3D Printing
Summary: 3D Printing is a suite of technology designed machinery that is capable of transforming computer images into actual, tangible, 3-dimensional objects. The process to create a three-dimensional object is quite simple, a computer model made on through a specific software (ie Makerbot) is used to transform that digitalized model into a three-dimensional physical structure by inserting layers upon layers of additive material. The use of 3D printers is widespread among various fields. Some of the most important purpose 3D printers are commonly used for is to create replicas of ancient fragile artifacts, prosthetics, reconstructing artifacts/fossils, bioprinting, restoration processes and much more.
Key-terms: 3D modelling, digital scanning, modification, replication, visualization, artifact, software, build plate, extruder nozzle, material, SD card, STL file, X3G file, resize, orient, printer
Points:
a)The Canadian Museum of Human Rights "Sight Unseen: International Photography by Blind Artists" (https://humanrights.ca/news/new-exhibit-of-photography-by-blind-artists-redefines-sight-and-ability )was an exhibit for people with vision loss who could see photographs that were displayed as three-dimensional technology-based images. These images were created in a way that only vision loss people would be capable of seeing, not to the people who haven't lost their eyesight. These displays were voice-assisted to provide ease and accessibility to the visitors.
b) Esther Keymolen's article on "The Focal Practice of 3D Printing" explains how 3D printing can allow a user to interact with its object in a “new technological” form of way. (Esther Keymolen The Focal Practice of 3D Printing. In: Van den Berg B., Van Der Hof S., Kosta E. (eds) 3D Printing: Legal, Philosophical And Economic Dimensions. 1st ed. The Hague: T.M.C. Asser Press, 2016.). From the establishment of the relationship created between the user and the object to calling the person who is using 3D printing technology the "maker", the author emphasizes how much importance 3D printing holds in our day to day lives and how much of it may go unnoticed.
c) One of the tools that were used in this 3D printing experience was the Makerbot Print software. This software is ideal to monitor a user's desired 3D model that can be made from scratch or pre-existing models from open-source websites like https://www.thingiverse.com/ . After customizing the 3D model the user would send the file wirelessly or load it on an SD card and insert it into the MakerBot Replicator 2 3D printer or any other relevant 3D printer. The material that would be used to create the object could be any type of high-quality strong plastic filaments. Depending on the size of the object the time varies on how long it takes to be made. The outcome is a newly formed physical object created through digital software and tools. This tool is really important when it comes to 3D printing as it is the main machine that does all the important work.
d)What struck me most was the overall process of creating the 3D printed object. The necessary preparation that is required to be taken prior to actual printing is quite fascinating. Making sure the build plate is levelled properly, the nozzle extruder isn't too close to the surface, the filament is properly fit inside the nozzle are one of the few but important things that are needed to be check before printing. I came to know that the use of 3D printing broader than I actually thought it was. Especially recently with the current fighting against COVID-19, this one article by CBC shows (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/maker-space-university-of-ottawa-3d-printing-face-shields-1.5507011 ) how 3D printers are coming in use to manufacture PPI's (personal protective equipment). This is on phenomenal use of these 3D printers, as it is helping health care workers to get the necessary amount of equipment it needs in order to treat more patients with extra protection for themselves.