3D Printers offer Glimpse into Past, Present and Future of Manufacturing

What Are 3D Printers?

3D printers are devices that create three-dimensional objects by building them layer by layer from a digital design. This process is called additive manufacturing, as opposed to traditional subtractive methods, where material is removed from a larger block to form the object. 3D printers are used in various industries, from prototyping to manufacturing, and they have revolutionized fields like medicine, automotive, aerospace, and even fashion.

Filament vs. Resin Printers: What’s the Difference?

There are two main types of 3D printers based on the material they use: filament printers and resin printers.

•Filament Printers (FDM/FFF): These are the most common and accessible types of 3D printers. They work by feeding a plastic filament (usually PLA, ABS, or PETG) through a heated nozzle, which melts the filament and deposits it layer by layer to build up the object. Filament printers are popular for their affordability, ease of use, and the wide range of materials available. They are often used for creating prototypes, models, and functional parts.

•Resin Printers (SLA/DLP): Resin printers use a liquid resin that is cured layer by layer using UV light. In SLA (Stereolithography) printers, a laser solidifies the resin, while in DLP (Digital Light Processing) printers, a digital light projector is used. Resin printers tend to produce higher resolution and finer details compared to filament printers, making them ideal for creating intricate designs, jewelry, dental molds, and miniatures. However, resin printers are often more expensive, require more post-processing, and the resins can be more hazardous to handle.

Past, Present, and Future Uses of 3D Printing

Past: 3D printing originated in the 1980s, with the first patent for a 3D printing process filed by Charles Hull in 1986. Initially, the technology was primarily used for rapid prototyping in industries like automotive and aerospace, enabling designers to create models quickly and test functionality. These early printers were costly and limited in scope, but they laid the foundation for the massive growth of the technology.

Present: Today, 3D printing has expanded far beyond prototyping. It is used in fields such as health care, where medical professionals print prosthetics, orthotics, and even bioprinted tissues. Even pets are benefiting from 3D printed prosthetics! In construction, large-scale 3D printers are used to build homes and buildings. The technology is also transforming the manufacturing sector by allowing for customized parts, reducing waste, and enabling more sustainable production practices. In consumer markets, 3D printing has found a niche in areas like home crafting, small-scale production, and educational

Future: The future of 3D printing holds even more exciting possibilities. In medicine, bioprinting could revolutionize organ transplants by creating functional tissues or even organs from a patient’s own cells. In space exploration, NASA is already experimenting with 3D printing tools and habitats using materials found on Mars. Additionally, 3D printing could lead to more sustainable manufacturing processes by reducing the need for mass production and logistics. The potential for printing food, clothing, and even human cells presents a fascinating glimpse of a world where 3D printing is integral to everyday life.

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3D printers are transforming the way we create and interact with the world around us. Whether through the everyday use of filament printers for hobbyists or the high-precision capabilities of resin printers in industrial applications, 3D printing continues to push the boundaries of innovation. As technology evolves, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking uses that will change industries and improve lives in ways we can only begin to imagine.

Netflix offers an interesting docuseries called, “The Future Of …” with several episodes pertaining to 3D printers' future expectations and how it will become a household appliance just like microwaves. See for yourself!

How YOU can utilize the 3D printers at the Washington Public Library’s MakeIT Place.

“The MakeIT Place has a Prusa i3 MK4 3D printer, an AnyCubic Vyper 3D printer and an Elegoo Pro resin printer for public use. Users can download model files from popular 3D communities such as Printables (https://www.printables.com/), (free files!) Thingiverse (https://www.thingiverse.com/) and Yaggi or can create models from scratch with free programs like Tinkercad (https://www.tinkercad.com/) and SketchUp. There will be a cost per gram of PLA plastic for the filament printers and a charge for resin for the Elegoo resin printer.” (WPL MakeIT Place Page)

There is ZERO cost in using the 3D printers! The cost is for materials only.

Currently, filament is $. 10 cents per gram, and resin is $. 25 per ML plus $2.00 base charge.

The WPL 3D Printing Page shows you our specific printers and then there is a button to fill out a 3D Print request form. Once we receive the request, we call and verify the request details and give an approximate timeline of completion. Patrons may arrange a time to come watch the printing process in collaboration with staff schedules.

Come to the Washington Public Library to check out the MakeIT Place and see what all it has to offer! Quick Tours are offered every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. and Thursdays at noon. Alternate times are available by appointment! See you soon.

Ready. Set. MakeIT.