Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Principle two: Variety is free.
A single 3D printer can make many shapes.
Like a human artisan, a 3D printer can fabricate a different shape each time.
Traditional manufacturing machines are much less versatile and can only
make things in a limited spectrum of shapes. 3D printing removes the over-
head costs associated with re-training human machinists or re-tooling factory
machines. A single 3D printer needs only a different digital blueprint and a
fresh batch of raw material.
Principle three: No assembly required
. 3D printing forms interlocked parts.
Mass manufacturing is built on the backbone of the assembly line. In modern
factories, machines make identical objects that are later assembled by robots
or human workers, sometimes continents away. The more parts a product
contains, the longer it takes to assemble and the more expensive it becomes to
make. By making objects in layers, a 3D printer could print a door and attached
interlocking hinges at the same time, no assembly required. Less assembly
will shorten supply chains, saving money on labor and transportation; shorter
supply chains will be less polluting.
The plastic parts in this image look like assembled
bricks but were actually 3D printed,
pre-assembled, in a single print job.
