Expanding the 3D printing vocabulary
So I've been pretty wild about 3D printing for a couple years now, and I believe these devices will bring a renaissance of manufacturing and fabrication back to the United States. However, I've noticed that when you look online for 3D printers it's a little difficult to get an idea of the printing range precision these devices possess. So I invented a word that I believe may help potential customers make 3D printer decisions based on their needs. The word I've invented is: (I haven't seen this descriptor used yet)
"Micro/Macroscopic precision printing range" or, PPR"
What does that mean? Well, say you go onto the Makerbot website and you're interested in buying the "Makerbot Replicator" model... but, you can't decide if it's going to be appropriate to print your designs. Well, rather than try to envision what this means:
2.5 micron on Z axis
11.micron on XY axis
225 x 145 x 150 mm | 8.9 x 5.7 x 5.9 in
You can simply find the Micro/Macroscopic precision printing range which would be very useful on a website like "Thingiverse.com"
Here's an example of what I think it should look like:
Microscopic PPR 10 microns
Macroscopic PPR 10 inches (254mm)
There are some advantages and disadvantages to this system. One obvious disadvantage is in losing specificity of the dimensions of a build. However, I believe the key advantage is in the general public getting a quick idea of what they can print and what they can't print with each 3D printer model. I believe in order for 3D printing to reach a critical mass, is to attract the "iPhone public". And I've noticed that what you sacrifice in scientific or engineering specificity (which can still be available) you make the product much more approachable to a greater number of people.
Side note: If a company like Makerbot or similar 3D printer manufacturers were to create a simple line of printers (2-3 models) and apply a single unit of measurement of what PPR the model is capable of printing; This would make purchasing decisions a lot simpler. Say you're a small smartphone case manufacturer and you don't have a lot of money, so you go onto a 3D printer website and you're looking for a unit that can print between a PPR of 10 microns to 254mm... well that can be summed up in a single sentence rather than looking at Build envelope, and positioning precision. What I'm talking about here is ease of understanding, not necessarily a superior system of description. Bear in mind, you can still have the mechanical specifications available.
So that's my quick summary of Micro/Macroscopic Precision Printing Range. I believe this additional vernacular will make 3D printing more accessible to the general public, and will help consumers make purchasing decisions. By bringing more consumers to this brand new, and revolutionary market, I believe 3D printers will reach the critical mass necessary to become an addition to many more peoples homes and businesses.
jacobvanloon
2087
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