Printing In Three Dimensions

Abstract

This article discusses that a starch printer, commonly referred to as a three-dimensional printer, serves as a way to make physical models from 3D CAD files. The rapid engineering and 3D printing methods are frequently used in conjunction with a host of compatible technologies, notably a scanning technology that brings physical objects—including items produced by a 3D printer—back into the digital realm. Engineers make use of this form of scanning technology to digitize a complex item that they would have a hard time reverse engineering any other way. Others might use it to digitize 3D artwork such as sculptures to capture a long-term, digital archive of important cultural artifacts. Rapid prototyping at DaimlerChrysler takes place in the vehicle engineering operations mock-up department, among other places. The group builds physical models of parts for the engineers who designed them. Models might range from an individual part to a full-scale mock-up of the entire vehicle.