3 D Printing and Metal Fabrication

3 D printing comprises of number of processes where in a three dimension product is created using computer control. Thin strips of metal are fabricated or joined together to create a 3 D object. This process of adding material using CAD Model is also called additive manufacturing this is done by adding layers of liquid molecules or powdered grains. In current times creating 3 D printed objects can be done by using other processes.  

The CAD Model has been successfully used in fabrication by using 3 D printing process, additive and substractive manufacturing.

 This combination of technologies using CAD is also called Digital Modeling. This involves 3 D printing using a variety of CAD software, and additive and subtractive manufacturing processes where designed objects can be fabricated with ease. 

Three  types of machines are popular for such fabrication:

• CNC Router
• Laser Cutter
• 3 D Printer

3 D printed models are created without many incidences of errors. Errors if presented can be rectified before the actual printing is done thus in this manner verification occurs in the design of the object before it is printed.

Though multi-material printing is possible but the process is complex and fraught with difficulties. This remains the fundamental element of future technology.

Although in infancy 3 D construction printing is an amalgamation of many technologies and processes to fabricate building components. A vast variety of construction models using 3 D printing methods are in use now. But the methods mainly used are:

• Extrusion: polymer, concrete, cement, and wax. 
• Polymer Bonding: sintering
• Additive Welding 

The advantage of 3 D printing construction of building components would be speed, lower cost of labor, and less waster of material used.  

The initial usage of this technology includes the fabrication of housing, construction components, bridges, and civil infrastructure. In recent years these technologies have become popular among new and reputed steel fabrication units in the USA. In time come to this technology will be the changing face of the industry.