3D Printer Store » printing technology

3D Printing Technology for Tissue Engineering Applications

3D Printer Store — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 10:22:13 +0000

3D printing technology is currently being studied by biotechnology firms and academia for possible use in tissue engineering applications where organs and body parts are built using inkjet techniques. Layers of living cells are deposited onto a gel medium and slowly built up to form three dimensional structures. Several terms have been used to refer to this field of research:Organ printing, bio-printing, and computer-aided tissue engineering among others. 3D printing allows manufacturing a personalized hip replacement in one pass, with the ball permanently inside the socket, and even at current printing resolutions the unit will not require polishing.

The use of 3D scanning technologies allow the replication of real objects without the use of molding techniques, that in many cases can be more expensive, more difficult, or too invasive to be performed; particularly with precious or delicate cultural heritage artifacts.

Future applications may allow many of the familiar pieces of furniture in a contemporary home to be replaced by the combination of a 3D printers and a recycling unit. Clothing, crockery, cutlery and books can already all be printed on demand and recycled after use, meaning that wardrobes, washing machines, dishwashers, cupboards and bookshelves may eventually become redundant.

Source: www.wikipedia.org

3D Printer Models: Various Offerings from Different Product Brands

admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:10:48 +0000

Since the introduction of 3d printing concepts, there have been different printers produced for the purpose. There may be overwhelming choices in the market and each is loaded with features that you may need for personal and business consumption. With these choices, it is quite hard to pick one that will suit your needs best.

The real key to buying a 3d printer is to take a look at its features. That way, you will know what to expect from the investment. Be very careful when making a choice though. Make sure that it meets the standard of quality implemented by the industry the way it will comply with your personal requirements. In view of this, take a look at some examples of existing 3d printers in the market today.

Dimension uPrint – a personal 3D printer

This Dimension 3d printer is capable of providing you 3d models for various purposes – from visualization to functional testing to collaboration. This compact gadget fits in right to every type of desktop. It promises to be simple enough in terms of installation and operation.

This 3d printing gadget is compatible with Windows Xp and Windows Vista. Its size is 8 by 8 by 6 inches. It can be used if your network connectivity is set at TCP/IP 10/100 Base T. This product can be yours at a price of $14,900.

Objet 3d printers – available in different models

Objet 3d printers are available in different models including the Connex and Eden series. The Connex series comes in two designs – the Connex500 and Connex350. Both these models possess the basic characteristics of Connex 3d printing systems.

They are capable of emulating the look, function and feel of final products created from the 3D printing technology. They also extend their job up to that part of the decision-making process where end-product materials are being selected. They are favored in production of coating parts, durable parts as well as biomedical and translucent parts.

As for the Objet Eden, there are five models to choose from – Eden500V, Eden350/350V, Eden 260V, Eden260 and Eden250. All are ideal for rapid prototyping applications and have the ability to produce smooth details and fine surfaces. The Eden 3d printing technology system is ideal for any type of business environment.

How to choose the right 3d printer for your needs

Having mentioned the different printer brands and their capabilities, it would be easier to make the choice. However, you must base that with your actual needs – whether you need it for home office use or for bigger manufacturing functions. In this regard, you need to consider the volume of work needed from the 3D printer. Additionally, you must also consider the size or build of the gadget, its promise of quality output and the price that you need to invest.

There are still other innovative 3D printing products out there. Go for a trusted printer brand in the market. These are beyond your basic office printer brands such as Dell, Lexmark, Brother, Canon and HP. Choices include Dimension, Objet, Z Corporation and Desktop Factory.

How Office Friendly Are 3D Printers?

admin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:08:44 +0000

Three-dimensional printers have created a change in the world of designs. It got rid of the traditional fabrication processes – those that took time before the actual design is made. Plus, it makes use of non-toxic chemicals in the process. With all these good aspects of a 3d printer, you will conclude that it is indeed user-friendly.
These 3d printers are highly depended upon by offices and businesses. In fact, architects and film animators alike use this special gadget in coming up with their respective designs for a home or for a film. The device makes every task simpler and easier eliminating the need for post-production activities.

Learning how office friendly 3d printers are

A 3d printer is beyond the usual printers you know. It is not being utilized to print office paper works. It focuses on complicated designs that can be produced from simple processes. If you want to prove how office friendly this printing technology is, read the foregoing paragraphs:

1. The 3d printer allows the business to achieve a better goal on production. The real goal of this gadget is to shorten production processes. In some cases, decision-making can be based on the output of the 3d printing technology. Since the design is created first before actual production, there is no material wastage.

2. It also allows for examination and evaluation of the design. The technology permits the business to scrutinize the design output even before the real product is launched in the market. This then eliminates not only unnecessary steps during the production process but gets rid of doubts on the marketing and technological production side. This happens because the design is printed first before the actual product is created.

3. 3d printers can also be used in various applications. Both architects and film animators benefit from the existence of this gadget. But these are just two of the real applications of the product. The printer can be used in automobile designs, footwear concepts, mobile phone prototyping and medical needs.

Answering the question: Are 3d printers really office friendly?

Since 3d printing technologies help achieve the goals on production, allows for examination and evaluation of the design and can be used in a wide array of applications, it is with no doubt that they are office friendly. But then, this conclusion depends upon other things. Here are some pointers to consider:

1. For one, the company must consider the type of materials used in the process. Powder is often utilized by some printing companies but this will need a second finishing. This is because the output is often breakable and is created in poor detail.

2. In another, the company must also look into the various techniques found in the 3d printing process. One should choose in between inkjet printing and fused deposition modeling.

If you want to achieve the best results of the 3d printers for your business, you must always make a guide before making use of one. Go for a tool that will help you achieve the office friendly results you are looking for. Gauge the technology and the materials utilized in the process as well.