While automated processes and algorithms are becoming increasingly sophisticated in the field of 3D printing, human interaction remains invaluable for leveraging creativity, addressing complex challenges, and ensuring the successful integration of 3D printing technology into various industries and domains.

Prototyping is the iterative process used by product designers to create new parts and inventions, and it's also what 3D printing is most well-known for. However, 3D printing is also extremely important to the restoration and recreation of old and existing parts. Thanks to the help of 3D scanning technology, architects, engineers, scientists, doctors, historians, archaeologists, and beyond are now able to create near-perfect 3D printed replicas of almost anything. Existing and emerging 3D technology is working hard to preserve history and in some cases, save lives.

We live in a world that demands affordable products on a rapid timeline. We are also increasingly seeing more demand for sustainably produced products. It is difficult to reconcile these two seemingly contradictory requirements. However, additive processes such as 3D printing are offering up resource-saving solutions that are changing the game. Here are some of the ways 3D printing can help make production more sustainable.

If you’ve ever inquired about how much it would cost to 3D print a part, you know that it can be difficult to predict what you’ll be quoted. That’s because there are several factors that go into determining the price, some of which have a small impact and others that have a bigger impact.

So you finished 3D modeling your project on your preferred CAD (Computer Aided Design) software and now you want to 3D print it. Before you can begin 3D printing, it is important to optimize your files and run through a few additional steps to avoid any problems during the printing process. This print guide will help you properly optimize and prepare your digital files prior to starting your prints.

Architectural models have long been made using traditional processes and materials such as paper, cardstock, chipboard, and balsa. Today, 3D printing is making it cheaper, faster and easier to produce more precise, higher quality and safer models using lightweight, durable filaments. This post examines how traditional model making compares to 3D printed architectural models.