Recently we are seeing an explosion of true 3D laser printer mania.
They are written about in the newspapers, they are talked about on television, seminars and exhibitions devoted to the subject are being organized, books are being published, and at least on the web the resources available are increasing dramatically.
Although 30 years have passed since their first introduction, 3D laser printers are still a novelty.
How does a 3D laser printer work?
3D laser printers are capable of reproducing a three-dimensional object from a digital file and from any type of material: from plastic to metal, including human cells. With this background, the use of this type of technology can range from the health sector, through fashion, through the automotive industry, construction, and much more with the possibility of endless applications.
The process is simple: starting with an electronic drawing file or ‘blueprint’, the 3D laser printer transforms the digital information into a physical object by looking at successive layers of material until the entire object is ready.
So far the process seems simple, but the real magic happens when the 3D printer is combined with the digital technologies of the Internet of Things. The result is an explosion of technological and social innovation. The advantage of being able to reproduce electronic circuits or recognize materials that are similar to each other, but with different properties in a short time, greatly speeds up the execution times of objects and gives this sector a boost.
What are the most innovative sectors for 3D Laser Printers?
We currently already sell fashion accessories, games and small items using 3D laser printers, but by 2020 we will be able to create 3D houses and internal organs.
Most of the investments and advances in this type of technology are being developed in these fields:
1. 3D reconstructive surgery
The ability to reproduce whole human organs is one of the most important medical revolutions of our time. Advances in this field are impressive and will eliminate long transplant times and schedules. Recently in Russia they built the first thyroid tested in mice, using a 3D laser printer. Considering the large number of diseases linked to this organ, we can imagine the positive implications of this project in humans. And this is just one example…
2. 3D construction industry
With the technology of 3D laser printers, the digital construction of buildings will be possible. In Dubai, a building and its relative mobile will be built by printing the building layer by layer with a mixture of reinforced concrete, plaster and plastic. To carry out the project, a 3-D printer about 7 meters high will be used.
3. 3D mechanical industry
In the four-wheel drive world, prototypes are being made using 3D laser printers. This possibility would give several advantages to the sector by accelerating the production process and reducing the costs related to the preparation of complex systems. An example is the Blade project: a supercar made entirely with 3D printers. Another example is the new Jetpack: a rocket system, done entirely in 3D, that allows man to fly and land like a helicopter. This was designed by Martin Aircraft and used for the later 007 movie.
What are the advantages and challenges ahead in the world of 3D laser printers?
Undoubtedly, the ability to reproduce any 3D object exactly brings with it a series of indisputable advantages:
1. Reduction of the time period of objects
Although currently 3D machines take from several hours to several days to create even one piece; completion times are still staggering compared to humans, especially in the case of reproductions of buildings or biomaterials.
2. Reduction of labor costs.
3. Reduction of hazardous waste in the building sector.