Oral Presentation
Imagine a world where you can create any object, from a simple cup to a custom prosthetic,
just by pressing a button. This is the fascinating promise of 3D printing, a technology that
transforms the way we design and produce things. Today, my classmate Sajan and me will talk to
you about this invention, how it works, the needs it fulfills in our modern society, as well as its
advantages and disadvantages.
3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is a revolutionary technology that allows us to create
physical objects from digital models. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods that often involve
cutting away material from a solid block, 3D printing builds objects layer by layer. This opens up
new possibilities in many fields, including industry, medicine, art, education, and even personal
hobbies.
The story of 3D printing began in 1983 with Chuck Hull, an American engineer who had the
groundbreaking idea of creating objects by adding layers of material. He invented stereolithography,
a technique that uses a laser to solidify liquid resins, enabling the creation of highly precise three-
dimensional prototypes. In 1986, Chuck Hull filed the first patent for this technology and founded
3D Systems, one of the first companies to market 3D printers. This innovation marked the
beginning of a new era in manufacturing, providing faster and more efficient solutions than
traditional methods. Over the years, 3D printing has evolved and diversified, giving rise to other
techniques like FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) and SLS (Selective Laser Sintering). These
advancements have expanded the applications of 3D printing into various fields like industry,
medicine, art, and architecture.
3D printing works by creating objects through the addition of layers of material, somewhat
like building a cake by adding layers. Here’s how it generally works:
• Digital Model: Everything starts with a 3D model created on a computer, which can be
designed using software or downloaded from online libraries.
• Slicing: Once the model is ready, it needs to be "sliced" using special software. This process
divides the model into hundreds or even thousands of very thin layers, allowing the printer
to know exactly how to build the object layer by layer.
• Printing: The 3D printer then begins the printing process based on the method used:
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling): A spool of plastic is melted and deposited layer
by layer to create the object.
SLA (Stereolithography): A laser solidifies liquid resins, creating solid layers.
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering): A laser melts powders to create solid objects.
• Finishing: Once the printing is finished, the object may require some cleaning or finishing to
remove supports or imperfections.
This manufacturing method allows for the creation of highly detailed and complex objects that
would be difficult to achieve with traditional methods or by hand.
3D printing addresses several important needs in various fields:
• Rapid Prototyping: Before manufacturing a product, it is often necessary to create a
model. With 3D printing, companies can quickly produce prototypes to test ideas, saving
time and money.
• Customization: 3D printing allows for the creation of tailored objects. For example, in
medicine, prosthetics can be made to perfectly fit each patient, making products more
suitable for individual needs.
• Waste Reduction: Unlike traditional methods that cut and carve materials, 3D printing
builds objects by adding only what is necessary. This reduces material waste and is
better for the environment, which is a key issue today.
• Accessibility to Manufacturing: Today, there are affordable 3D printers that allow
individuals and small businesses to create their own objects. This opens up creative and
economic opportunities for more people.
• Innovation and Creativity: Designers can create complex shapes and structures that
would be impossible to make with traditional methods, encouraging innovation and new
ideas in fields like art and architecture.
• Maintenance and Spare Parts: With 3D printing, it is possible to produce spare parts on
demand, making it easier to repair equipment without the need to store a lot of parts.
In summary, 3D printing meets various needs that make production faster, more efficient, and better
suited to the needs of users.
