3D printing technology is believed to have originated in the early 1980s when Chuck Hull of 3D Systems Corporation developed a technique for creating three-dimensional objects by laying down successive layers of material. In the decades since, 3D printing technology has dramatically evolved, with printers becoming smaller, faster, and more affordable. As a result, 3D printers are used in various industries, including manufacturing, medicine, and architecture.
It’s also quite common to see 3D printers in people’s homes, supplementing their lifestyle. So if you’re on the fence about buying a 3D printer today, here are different ways it can change your life.
Hobbyist Printing
If you enjoy modeling all sorts of things, or you like coming up with your designs, a 3D printer will be a godsend. With a 3D printer, you can print almost anything and have endless possibilities.
You’ll also find many online communities of fellow hobbyists happy to share their models and designs. So, if you’re ever stuck for ideas, you can always turn to the internet for some inspiration.
If you want to make the best models from your 3D printing, you might need to invest more in other equipment, such as molding. An excellent injection molding manufacturer can help you with that. They can create plastic injection molds that will give your models a professional look and feel. It’s great if you want to start making money out of your 3D printing hobby.
Create Replacement Parts
Sometimes you need a replacement part for something in your home, but you can’t find it in the stores. With a 3D printer, you can create that replacement part yourself. You can make whatever you need if you have the right design or template.
You can also create replacement parts for your car. For example, you can 3D print a replacement knob for your gearshift if the original one breaks. You can also 3D print spoilers, trims, and other car accessories.
Ultimately, this can help you save money in the long run. There are a lot of files online that are for free you can use, too, so you don’t have to design your replacement parts.
Prototyping
If you’re working on a new invention or product, a 3D printer can be invaluable for prototyping. It’s much cheaper and faster to print a prototype with a 3D printer than to make one using traditional methods.
You can test out different designs and see which ones work best. You can also make multiple prototypes and test them until you find the perfect design.
It can save you time and money in the long run, as you won’t have to outsource the prototyping process. It’ll give you a leg up in a manufacturing or engineering career you might have. Additionally, getting the right molds from the place stated above can make your prototypes look much more professional.
Create Custom Gifts
If you’re looking for a unique gift for someone, a 3D printer can help you create one. You can design or find a file online for almost anything, from jewelry to food holders.
You can even personalize the gift by adding a name or message. This is a great way to show someone that you care and take the time to make them something special.
If you’re unhappy with the final product, you can always print it again until you get it right.
Start Your Own Business
If you’re creative and have good business sense, you can start your own business with a 3D printer. For example, you can design and sell your products or offer a 3D printing service.
There are many online platforms where you can sell your products, such as Shapeways and Etsy. You can also set up your website to showcase and sell your work.
This is a great way to make extra money or start a full-time business. With a 3D printer, the sky’s the limit.
The Cost of a 3D Printer
Now that you know how a 3D printer can change your life, let’s go over the cost of buying one.
The price of a 3D printer has come down considerably in recent years. You can now find a decent-quality printer for around $200. However, if you want a top-of-the-line printer, it’ll cost you closer to $2000.
You’ll also need to factor in the cost of filament, which is the plastic used to print objects. The price of filament varies depending on the type and brand. But, on average, you can expect to pay around $30 per spool, which is enough to print around 60 small objects. Some of the best brands include Hatchbox, 3D Solutech, and eSUN.So, as you can see, the cost of a 3D printer is relatively low. Therefore, this could be an excellent option if you’re looking for a way to save money.
3D printers have changed the world as people know it. Slowly but surely, it’s infiltrating homes and changing people’s lives. Getting one right now might be one of the best investments you’ll make.
