Usually, a model of an object is designed on a computer using 3D modelling software, where it is then exported into a special file that a 3D printer can read.

The special file turns the model into a cross-sectional pattern of the original. A technique called fused filament fabrication (FFF) is then used to begin creating the model.

3D printers today usually use different types of thermal plastics, called filament.

The filament is melted before being deposited onto a surface, layer by layer. Each layer of the melted plastic sticks together as they cool.

Special programming tells the 3D printer how to add the filament quickly and precisely.

You can tell if something is 3D printed because you’ll notice the layers, but some printers are made with such high quality that it’s hard to notice.

How is 3D Printing Useful?

There is a reason why 3D printing became popular so quickly. It was able to solve the long-lasting problem of slow productivity amongst engineers and inventors.

The problem was a gap between the conceptualization of a product and the large scale production of it.

3D printers allowed engineers to prototype the product quickly and efficiently.

The Problem with Traditional Manufacturing

3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing (adding material). Traditional manufacturing usually uses subtractive manufacturing (removing material to complete product).

Before a product could be made, a production line would have to be set up. Engineers would have to know every specific detail of the material’s process for it to become a final product.

Then hundreds of machines would be set up to make that one specific product.

Think about those videos and documentaries of car factories, or any ‘How It’s Made’ episodes. Even a simple product has to go through a lot of processes.

But imagine needing to change one small detail in your product after making a batch. Changing that one detail could affect every other part of the product.

So now, you have to go through the entire factory tweaking everything, just to change one small detail!

This can be very time consuming and expensive.

How 3D Printing Solves the Problem

3D printing does not require an entire factory to make a single product.

It also does not require the skills and time of a machinist or carpenter.

This makes it a lot cheaper and less risky for a company or entrepreneur to prototype a product.

It ends up being a lot cheaper to make an initial investment in a 3D printer for prototyping and testing before actual manufacturing.

How 3D Printers Help Entrepreneurs

Picture this. You’ve thought of something groundbreaking and you are confident it will sell. Maybe it’s a fancy new can opener or multitool for your pocket.

How would you bring this invention to life? Before 3D printing, you would have only had a few options.

You could contact a manufacturer that already makes something similar, and ask them to make a few changes to their production line. However, this would cost them time and money so you would have to convince them that your idea will sell.

You could talk to an engineer, who could make a single prototype but this could cost you thousands for the parts alone. It’s a lot more expensive to make something for the first time since there are no economies of scale. Nevermind the consulting fees.

Your only other option would then be to make it yourself. But out of what? Unless you have already invested a hefty sum into tools and materials, you would have to build your invention out of sticks and stones.

But thanks to the low cost of a home 3D printer, you can prototype and test the product for almost no cost compared to the other options.

This may have contributed to patents becoming less popular. When anyone can think of a great idea and make it quick and cheap, it becomes almost pointless to spend any time and money on a patent.

The Evolution of 3D Printing

The first 3D printer that works as we know today was invented by Chuck Hull in 1984. Hull created the STL file format which is the slicing technique that many systems use today.

In 1988, another 3D printer was invented, but this time it used the FFF technique, which became the most commonly used 3D printing method.

However, 3D printing wasn’t popular or easily accessible.

These old 3D printers would have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The first affordable desktop 3D printers were patented by re:3D in 2013. The introduction of these printers sparked a lot of interest because anyone could 3D print.

Since then, hundreds of new desktop 3D printers have been brought to the market and the value of the industry has grown exponentially.