A 3D printer combines or fuses successive layers of material in a form of “additive manufacturing” [...]]]> North Technical High School’s Precision Machining Program recently received a modern Dimension 1200es 3D printer System.  In today’s field of engineering, architecture, and design, prototyping a three dimensional drawing is an essential step in the design process.

A 3D printer combines or fuses successive layers of material in a form of “additive manufacturing” to yield a functional three dimensional object that can be tested under real-world conditions.  The Dimension 1200es 3D printer accomplishes this task by creating a durable ABS plastic model from a Computer Assisted Drawing (CAD) file, thus yielding a solid model prototype that closely imitates the look, feel, and functionality of the desired end product.  Previous methods of producing a typical prototype took many man-hours, numerous tools, and highly skilled labor.  This older research and development process would cost companies enormous amounts of money.

3D printing gives research and development teams a cheaper and faster process for producing prototypes.  This technology is not only used in industrial design, but also has applications in other areas such as jewelry, footwear, architecture, automotive, aerospace.

Source: northtechnical.org