Page 6 - Blog

Only a few short years ago, the concept of 3D printing seemed completely alien to most people. Since then, it has established itself more in the public eye and the media. It is becoming an increasingly important technology for prototyping and manufacturing, particularly in the aviation sector.

The 1980s was a time for big hair, big computers and big music. But 3D printing? Not the obvious choice. Yet it was this busy decade that saw the emergence of the first 3D printing concepts. Fast forward thirty years and 3D printing has come a long way. From the humble beginnings of smaller printed items, this technology is now starting to make waves in a variety of industries - from medicine, housing and even food! We’ve compiled a list of 10 amazing things that have been 3D printed. Which one do you think is the best?

Hi Tim, a few examples scaled down for email. I bought my machine from you to design & build items for my garden railway - after a difficult start getting to grips with OpenScad I can confirm I used it to design everything**

Ever felt paralysed by choice? Like when you’re fifteen minutes into browsing Netflix and still can’t decide what to watch so you stick on Breaking Bad or It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia for the umpteenth time. Or when you’re in the supermarket, surrounded by a sumptuous display of food that would make our ancestors reel in desperate envy, only to diffidently pick up the reduced pizza.

It’s the same with 3D printing. With pretty much any structure available to build – whether it’s a single unit or a combination of smaller printed pieces – it can sometimes feel a little daunting. So let’s make things easier for you: here are 7 awesome ideas we’ve found from around the web for you to try.

When it comes to choosing a 3D printer, we know the choices are tricky. With so many models of different specifications and capabilities, it’s a tough one trying to narrow down your options. Most of us end up feeling like a kid in a sweet shop, both fascinated and overwhelmed. With this in mind, we thought we’d lend a hand and offer some simple breakdowns.

We’ve chosen two great models, both in the Flashforge range. As a rule, Flashforge is well known to be some of the quietest and most reliable printers you can buy - easy to use and a firm favourite among the 3D printing community.

A thoughtful customer of ours submitted this story, showcasing the incredible potential 3D printing has on people’s lives. Thanks Drew!