3D Printing Technology EMPOWER IAS

3D Printing Technology

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Food Processing Technology (IIFPT), Thanjavur, have printed a nutritious snack using millets, green gram, and fried gram and ajwain seeds.
The printer was indigenously developed and completely fabricated in India.
The team also found that the snack had high protein and fibre content.
This work was published in the Journal of Food Engineering.
According to a scientist working in 3D-printing, food printing is in early stages in India, because to print food the dynamics and mechanics need to be fully understood.

This technology may help in customising food according to the individuals’ nutritional requirements.
This brings down the cost to less than Rs.75,000, while most printers in the market are expensive and cannot be conveniently used for multi-material food printing applications.

3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file.
3D printing encompasses a wide range of additive manufacturing technologies.
Three-dimensional printing (3-D printing), also known as Additive manufacturing (AM) is a process of joining materials to make objects from 3D model data, usually layer upon layer.
The ﬁrst working 3-D printer was created in 1984 by Charles W. Hull of 3-D Systems Corp. The machine was named Sterolithgraphy Apparatus.

Environmental Applications: It helps in innovation of eco friendly techniques like handheld sponge which has ability to absorb pollutants.
Industrial applications: It helps in reducing the Cost for Developing the Prototype of new parts and devices, creation of automotive parts etc.
Education: Science students can study cross-sections of internal organs of the human body,explore 3D models of molecules etc.
Space: offers the ability to print parts or tools on-site, as opposed to using rockets to bring along pre-manufactured items for space missions.
Defence and Aerospace: At present, AM technology in the aerospace and defence sector is broadly used for prototyping, repair of small parts and component manufacturing.
Medical fields: Environmental Applications: It helps in innovation of eco friendly techniques like handheld sponge which has ability to absorb pollutants.
Health: Hearing aids have been made using 3D printing technology.
Manufacturing: 3D printing can be used to manufacture varied forms of products- from car or plane parts to sport goods, toys etc.
Domestic Usage: 3D printers can be used in the home to make small objects such as ornamental objects, small toy
Food: 3D printing enables fast automated and repeatable processes, freedom in design, as well as allowing large and easy variability of the cooking process which can be customized.

Less expensive: 3D printing is cheaper than traditional method of manufacturing. Cost of producing or manufacturing products using 3d printing technology is equal for small-scale and mass manufacturing.
Less time consuming: Printing of the 3D object can be done directly, differing from the traditional manufacturing where different components had to be joined to form the final product.
More efficient: Generating prototypes with 3D printers are much easier and faster with 3D printing technology.
Higher productivity: It enables quick production with a high number of prototypes or a small-scale version of the real object
Flexibility: Different materials can be used in the 3D models.
Customization: Every item can be customized to meet a user's specific needs without impacting the manufacturing costs.
Reduced wastage: AM process produces less waste in comparison with other traditional manufacturing techniques.

Limited size: The size of objects created with 3d printers is currently limited.
Limited Raw Materials: With 3D printing being an additive method (layer after layer), the materials available suited for it are limited- ceramics, resin, plastics, etc.
Effect on employment: Jobs in manufacturing will be rendered obsolete which will have a negative impact on developing economies.
Copyright infringements: There is concern over counterfeit printing of copyrighted or patented products. Anyone who gets a hold of a blueprint will be able to counterfeit products easily.
Dangerous items: There are concerns over deterring or controlling people from 3D printing potentially dangerous item
Cyber security: Studies have shown that the 3-D printer connected to online network is vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Ethical concerns : associated with use of 3D technology in healthcares

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