type of additive manufacturing that creates three-dimensional objects by depositing materials layer by layer based on a digital model.
Additive Manufacturing (AM) #
The process of creating a three-dimensional object by adding material layer by layer. 3D printing is a type of additive manufacturing.
Binder Jetting #
A 3D printing process that uses a liquid bonding agent to join powder particles together, creating a solid object.
Computer #
Aided Design (CAD): The use of computer software to design and create 2D or 3D models. CAD models are used as the basis for 3D printing.
Digital Model #
A virtual representation of a physical object used as the basis for 3D printing.
Direct Energy Deposition (DED) #
A 3D printing process that uses a focused energy source to melt and deposit materials, creating a solid object.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) #
A 3D printing process that uses a heated nozzle to melt and extrude plastic, creating a solid object.
Material Extrusion #
A 3D printing process that involves extruding a material through a nozzle, creating a solid object. FDM is a type of material extrusion.
Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) #
A 3D printing process that uses a high-powered laser to fuse together powder particles, creating a solid object.
Selective Laser Melting (SLM) #
A 3D printing process that uses a high-powered laser to melt and fuse metal powder particles together, creating a solid object.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) #
A 3D printing process that uses a high-powered laser to sinter, or bond, together powder particles, creating a solid object.
Stereolithography (SLA) #
A 3D printing process that uses a laser to cure and solidify liquid resin, creating a solid object.
Vat Photopolymerization #
A 3D printing process that involves curing and solidifying a liquid photopolymer, creating a solid object. SLA is a type of vat photopolymerization.
3D Scanning #
The process of creating a digital model of a physical object using a 3D scanner. 3D scanning can be used as the basis for 3D printing.
3D Modeling Software #
Software used to create 3D models, which can then be used as the basis for 3D printing. Examples include Blender, AutoCAD, and SolidWorks.
3D Printing Materials #
The materials used in 3D printing, which can include plastics, metals, ceramics, and resins.
3D Printing Services #
Companies that offer 3D printing services, allowing individuals and businesses to create 3D printed objects without the need for their own 3D printer.
3D Printing Pen #
A handheld device that allows users to draw and create 3D objects by extruding a melted plastic material.
3D Print Farm #
A collection of 3D printers used to produce large quantities of 3D printed objects.
3D Printable File Formats #
The file formats used in 3D printing, including .STL, .OBJ, and .STEP.
3D Printing Slicer #
Software that converts a 3D model into a series of layers that can be printed by a 3D printer.
3D Print Quality #
The level of detail and accuracy of a 3D printed object.
3D Print Speed #
The time it takes to print a 3D object.
3D Print Resolution #
The level of detail of a 3D printed object.
3D Printed Prototyping #
The use of 3D printing to create prototypes of products for testing and development purposes.
3D Printed Art #
The use of 3D printing to create works of art.
3D Printed Jewelry #
The use of 3D printing to create jewelry.
3D Printed Architecture #
The use of 3D printing to create architectural models and even full-scale buildings.
3D Printed Medical Devices #
The use of 3D printing to create medical devices and implants.
3D Printed Food #
The use of 3D printing to create edible objects.
3D Printed Clothing #
The use of 3D printing to create clothing and other fashion accessories.
3D Printed Prosthetics #
The use of 3D printing to create prosthetic limbs and other body parts.
3D Printed Dental Restorations #
The use of 3D printing to create dental crowns, bridges, and other restorations.
3D Printed Aerospace Components #
The use of 3D printing to create aerospace components, such as engine parts and fuselage components.
3D Printed Automotive Parts #
The use of 3D printing to create automotive parts, such as engine components and body panels.
3D Printed Education #
The use of 3D printing in education to teach students about design, engineering, and manufacturing.
3D Printed Research #
The use of 3D printing in research to create experimental setups, prototypes, and other research tools.
3D Printing Challenges #
The challenges faced by the 3D printing industry, including technological limitations, material costs, and regulatory issues.
3D Printing Opportunities #
The opportunities presented by the 3D printing industry, including the ability to create complex and customized objects, reduced material waste, and faster production times.
3D Printing Trends #
The current trends in the 3D printing industry, including the increasing use of metal 3D printing, the growth of 3D printing services, and the development of new 3D printing technologies.
3D Printing Future #
The future of the 3D printing industry, including the potential for widespread adoption in various industries, the development of new materials and technologies, and the impact on global supply chains.
3D Printing History #
The history of 3D printing, from its early beginnings in the 1980s to its current state as a mature and rapidly growing industry.
3D Printing Startups #
New companies that are focused on the development and commercialization of 3D printing technologies.
3D Printing Investments #
The investments made in the 3D printing industry, including venture capital, private equity, and public offerings.
3D Printing Regulations #
The regulations that govern the use of 3D printing, including safety, environmental, and intellectual property regulations.
3D Printing Standards #
The standards that are used to ensure the quality and interoperability of 3D printing technologies, including material standards, process standards, and testing standards.
3D Printing Intellectual Property #
The intellectual property issues surrounding 3D printing, including the protection of design and trade secrets, patent infringement, and the potential for open-source 3D printing.
3D Printing Software #
The software used in 3D printing, including CAD software, slicer software, and 3D printing management software.
3D Printing Hardware #
The hardware used in 3D printing, including 3D printers, 3D scanners, and other related equipment.
3D Printing Services #
The services offered by 3D printing companies, including 3D printing, 3D scanning, and 3D modeling.
3D Printing Community #
The community of 3D printing enthusiasts, professionals, and companies that collaborate, share knowledge, and drive the industry forward.
3D Printing Education and Training #
The education and training programs that are available to