3D printers have been available for quite some time now. However, they haven't been available for the average consumer. Most of us wouldn't even be sure what to do with a 3D printer. Companies have typically made them for other businesses that need to create models or other things. It wasn't until now that 3D printer companies looked to see ways they can market to everyday consumers. That also means that they have found ways to make their 3D printers more home-friendly as well as much more affordable.
But as technology continues to march forward, all of that is changing. Companies are now starting to see what 3D printers could offer people. Because of this, they are also seeking out ways to make their products more affordable. They want to open up a new era in printing. And not only are 3D printing gaining ground, but the possibilities of sharing, earning money, and saving money are all coming forward with them.
Spending money to save money
3D printers use plastics to create objects through a process known as extrusion technology. The plastic is melted and fed through a print head that makes the object from the base up, building layer upon layer at a rate of 40mm per second until the final object - be it a chess piece or a shoe - hardens and is ready for use.
The first company to make a 3D printer is 3D Systems. They have the Cube, a cool modern-looking printer that's as fun to watch as it is to play with the finished product. The Cube currently uses cartridges to hold the plastic, and these cost $49.95. The printer itself costs only $1,299. You can use it to make many different things, though they will only be a single color. However, the colors vary widely, from vibrant pink to bright blue, bold green to basic white.
3D Systems is the maker of the Cube, and has been at 3D printer technology for a long time. Cube is their first consumer product and has a simple look than the Replicator. Its price is currently at $1,299 while the cartridges (not spools) sell for $49.95. Colors available for both machines vary widely, from simple white to vibrant greens, pinks, reds, blues, and more. If you've ever wanted to play checkers with blue and green pieces instead of red and black, now you don't have to wait for a company to create it - you can make it yourself.
Make (almost) anything!
That is the beauty of 3D printers. Many people still look at them and wonder, "But what can I use it for?" 3D printers give you the chance to make a huge number of things. Bathtub plugs, shower rings, game pieces, children's toys, cups, plates, forks, even little things you might not think of. Have some pens that need new pen caps? Make them! Own something that has a broken piece? Craft a brand new piece. Right now both 3D printers can only make stationary objects, but that doesn't mean you can't make a toy that moves.
The possibilities are only growing, especially since both companies are offering ways that people can share their own designs. Make your own with Google Sketchup or TinkerCAD software. If you aren't sure of how to make something, you can visit Markerbot's website Thingverse where designs are uploaded by other users and shared for free. Markerbot's goal is to provide people with all sorts of great free designs that allow you to save money since you don't have to constantly buy a design you want. 3D Systems offers a different kind of incentive. People who upload their designs to the 3D Systems app can actually make money. Every time someone purchases their design, they earn 60% of the proceeds. In the long run, you may be able to save all sorts of money by skipping the toy store or grocery store and simply making something for yourself.
The future is now
With the advent of 3D printers, we'll have more control over what we buy than before. If a piece of something breaks and it can be fixed by making a brand new piece from a 3D printer, we don't have to go anywhere, call anyone, or pay an additional cent. No doubt eventually you'll be able to find designs on how to make objects that have moving parts just by making all the different pieces and putting them together. This is the next big thing in printing, and it's already here.
But as technology continues to march forward, all of that is changing. Companies are now starting to see what 3D printers could offer people. Because of this, they are also seeking out ways to make their products more affordable. They want to open up a new era in printing. And not only are 3D printing gaining ground, but the possibilities of sharing, earning money, and saving money are all coming forward with them.
Spending money to save money
3D printers use plastics to create objects through a process known as extrusion technology. The plastic is melted and fed through a print head that makes the object from the base up, building layer upon layer at a rate of 40mm per second until the final object - be it a chess piece or a shoe - hardens and is ready for use.
The first company to make a 3D printer is 3D Systems. They have the Cube, a cool modern-looking printer that's as fun to watch as it is to play with the finished product. The Cube currently uses cartridges to hold the plastic, and these cost $49.95. The printer itself costs only $1,299. You can use it to make many different things, though they will only be a single color. However, the colors vary widely, from vibrant pink to bright blue, bold green to basic white.
3D Systems is the maker of the Cube, and has been at 3D printer technology for a long time. Cube is their first consumer product and has a simple look than the Replicator. Its price is currently at $1,299 while the cartridges (not spools) sell for $49.95. Colors available for both machines vary widely, from simple white to vibrant greens, pinks, reds, blues, and more. If you've ever wanted to play checkers with blue and green pieces instead of red and black, now you don't have to wait for a company to create it - you can make it yourself.
Make (almost) anything!
That is the beauty of 3D printers. Many people still look at them and wonder, "But what can I use it for?" 3D printers give you the chance to make a huge number of things. Bathtub plugs, shower rings, game pieces, children's toys, cups, plates, forks, even little things you might not think of. Have some pens that need new pen caps? Make them! Own something that has a broken piece? Craft a brand new piece. Right now both 3D printers can only make stationary objects, but that doesn't mean you can't make a toy that moves.
The possibilities are only growing, especially since both companies are offering ways that people can share their own designs. Make your own with Google Sketchup or TinkerCAD software. If you aren't sure of how to make something, you can visit Markerbot's website Thingverse where designs are uploaded by other users and shared for free. Markerbot's goal is to provide people with all sorts of great free designs that allow you to save money since you don't have to constantly buy a design you want. 3D Systems offers a different kind of incentive. People who upload their designs to the 3D Systems app can actually make money. Every time someone purchases their design, they earn 60% of the proceeds. In the long run, you may be able to save all sorts of money by skipping the toy store or grocery store and simply making something for yourself.
The future is now
With the advent of 3D printers, we'll have more control over what we buy than before. If a piece of something breaks and it can be fixed by making a brand new piece from a 3D printer, we don't have to go anywhere, call anyone, or pay an additional cent. No doubt eventually you'll be able to find designs on how to make objects that have moving parts just by making all the different pieces and putting them together. This is the next big thing in printing, and it's already here.
About the Author:
Eezy Trade provides the best inkjet cartridges with the minimum price to its clients. They do not have any hidden extras such as postage, packaging or VAT. They offer different types of cartridges including epson cartridges to their valued customers.
0 comments:
Post a Comment