Knowledge adequate to the needs of 3D applications

Additive technology is increasingly appearing in everyday life in a wider aspect than just a hobby. More and more often, legal regulations such as EU Ecodesign and Energy Labeling (Regulation (EU) 2021/341, Regulation (EU) 2021/340) try to show paths that will direct each of us to contact with 3D printing in the future. Being in this world, I see every day how the group of users is expanding and what satisfaction the possibility of creating brings. I imagine that in a few years each of us will have the appropriate knowledge to print elements in our environment. Manufacturers, on the other hand, will create places where we will be able to “download parts”, accessories or even improve equipment and everyday items using #3Dprinting . Let's hope that the knowledge we will have -will be enough. And here is the question for today: "What knowledge should we have in order to #3dprint ?".

Basic knowledge - we are not printing yet

Knowledge about differences between #additive technologies and types of devices is the basis for understanding what we can do / create. Not being related to the world of 3D printing, you may not realize that there are dozens of additive technologies and new or hybrid versions of them are created every year. This aspect of our work also shows the enormity of possibilities that are yet to be discovered. The basic knowledge that everyone should have is related to the distinction of basic technologies. It should cover not only the theory itself, but also provide freedom in distinguishing between them. Basic knowledge in this area is necessary for simple and quick identification of opportunities. An important element at this point is also obtaining basic knowledge about the production methodology of each of the technologies, which will be the basis for the right choice.

Knowledge about limitations and benefits - we are not printing yet

Anyone who has considered printing a project must first ask themselves how the element will be used. It is a key element and basis of #3dprinting . Each type of additive #technology may have different properties. We need to know the constraints related to cost, geometry, materials, so that the project meets our expectations. Different techniques give different possibilities in terms of print smoothness, durability - also known as usable properties. Obtaining basic #knowledge in this area will give the user the freedom to move around and the certainty of faster selection of the right technology for the given needs.

Knowledge of the issues and basics of designing for 3D printing - we're about to start #3Dprinting

Warping, shrinkage, supports - these are just the basic concepts that we should know before starting printing. The phenomena that occur during 3Dprinting are an indispensable element of #additivemanufacturing . What's more, 3D printing “lives” both before and after the print itself and the knowledge of accompanying phenomena - even in the basic version - gives more certainty, and this is what 3Dprinting is all about. The concepts themselves often also explain why basic knowledge about designing for 3D printing is so important. Many "difficulties" that the printer user may encounter can be eliminated already at the design stage. There are rules that minimize warping, protect the printout from excessive shrinkage, knowledge of this may turn out to be the key to success, and even its basic dimension will give most of the user's confidence.

Hobby printing – we are staring to 3DPrint

No one goes straight into deep water without preparation. It's the same with 3D printing. Everyone who starts this adventure, starts with printing dinosaurs, phone stands, Pokémons. Later, supporting himself with ready-made projects, he creates elements needed in games or simple elements that help in everyday life, e.g. a remote control holder. For the purposes of this publication, I call it a hobby, because in this case the most common source of models are ready-made databases on the Internet (Thinkgiverse, Printable, Cults3d, Yeggi), which to a large extent can be prepared for a specific technology or even a device that the user has. In this case, we are really talking about Plug&Play - because all you need to do is to set the printer (instruction usually written), upload the file, press start ... and wait for the result.

If you want to change something - better be prepared!

As always, after the first excitement of 3Dprints, there comes a time of reflection and the desire to change an element or print something designed by yourself. At this point, we start to use the acquired knowledge and at the same time we encounter difficulties that every user encounters. From the moment we start creating something "our own", we become creators - and this gives an adrenaline rush and the desire to overcome further limitations. The level of knowledge that is needed at this stage is one that should be distributed to everyone in short future. The legal regulations mentioned at the beginning, which may be tightened in the near future and lead to additional costs, will force many manufacturers to simplify the availability of spare parts. The directive I mentioned forces manufacturers to make their equipment work longer and wear parts less often or that their distribution does not require high energy consumption (mainly logistics, storage, etc.). Companies will create databases of elements (some of them are already doing it) that the user will be able to create in his device, add more functionality to the database, or personalize the equipment.

See how Ford does it:

https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos/owner-resources/vehicle-documents/how-do-i-use-3d-printing-to-customize-my-ford-maverick-pickup/

Or what we can find online:

https://www.myminifactory.com/object/3d-print-samsung-washing-machine-door-handle-p-n-dc64-01524a-87053

From 3dPrinter User to 3Dprinting technologist

Just like in every profession we will find amateurs, professionals, specialists and "magicians", so also in 3D printing there are levels of users that open up new levels of possibilities. What's more, specialists in the entire 3D world are rare. The higher the level of knowledge of a person, the more specialized and focused on one variant of 3D technology. In the case of basic changes or an initial own design, it is enough for us to extend our knowledge to deal with the difficulties that may arise. This means delving into the topics of adhesion (i.e. sticking to the table), stresses that can arise during 3Dprinting processes and how to design to minimize them. Often, expanding knowledge and spending time on better preparation for 3Dprinting is enough to successfully print the designed element. This level of knowledge is used by beginning technologists and people who print professionally, but do not deal directly with design or in a minimal aspect.

3D printing technologist - PRO version and 3D printing specialist

As the requirements and complexity of given projects increase, so does the knowledge that is needed to take full advantage of additive devices. Currently, the world is struggling with a very large shortage of professional 3D printing technologists. In order to be included in this group, basic knowledge of technology is not enough, it is not enough that you have printed something of your own - even large and complicated - but you need extensive knowledge of materials, You need to have “design imagination”, printer's "feeling" and experience. Being a printer user in the PRO version, we are not only able to create the most demanding projects, but we also start to deal with limitations and break them. While working with 3D printing, I met dozens of real Technologists, whom I could easily include in the group of "PRO specialists". All of them were characterized by the conviction that 3D printing was the best thing that could have been invented. Each conversation with such a person was like a "booster" that gave incredible power in further work. The knowledge they had was comprehensive - and the way of explaining it was very simple and understandable for everyone. In 2022, I had the opportunity to participate in #AMUG - an event that, like no other, gives an injection of adrenaline and knowledge that can make everyone fall in love with 3Dprinting. I am lucky because in my immediate surroundings I have a few people who can surprise me every day with something unconventional and outstanding.

Magicians - Those who create technology

Something unimaginable, something magical, something unreal - these are terms that are often assigned to the projects that create the "Magicians" of 3D printing. The knowledge that this group of users has is not limited to the above-mentioned ones, but is very often extended by their own experience from numerous successful and unsuccessful attempts. Magicians are endowed with almost unlimited spatial imagination, and at the same time almost uninhibited courage to go further. To become a magician in the world of technologists, one must not only have a thorough knowledge of devices, technology and materials, but also have the conviction that any obstacle can be overcome. Magicians are mentors who show the way in which the additive world can go or even set new paths of development.

From hobbyists to magicians - each group determines the knowledge they should have, but also the predispositions they should have. I hope that I have shown that really anyone can start, anyone can 3Dprint. A common mistake in the beginning is to start with 3Dprinting and only learn from failures. I know it's usually a discouraging route that slows down commitment. On the other hand, if everyone who wants to print has a short educational and implementation plan in front of their eyes, as defined in this publication, they will be able to quickly see their capabilities, and the next stages will not be hard work, but they will want more and more. I hope that in every country - the world of 3Dprinting will slowly enter schools and universities, and that there will be groups that, instead of pushing young people on the path of trial and error, will direct the educational process so as to accelerate the spiral of interest in additive technology.

3D technology that will shape our future - and that's for sure.