Reflection of 3D Printing Project

For this last unit, my class worked with 3D Printers. 3D printers work by making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. The 3D printed object is made using additive processes. In these processes, an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the entire object is created. Our project with the unit was to make a phone stand by building it out of Tinkercad and printing it with the 3D printers. My phone stand was to look like a rocket ship with smoke coming out from under it. The smoke, or the base was to support the bottom of the phone and the rocket was to help stand the phone up.

I really like watching the 3D printer work timelessly away and build the phone stand. The printer has a unique way of creating lines and going back and forth over them to make the solid figure. I think my group did a great job creating the model itself. We worked it out to wear the smoke would be able to support the phone both vertically and horizontally. One thing I didn’t like about the project was how tiresome it was to build. We had some trouble adjusting the measurements to fit the phone. I learned that I have to be patient when it comes to building something. This project took a lot of time to print and adjusting the measurements. If I could have changed one thing, I would changed the way we built the project. Tinkercad was very hard to get the exact shapes you wanted so your project may not look exactly as you planned. Overall, I had a "blast" with this project and would recommend anyone to build with a 3D printer if you have the chance.

Before we started this unit, my teacher went over 3D printing and advancements in the industry. One advancement that struck out to me was in the medical field. I found an article on how a company is creating 3D printed casts for sprains and breaks that are more beneficial than normal casts. The company's computer will scan the wound and develop a cast that will fit that person specifically. The implications for using a 3D printed cast are that it will prevent unnecessary surgery, waterproof, light, have an easy removal method, breathable, and will reduce the cost for both parents and healthcare system. A similar advancement in the medical field is facial reconstruction from severe accidents where doctors can replace bones around the face, such as a damaged jaw using 3D printing. Another advancement is 3D printed limbs for those whose legs or arms have been amputated or missing.

http://3dprintingindustry.com/2015/07/27/heal-x-innovation-has-big-plans-for-their-3d-printed- casts/