3D printing alternatives for consumers on a budget in Finland
Ikonen, Ada (2023)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023061423830
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023061423830
Tiivistelmä
This thesis examined the increasing global awareness and interest in 3D printing, specifically among the public, creatives, and hobbyists. Despite being nearly 40 years old, 3D printing technology continues to possess an elusive quality to many individuals and, despite advancements in printer accuracy and cost, the heavy personal and financial commitment associated with purchasing a printer often dissuades those interested in the technology.
Due to the lack of concise and comprehensive information available on non-purchasing options for 3D printing, the objective of this thesis was to provide a comprehensive list of methods available to consumers and to present essential considerations such as quality, time requirements, prices, and other factors prior to starting the printing process.
To demonstrate this information, a humanoid 3D model, a figurine, was digitally designed and sculpted using a 3D program. The model is then printed multiple times using one of the alternative 3D printing methods. Additionally, the thesis offers a historical overview of 3D printing in general, as well as its history specifically in Finland. It also provides examples and guidance on setup, file formats, supports, and potential issues that users may encounter during the printing process.
The findings of this thesis revealed that the time invested correlates with the quality achieved, depending on the chosen method and the amount of personal time one is willing to spend. The most cost-effective option is found to be the utilization of public libraries for 3D printing purposes.
Due to the lack of concise and comprehensive information available on non-purchasing options for 3D printing, the objective of this thesis was to provide a comprehensive list of methods available to consumers and to present essential considerations such as quality, time requirements, prices, and other factors prior to starting the printing process.
To demonstrate this information, a humanoid 3D model, a figurine, was digitally designed and sculpted using a 3D program. The model is then printed multiple times using one of the alternative 3D printing methods. Additionally, the thesis offers a historical overview of 3D printing in general, as well as its history specifically in Finland. It also provides examples and guidance on setup, file formats, supports, and potential issues that users may encounter during the printing process.
The findings of this thesis revealed that the time invested correlates with the quality achieved, depending on the chosen method and the amount of personal time one is willing to spend. The most cost-effective option is found to be the utilization of public libraries for 3D printing purposes.