The Impact and Application of 3D Printing Technology

Thabiso Peter Mpofu, Cephas Mawere, Macdonald Mukosera

Abstract: 3D printing also known as Additive manufacturing technology has been dubbed the next big thing and be as equally wide spread as cellular telephone industry.3D printers print objects from a digital template to a physical 3-dimensional physical object. The printing is done layer by layer (Additive manufacturing) using plastic; metal; nylon; and over a hundred other materials.3D printing has been found to be useful in sectors such as manufacturing; industrial design; jewellery; footwear; architecture; engineering and construction; automotive; aerospace; dental and medical industries; education; geographic information systems; civil engineering; and many others. It has been found to be a fast and cost effective solution in whichever field of use. The applications of 3D printing are ever increasing and its proving to be a very exciting technology to look out for. In this paper we seek to explore how it works and the current and future applications of 3D printing.

Keywords: 3D printing, additive manufacturing, printing layers, applications, technology, cost effective