What are kids learning in school nowadays? With new software and technology, anything is possible. Therefore, teachers are beginning to integrate complex ideas into their curriculum's to prepare their students for the real world. One of the newest trending technologies in a school setting is 3D printing.

The 3D printing process was first invented by Chuck Hull back in 1983. His patent stated that this process is, “a method and apparatus for making solid objects by successively ‘printing’ thin layers of the ultraviolet curable material one on top of the other.” Since Hull’s creation 30 years ago, 3D printing has served as a reliable source for prototyping and designing.

3D printing requires a Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. In this software, the designer creates the desired object using tools such as sketch, extrude, cut, and fillet. The sketches require precise measurements and cohesive structure. Without accurate sketches, the 3D printer is unable to produce the desired product. Moreover, an over-complicated sketch may not be translatable to the 3D printer.

• According to the 3D Printing Industry, 500,000 3D printers were sold in 2017, and that number continues to skyrocket. So, what’s all the hype? The benefits of 3D printing include:
• Speed: a small object can be printed in a few hours.
• Simple Manufacturing: all you need to print a product is a CAD file.
• Cost: the process has low material and labor costs.
• Design Freedom: anything can be created; the final product is up to you!

Anyone can 3D print. All you need is a CAD software, printing filament, a 3D printer, and a creative mind! Tutorials for various CAD software are available online at your convenience.

While 3D printing is mostly used for recreational purposes today, the construction industry is starting to get a hold of this machinery. 3D printing has the potential to modernize the fabrication process. For some construction firms, 3D printing has already been implemented into their projects. HuaShang Tengda, an architect firm in Beijing, constructed a two-story house in less than two months with the power of 3D printing. The structure can withstand the force of an 8.0 magnitude earthquake. With this technology, 3D printing can improve natural disaster relief.

CEDARVILLE Engineering Group, LLC (CEG) utilizes advanced technologies to complete each project with accuracy and precision. Call us at 610-705-4500 or email info@cedarvilleeng.com to find out more.

By: J. Auerbach