COS-innovate-magazine-2018

14 1300 88 22 44 cos.net.au April, 2018 INN VATE INSPIRATION FOR THE MODERN OFFICE MARCH 2018 INN VATE INSPIRATION FOR THE MODERN OFFICE MARCH 2018 INN VATE The 3D printing revolution It’s hard to believe that it was way back in the late 1980’s when Charles Hull first invented 3D printing, or as he called it at the time, “Rapid Prototyping”. His motivation was to invent a way to test a design before investing in a larger manufacturing program. Since then, his original technology has come a long way and 3D printing has secured itself a comfortable spot in the mainstream. The almost instant gratification allowed by 3D printing means creativity can flow freely and entrepreneurs can take leaps without limitations. Today, the technology is used across a diverse range of fields with businesses now afforded freedom from traditional manufacturing. What’s interesting is that many of us are still not using 3D printing in our businesses as it’s only recently that the technology has become more accessible in its affordability, particularly to SME’s. There are a variety of methods used but the most common printing technology is Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM). This is because it is a simple process, making it ideal for office use. It is low on mess, uses safe materials and is less expensive to produce. Is 3D technology the answer for you? 3D printing allows you to transform your digital model in to a solid object within hours. This clever process sees the printer adding material (known as filament) layer by layer until the digital model has become a fully formed 3D solid object. This method eliminates the need for complex and expensive machinery, and the business applications are wide and varied. A 3D printer can be a wise investment for any business that designs and/or manufactures products. The advantage is the ability to create a product prototype quickly and easily on-site, check for errors, inconsistencies and correct them immediately. 3D Printing