Noteworthy Advancements in 3D Printing since the Record-Breaking 3Dirigo Boat was Made

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Maines Students and Researchers Unveiling 3Dirigo. Photo courtesy University of Maine

Additive printing was initially meant for printing small objects. Similarly, it was used to make prototype objects. In this unprecedented era, 3D Printing is entering a new phase gradually. In October 2019, the Largest printed object was unveiled and smashed Three Guinness World Records at a go.

The larger 3D printer was used to produce the biggest boat ever made through additive Printing. The boat was 25-foot long and weighed 5,000 pounds. They had used a blend of plastic and wood. Many critiques and comments arose through technical advancements. People were questioning the safety of the boat as well as the durability.

The researchers of the University of Maine said that whatever they did, marked a paradigm shift in the field of 3D Printing. The boat was named 3Dirigo. It has taken three days to be printed. Someone used to additive printing can confirm that three days is not long for such a large object.

Advancements Made Since the Creation of 3Dirigo

3Dirigo, having attracted attention from the whole world, proved that the capabilities of additive manufacturing continue to impress and develop gradually. What was meant to manufacture small tools is now being used as a method of producing large objects.

More significant insights on the printers and their efficiency have been unveiled, and researchers all over are in a quest to get the most efficient printer that, apart from being used for Large scale printing it can be used for mass-production.

Further research has shown that large-format polymer is more efficient while you need to overcome the assembling challenges and steps of post-processing. The future is bright for 3D Printing, there is a possibility that the World Record set by 3Dirigo will be broken before the year 2020. China is now manufacturing the largest printer, and you can expect that it will print the most massive object as well. They say that they have focused on the production time as well as sustainability.

According to them, they want to open these three pillars in additive manufacturing; Large scale production, mass production, and production of complex objects. They want to save time, cost and resources used.

Photo courtesy UPHIGH Productions

Sustainable developments

Most critiques have been anchored on the ecological issues due to the use of polymers. In a recent innovation, the printers being manufactured accommodates Printing of cellulose and other biodegradable material.

Wrap Up

Most people are brainstorming to come up with the most efficient equipment in additive printing. As the quest continues, some are putting a focus on the eco-friendly ways that 3D Printing can help.

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