whta is 3D printing?

Although we have all become used to the idea of printing in general as it became part of our daily routine, 3D printing still seems like a virtual idea seen only in fantasy films. But this is not so! By definition, 3D printing, also called additive manufacturing, is a process of transforming a digital file into a tri-demential physical object. Simply put, the process starts with the blue-prints or model incorporated into the printer of the desired object. The printer then horizontally melts plastic or metal in the form of the product, layer-by-layer, in an additive fashion until the final shape is achieved.
The cycle ranges from 4 to 20 hours depending on the size of the item and the amount of material used.
Text retrieved from: What is 3D printing? The definitive guide. (n.d). Retrieved from https://www.3dhubs.com/guides/3d-printing/

a little bit of history

It may sound hard to believe but in one of his books, sci-fi author Arthur C. Clarke first discussed the topic of 3D printing in 1964. The first 3D printer was launched two decades later, and it was used by Chuck Hull of 3D Systems to print a tiny cup. Several printers were also established by various companies in later years, and in 2009, the term "additive manufacturing" was standardized and the 3D printer was considered only as an industrial manufacturing technology.
But is it all? No! Because no!
Given the idea that 3D printers are used only for industrial purposes, this deceptive definition is in fact false. 3D printers have found their way into revolutionary technological advances ranging from education, engineering, and entertainment.
Nonetheless, 3D printing is a growing field of technology and new technologies produce new printers with additional features every year.

Text retrieved from: What is 3D printing? The definitive guide. (n.d). Retrieved from https://www.3dhubs.com/guides/3d-printing/

why the hype about it?

While listing some of its unique advantages, it is important to address why 3D printing is of great importance. 3D printers have low start-up costs, to begin with. Regular manufacturing requires costume tools for every part of the object, and not necessarily tools are found together. By comparison, 3D printing needs no starting material except for the metal or plastic to be used and the final cost will depend on the size and time of the product. Another important advantage is that the object's geometric nature does not influence the object's manufacturing process. The whole notion of additive process is that no matter what the object's shape is, each part is added to top of the previous part. Using the system software, object size can be easily customized, so any size can be manufactured without impacting the cost or the process. This feature is not present in regular production where all costume tools are purchased together with the same size.
Text retrieved from: What is 3D printing? How does a 3D printer work? Learn 3D printing. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://3dprinting.com/what-is-3d-printing/#Examples-and-Applications-of-3D-Printing

disadvantages of 3D printing

Though 3D printing has several advantages, it still has some drawbacks compared to standard production techniques. One of the drawbacks is the high margin of error which can be made with printers. Most 3D printers have tolerances of ± 0.5 mm, showing a high chance of error. To improve the accuracy, it should be noted that new 3D printers are being developed with an error rate of ± 0.01 mm. Another drawback is that post-processing steps are necessary in 3D printing. After the process is done, support structures should be removed which could leave permanent marks and bends on the object's surface. Eventually, the imprinted object's physical strength is less than the actual object itself. That causes the object to brittle at a faster rate, especially when plastic was the starting material.
All of that being said, 3D printing also offers an important creative method for material production.

Text retrieved from: What is 3D printing? The definitive guide. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.3dhubs.com/guides/3d-printing/.

function of 3D printing

The uses of 3D printing are not limited to the industrial sector. It is in turn used for educational purposes, health and medicine, and in the world of culture. 3D printing can be used for children in schools to learn and benefit from the real-life experience of learning. Data may be printed to real-life objects on the screen. For example, at the University of Glasgow a jet engine was printed for engineering students to gain experience during engine construction. In comparison, most prosthetics and hearing aids are made only through 3D printing. This has made it easier for health fields to design forms without actual labor depending on the user, which would take days to produce and distribute, saving both cost and time. Finally, 3D printers are also used particularly in the theaters and cinemas in the entertainment field. Many designers have trouble conceptualizing their designs, but 3D printers allow them to easily turn their drawings into 2D blueprints and then program them into 3D printers for direct output.
Text retrieved from: Ooi, Tian. (2019). 5 Greatest 3D Printing Applications in 2019. Retrieved from https://all3dp.com/2/greatest-3d-printing-applications/.