Q. “3D printing” has applications in which of the following?

  1. Preparation of confectionery items
  2. Manufacture of bionic ears
  3. Automotive industry
  4. Reconstructive surgeries
  5. Data processing technologies

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  • 1, 3 and 4 only
  • 2, 3 and 5 only
  • 1 and 4 only
  • 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

3D printing
  • 3D printing or additive manufacturing is the construction of a three-dimensional object from a CAD model or a digital 3D model. It can be done in a variety of processes in which material is deposited, joined or solidified under computer control, with the material being added together (such as plastics, liquids or powder grains being fused), typically layer by layer.
  • It is ‘additive’ in that it doesn’t require a block of material or a mold to manufacture physical objects, it simply stacks and fuses layers of material.
  • It’s typically fast, with low fixed setup costs, and can create more complex geometries than ‘traditional’ technologies, with an ever-expanding list of materials. It is used extensively in the engineering industry, particularly for prototyping and creating lightweight geometries.
  • From advanced aerospace components and medical implants to tools and equipment to home decor, the applications of 3D printing are evidently endless.
  • Some of the applications of 3D printing:
    • Through 3D printing you can create ornamental prototypes, starting from construction drawings, as well as mechanical parts.
    • 3D printing of confectionery has focused primarily on chocolate and hard sugar candy, tut recent innovations have led to the printing of gummy candy.
    • The 3D-printed bionic ear that can “hear” radio waves.
    • 3D Printing in Facial Reconstructive Surgery, People can now receive custom 3D-printed facial implants to help after illness or injuries.
    • Multimaterial voxel-printing method enabling the physical visualization of data sets commonly associated with scientific imaging.
    • It has also use in Maritime Industry, Electronics and Entertainment and Broadcasting etc.