Our world is changing and it is changing fast. It was only a decade or so ago that we hadn’t even been introduced to the concept of the iPhone that we all know so intimately today. We have seen more development in the past few years in technology than ever before and it is, admittedly, an extremely exciting time to be alive.
In the olden days, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that if you told them it was possible to create three-dimensional, physical, and tangible objects using a simple pen, they would consider it nothing short of magic.
Yet it is a possibility for us today. In fact, 3D printers have been used for the past 30 years in various fields due to the utter convenience, facility, and resourcefulness they have brought to our industries as well as our daily lives.
But recent times have seen 3D printing technology become available to the common masses to the point where it is not unusual to see 3D printers being used at offices of a number of niches and even at homes.
The Importance of 3D Printing
The truth is that through 3D printing, we can now make objects and do things that weren’t possible before. It has become a remarkable resource and an extremely critical one in many of our fields and industries and is opening up new doors of possibilities every day that can make our lives easier and more convenient than they already are.
3D printing is encouraging tinkering and DIY practices by allowing people to create desired parts and pieces by themselves using a 3D printer at home. It is letting people think creatively and bring their imagination to fruition as a physical object that they can actually use.
Instead of promoting a culture of consumerism like many other products where people are encouraged to simply sit and be spoon-fed whatever the leading companies and brands of their time come up with, masses are encouraged to customize, think, and create what they think they need without relying on any external source.
3D printing has also transformed the commercial and industrial world. It has given us precision and accuracy in construction like we have never had before and has taken innovation to its peak.
Prototypes can now be created through Rapid Prototyping techniques in a matter of hours and sample models can be created with every tiny detail incorporated which gives us the capability of testing construction projects or other such products for faults and functionality before they are sent into production and manufacturing.
This prevents losses from incurring and gives manufacturers a wider and much clearer perspective on their products and creations.
Benefits and Applications of 3D Printer
Technology changes and it evolves. Similarly, so has 3D printing. It is not just being used by big organizations and companies to create and innovate but it is exiting the maker niche and becoming available to the common public masses, like you and me. 3D printers can now be bought and used by anyone who is willing to spare at minimum just up to a thousand dollars.
That’s right, you can now very easily become the owner of a 3D printer as well and avail yourself of its functionality. But you may think, do you really need a 3D printer?
Is it really worth investing in something like this? Well here is your answer: yes! And here are some reasons why you should definitely look into getting a 3D printer for your household.
1- COST SAVINGS
You can save so much money by opting to simply make things at home without the need for tools and material instead of purchasing it from a store.
According to a study, you can save $300 to up to $2000 every year out of your household expenses if you choose to print out some items such as towel holders, small furniture items, phone cases, and even tools used in the kitchen, such as a garlic press or a mortar.
You are also relieved of the need to visit the store or the supermarket for every little item you need around the house.
2- CUSTOMIZATION
With 3D printing, you get an element of customization and personalization that you seldom get with items that you purchase from the store. You can add your own twist to different objects and make them truly your own according to your needs and desires.
For example, if you are in the need of a pencil holder, you can make as many sections in the container as you would like which is not what you might get when you purchase one from the store.
3- EDUCATION
3D printers make great visual aids and make doing homework, homeschooling, and understanding concepts a much more interesting and simpler task.
Using a 3D printer, you can print our educational aids and models and use physical objects to help your kids better understand complex concepts and ideas in a very simple and detailed manner.
Not only that, but it will also encourage your kids to think innovatively and be creative with their ideas as it will stimulate their curiosity.
4- FASHION!
With a 3D printer, the possibilities are endless. The customization and personalization power that 3D printing gives you is priceless and availing this opportunity, you can delve into the fashion world and be as creative as you look.
You can experiment with different materials to create different kinds of jewelry, make various accessories, and even make chunky heels!
Apart from that, you can also use a 3D printer to make accessories, toys, and personalized gifts which are bound to be much more special than those that you would buy from a store.
Imagine if you yourself could make a vase or jewelry box for your mother on Mother’s Day in her favorite color and with her name placed at the front. With a 3D printer, that becomes possible!
5- REPAIRS
With 3D printers, replacement and repair of objects become incredibly easy and facilitative. Often at times, you end up breaking a little part of some furniture or equipment and can’t find the right tools or material to fix the error.
Or maybe the company you bought the object from is charging a ridiculous amount for a small replacement part. You can rid yourself of these worries by using your own 3D printer to print out the missing or broken parts. You won’t even need tools anymore!
6- TIME EFFICIENCY
3D printing is generally quicker than if you were to order a part or thing. Say you have broken the handle of your door and you immediately need a replacement and you simply cannot make a trip to the store at the moment, you can simply print it out in an hour or two’s time.
Getting one from the market requires you to put out some time for the task especially while ordering it may even take days.
7- MAKE AN INCOME
Right now, not everyone owns a 3D printer even though it is accessible yet everyone is fascinated by this new piece of technology.
Not only can a 3D printer save money for you, but it can also become a source of steady income. You can offer to make 3D printed objects and models for people online or in your community and make a decent income while sitting at home with your fancy new device.