Where would we be without the world’s graduate art projects? In the case of Markus Kayser’s Solar Sinter, we might never have seen the day when a solar-powered 3D printer would turn Saharan sand into a perfectly suitable glass bowl. Well, lucky for us (we suppose) we live in a world overflowing with MA students, and awash in their often confusing, sometimes inspiring projects. Solar Sinter, now on display at the Royal College of Art, falls into the latter category, taking the Earth’s natural elements, and turning them into functioning pieces of a burgeoning technology. Solar Sinter uses the sun’s rays in place of a laser and sand in place of resin, in a process that is perhaps more visually stunning than the results. See for yourself in the video after the break.

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This is the newest machine on the market. It has the fastest print time, lowest material cost and is the easiest to use.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

3D printing also known as rapid prototyping technology is the design process where computer programming guides the creation of a three dimensional model through the layering of fabrication material. Engineers, designers and technicians would benefit from advanced prototype production. Recently new technologies have been developed producing many advantages for those needing rapid prototype technology. The 3D printers available today are faster, easier and more affordable than previous fabrication technologies. 3D printing has also eliminated the need for expensive tools and skilled craftsmen to produce design prototypes, making the process more affordable, cost efficient and desirable.

3D Printer Technology

The 3D printers technology is quite simple to understand really; computer assisted design software (CAD) directs an inkjet nozzle to extrude small amounts of material in layers to form a three dimensional model. Almost like building a sand castle at the beach. By adding layer upon layer the CAD software is able to calculate length, width and height requirements from design specifications and guide the process toward completion of a 3 dimensional model. Traditional prototypes were built from solid blocks of material and the excess was cut away until the model was produced but with today’s technology the models are built from the ground up with no excess. Of course the sophistication of designs and materials used will impact the time required to produce individual 3D prototypes.

Individual 3D printing needs will differ and so the materials used in prototyping will differ also. In rapid prototyping the materials used can range from plasters, resins and advanced polymers. The choice of design material depends on the required durability, lifespan or sophistication level of the model to be fabricated. Fused deposition modeling techniques use liquid polymers from injectors to create models. In this process the 3D Printer injects photopolymers layer by layer on to a base platform and then the materials are cured with ultraviolet light. Inkjet printing techniques differ as they use granular substances such as plaster, powder or corn starch and combine the materials with an adhesive which bonds the model together to produce a 3D prototype.

3D Printer Advantages

The new technology of 3D printing produces advantages in the areas of speed, cost, and simplicity. Engineers and design technicians can use 3D printing during the conceptual stages of design. A rapid prototype enhances the design process by providing a 3 dimensional model of the design. Having an actual model to see and manipulate during various stages of the design process can help designers and engineers to facilitate prototype corrections, enhancements and project completion.

Also, unlike some prototyping techniques the 3D printing advantage produces no toxic chemicals from the process nor uses any toxins during the process. An additional advantage gained from using rapid prototyping technology is post production work is minimal, only the removal of excess materials produced during the printing process is necessary. The advantages of 3D printing are many including reduced costs, efficiency and safety. As new innovations in 3D printing technology become available so will additional advantages.

As the implications for 3D solid modeling and rapid prototyping continue to grow the impact for consumers and small businesses to manufacture products continues to grow as well. If a new product is needed by a business of customer a CAD file can be purchased, uploaded and the 3D solid modeling can reproduce it. Maybe a plastic ABS buckle needs replacing or a new product appeals to the consumer, 3D solid modeling has the capability to produce replicas, models or prototypes quickly and easily. Advancements in fabrication materials allow an almost unlimited potential for products with 3D solid modeling technology.

3D Solid Modeling Applications

3D solid modeling technology is on the brink of enhancing product availability for everyone. The technology once used only by manufacturing industries is becoming available for general use and not just for large manufacturers. 3D solid modeling will provide enhanced capabilities for production techniques to be used by the average person. Just imagine that you have a broken fan in your computer and you have no time to purchase another. What to do? With 3D solid modeling technology you can produce an exact replica of the part needed. Once produced you replace the old one with the new and your back in operation. 3D solid modeling can apply prototyping technology in a variety of applications. The technology for 3D solid modeling is computer assisted design software instructing a 3D printer to build models layer by layer on a platform until an exact reproduction according to specifications is produced.

Everyone with kids has games and toys needing repair or replacement parts. These parts could be replaced as 3D solid modeling technology would manufacture a brand new toy or just the piece that needs repairing. 3D solid modeling along with 3D printers has opened up a whole new set of options by allowing consumers to play a role in the design and manufacture of products they wish to purchase. Because of 3D solid modeling consumers will not have to purchase products in colors and designs they don’t want or need. 3D solid modeling will eventually allow the customizing, designing and manufacturing of many products by the same individual who will be purchasing them.

3D Solid Modeling Advantages

The use of 3D solid modeling for businesses is also one of many applications of 3D solid modeling technology. In this application the small business would produce a custom product for the consumer by purchasing or downloading a (CAD) software package for the item they wanted and produce it exactly to the specifications of the customer, many times while they waited. One of many 3D solid modeling printers would then begin to manufacture the customized item for the purchaser.

3D solid modeling offers options such as customizing colors and product materials would be available to the consumer with a 3D solid modeling program. In a short period of time a customized product would be ready for the consumer to take home and use. Think about purchasing a gift and having it made in the store while you wait. Maybe that special train or model car for a grandchild as a gift could be produced by 3D solid modeling technology.