We blog a lot about printers here at L-Tron.
Zebra RW Series Mobile Printers
Zebra 2824 Plus Series Desktop Printers
But until today, we have never written about 3D printers. The funny thing to me is that 3D printing has actually been around since 1984, but I personally never even knew it existed until this year. Where have I been? Well, if you’re (a little) behind the times like me, here’s the scoop. 3D printers use digital files to print successive layers of material one on top of another until an entire three dimensional solid object has been constructed. There are several types of materials that may be used, including, but not limited to, plastic, ceramics, and metal.
If you think the definition alone sounds exciting, wait until you read these 3Ds of 3D Printers and find out exactly how 3D printers are changing the world.
3D Printers are:
Dedicated.
I first paid attention to 3D printers when I was browsing through some technology news and I read the headline: “A 7-Year-Old Girl Got a New 3D-Printed Left Hand for the Wonderful Price of $50.” And if you think that’s amazing, a few years ago there was a premature baby born with a weak trachea, unable to breathe. The doctors built a 3D printing lung splint and saved the baby’s life.
With applications like those, I think it’s fair to say that 3D printers are playing a positive role in society!
Driven.
Literally. The automotive industry is full of examples of 3D printing. For instance, by using 3D model prototypes, automotive manufacturers save plenty of time and money in the process of designing new vehicles.
The aerospace industry is also utilizing 3D printing technology. NASA plans to send a 3D printer to outer space so that astronauts can easily print new tools while on space missions.
Did I say “driven?” Maybe the word I was looking for was “daring!”
Durable.
Well, hopefully…
The city of Dubai has plans in the works to build a 3D printed building, which will be the first of its kind in the world. Plans include constructing the interior, exterior, and all furniture and components all from a 3D printer.
I’m not volunteering to be the first to set foot on the roof of a 3D printed building, but that’s just me.
All jokes aside, I am feeling pretty “wowed” at all of the things 3D printers have become capable of accomplishing over the past 30+ years and can’t help but wonder what’s in store for the printing industry over the next 30 years!
While L-Tron does not sell 3D printers, we do have a vast selection of other printers for your business needs. Check them out on L-TronDirect or give us a call with any printing questions you might have.
About the Author:
Carmella Giancursio is L-Tron’s Public Relations Specialist & Content Editor. When she’s not working or taking care of her 3 young kids, she can be found in the kitchen, channeling her Italian heritage!