In a world where technology reigns supreme and attention spans are becoming shorter, capturing the attention of a potential customer is a real challenge.

In this context, 3D printing represents the latest frontier, an opportunity to create unique, three-dimensional products with a high visual impact and a memorable effect. They can grab attention and make an impression in any context.

But what exactly is 3D printing and what are the advantages offered by this incredible technology?

3D Printing, what it is and what it is used for

3D printing is a technology patented in 1986 by Chuck All. It allows for the creation of three-dimensional objects from digital models designed on a computer.

Although it is not a recent technology, until a few years ago 3D printers were exclusively used in the industrial sector for the creation of prototypes. The 3D printers on the market were bulky and had extremely high costs.
Only in recent years has 3D printing finally taken off, becoming a reality accessible to everyone thanks to smaller printers and lower costs.

The main reason for the increasing popularity of 3D printers is undoubtedly their ease of use and the ability to create objects of small, medium, or large sizes at a very low price.

How 3D printing works

While traditional 2D printers create documents and images by depositing ink on a “flat” sheet of paper, a 3D printer is able to analyze a drawing or model in the form of a digital file and transform it into a three-dimensional object.

It all starts with the design phase of the object to be printed, using a dedicated CAD software. The design is then processed through another software for the slicing phase. Here, the object to be reproduced is “broken down” into thin horizontal layers, the same ones that the printer will then deposit directly on the printing plate, giving life to the three-dimensional project.
This digital structure is then translated into a series of machine language instructions (G-code files) to be interpreted and executed by the 3D printer.

The operation of a 3D printer varies depending on the technology used and the material chosen for the three-dimensional printing.
In general, the object is printed by adding or solidifying material, such as a wood filament or a polymer resin, layer by layer on a plate, until a real 3D model is created (additive manufacturing).

Advantages offered

Speed in the production cycle

One of the biggest advantages offered by 3D printing is undoubtedly the ability to accelerate the production cycle of a product. The innovative technology combined with a truly simple and fast workflow allows for a considerable optimization of the times for creating a 3D prototype, thus speeding up the time to market.

In addition, the speed of the additive manufacturing technology allows companies to test and develop design ideas throughout the entire process.
Whereas previously, prototypes required several weeks to reach the early stages, additive manufacturing can now be done by the designer in just a few hours.

Reduction of costs

Streamlining work times inevitably leads to a reduction in production costs.
Thanks to a much more direct and responsive transformation process and the use of a single material, for some sectors, printing in 3D is decidedly more cost-effective than traditional production methods.

Sustainability

3D printing is certainly a sustainable ally. While subtractive production methods remove large amounts of material from the initial block, producing material waste, additive production use only the amount of material necessary for the production of the pieces.

This way, material waste and production scrap are reduced, which can still be recovered and recycled.

Creativity and design freedom

Another advantage offered by 3D printing is the extreme flexibility in terms of design and creation. This type of technology allows for the creation of 3D models of any shape and size, choosing from multiple materials: from thermoplastics, biodegradable and odorless, to metals such as steel, aluminum, gold, and silver.

Additive manufacturing, therefore, offers the possibility of creating complex projects, with the most intricate geometries, and, above all, customizable, where the only real limit is one’s imagination.

The application of 3D technology in the artistic and advertising field allows for the creation of true design works, able to ensure, for example, greater visibility of a brand compared to a “classic” 2D advertising communication.

Product customization

The design flexibility of this technology allows for the creation of 3D models and products that are completely customized, with the possibility of offering unique pieces in small volumes without increasing costs or production times.
Additive manufacturing allows for single-run economic production, with the realization, for example, not only of unique and limited design objects but also of customized medical prostheses or aids.

Colorzenith and 3D printing

3D printing offers significant advantages also in the advertising and communication field: with Colorzenith, you will have the possibility to create unique and scenographic 3D projects, with complex and innovative designs, in rapid times.

A great opportunity where the only limit is your imagination! Contact us to learn more. Let’s Make It Happen!