3D scanning and printing for industry and art

3D printing is a manufacturing technique, in a way, whereby objects are built up layer by layer according to a digital 3D model. However, 3D printing cannot only create the 3D models, but also transform them into a real product. It is a revolutionary technique that has evolved in the past 20 years and more particularly, in the past five years.

Recently, a wide range of applications for 3D printing has emerged, from medical use to architecture. The aim of 3-D printing is to form objects by adding and subtracting material additively. This creates a unique and precise model in a three dimensionally constructed form of the object. Although 3-D printing is a relatively new technology, 3-D printers already being used in many fields to create the perfect product. One example is the creation of medical prosthetics where 3-D printing has made it possible for surgeons to print prosthetics for patients with missing limbs. This also applies for the printing of architectural structures that are difficult to create when traditional methods are used.

We are in a technology-driven world, and 3D printing is one example of its use. Using 3D printing, artists of all levels can use it to get different results. New technologies open doors for people to create new designs, and these people can choose to do what they want with what they create. 3D printing is an important part of modern art, as it has the potential to produce a number of things that people can buy.

3D printing is now widely used by artists because it offers them more freedom and flexibility – not only to design, simulate and imagine, but also to explore the new world of art and creativity. Sculpting in 3D printable objects allows artists to explore the possibilities of the medium. In this way, we get innovative, immersive art works – and we will see that 3D printing will be used increasingly in the future.

Klein Bottle Opener, Bathsheba Sculpture

Banksy 3D Art – Flower Chucke

Monika Horčicová – Diploma Thesis, 2013

3D car manufacturing is one of the possible 3D printing future applications. The automotive industry is one of the biggest markets that requires innovation in the 3D manufacturing. This 3D printing concept provides the opportunity to print high precision and high-density parts. Metal and parts are 3D printed with a variety of materials, including high-grade metals such as aluminium. Plastic parts are often stronger but also more flexible and lighter than metal parts. Plastic is a relatively easy material to print since it has a low melting point and a tendency to stick to itself to form dense bonds. The parts that are produced through this method could also be more durable than those that are made of metal since the latter materials would get easily dented and deformed.

Most manufacturing companies use 3D printers to create spare parts, customized tools, and industrial equipment. 3D printers can print both solid objects and metal parts, which makes them an effective tool in industries where metals are used. 3D printing technology is a relatively new technology, but several high-profile companies already use it to create spare parts and other applications. 3D printing is also a low-cost method compared with normal materials that are in use. Metal parts produced by 3D printers are stronger than parts that are made using another technique. A number of 3D-printing companies are already making parts for the automobile, medical, mining, and other companies.

NTSB Mechanical Engineer Kristin Poland uses laser scanner to capture a 3-D image of the truck involved in CA grade crossing accident.

3D scanning is a technology that records the actual shape of parts, both the external shape as well as its interior. A variety of 3d scanners are available on the market to perform the task that involves capturing and converting the geometry of various industries in a computer-readable form. It is capable of saving a lot of time in the manufacturing industry. Industrial parts are very complex to produce and if you are the head of the department, you will not be able to directly see what are the defects, and flaws present in each part. You, therefore, need to get scanned and have the results fed right back to your department. This will enable your work to be much faster, more effective, and accurate.

3D printing and scanning technology is increasingly being integrated into the creation and conservation of various forms of cultural heritage. The aim is to offer researchers and educators the opportunity to research and use the technology in a variety of ways to expand and improve the understanding of a variety of materials related to the field. 3D printing can, in fact, be applied to the restoration of existing artwork, to help researchers discover new and alternative interpretations for the artwork in order to better understand it, as well as in order to make a replacement or restoration for an existing artwork. The technology and techniques involved when doing so ensure the success of the restoration. An interesting example of integrating 3D technologies with art conservation is the possibility of using the technology to identify and preserve materials that are in danger of not surviving for future generations to discover.

3D scanning and printing of the artworks means to scan the objects you want to be 3D prints through the scanning. With this new technology, it is possible to 3D print any artworks from different materials like plastic, leather and metal or even some natural materials for example watercolour and gold leaf. These processes are also used to protect the pieces from humidity and damages caused by temperature changes and other environmental conditions. With this technology you can 3D print any artworks made by the people you choose. For example, if you want to buy something like a sculpture or an ornament, the easiest thing for you is to have it 3D printed for you. You can put into your 3D printer the file of your choice and see the result in a matter of days!