I "make the world" on a 3D printer
2024-08-14
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Original title: From small toy models to large machinery and equipment (lead topic)
I "make the world" on a 3D printer (topic)
Hubei Daily Omnimedia reporter Zeng Yaqing and intern Zhou Zhijia wrote and photographed
In the hot summer, Wang Bo, general manager of Wuhan Yixing 3D Technology Co., Ltd., was traveling between Wuhan and Nanjing, busy preparing a 3D digital protection project for cultural relics.
There is a gray bronze mirror in the office, which is a 3D-printed replica of a cultural relic, with the mirror texture clearly visible. "After coloring, it will look exactly like the cultural relic," said Wang Bo.
In addition to being an entrepreneur, Wang Bo is also an additive manufacturing equipment operator.
Additive manufacturing is what we often call 3D printing. In the eyes of professionals, "everything can be printed."
"From entry-level printing of small items such as figures to its widespread use in high-tech fields today, additive manufacturing technology still has unlimited possibilities." On August 10, Wang Bo told the Hubei Daily All-Media reporter.
Modeling, programming and printing
Additive manufacturing technology is a manufacturing method that creates three-dimensional objects by adding materials layer by layer, which is different from traditional subtractive manufacturing (cutting, grinding, etc.) and isotropic manufacturing (forging, casting, etc.) methods.
Wang Bo is operating a 3D printer.
"Additive manufacturing technology is based on digital models. Materials (plastics, metals, ceramics, composite materials, etc.) are stacked layer by layer along a predetermined path to eventually form a three-dimensional entity," Wang Bo introduced.
The operator of the additive manufacturing equipment needs to model, draw or 3D scan a digital model of the object to be printed based on actual needs, and convert the model into the processing instructions required for 3D printing.
They also need to master the operating skills of 3D printing equipment and perform post-processing such as cleaning, polishing, and curing on the printed entities.
The entire process requires solid professional skills and rich operational experience.
Wang Bo got involved in additive manufacturing in 2013. When he was studying at Wuhan Vocational and Technical College, the school attached great importance to the technological trend of 3D printing and explored talent training in the direction of 3D printing application based on the mold design and manufacturing major.
"The 3D modeling, 3D printing theory and practical courses offered by the school have laid a good foundation for me," he said.
3D scanning accuracy up to 0.02 mm
After graduation, Wang Bo has been engaged in 3D digitization-related work. In 2019, he founded Wuhan Yixing 3D Technology Co., Ltd. to undertake 3D printing and 3D scanning projects.
In the 3D printing process, model design is the most difficult part, especially for some physical objects that do not have 3D drawings, such as handicrafts, cultural relics, portraits, etc.
3D printed clothing accessories.
"The 3D digital scanner is used just like a camera. It can easily complete large-area, full-angle scanning of physical objects and obtain high-definition 3D digital models with an accuracy of up to 0.02 mm," said Wang Bo.
In projects with museum clients, the company's team is responsible for three-dimensional data modeling of cultural relics, allowing exquisite cultural relics such as enameled hexagonal flower vases and ice-crack relief carp cups to be enlarged and rotated on mobile phones, allowing them to be fully appreciated without leaving home.
Precision testing is also one of the company's main businesses.
For example, in the inspection of automotive parts, traditional methods are time-consuming and have limited accuracy. 3D scanning can comprehensively collect parts data, form a 3D model and compare it with the design model. The deviation between the finished product and the design standard can be intuitively seen in the chromatogram, so as to judge whether it meets the standard and provide guidance for design and production.
"We can do everything from customizing artistic portraits, modeling film and television characters, medical diagnosis, to three-dimensional furniture display," said Wang Bo.
The 3D printing industry needs a large number of compound talents
Wuhan Linghang 3D Technology Co., Ltd. is Wang Bo's cooperative enterprise. On August 10, the reporter saw rows of industrial-grade light-curing 3D printers working in the company's factory.
The printed items are diverse, including clothing accessories, desktop ornaments, and parts for assembling large equipment.
"Additive manufacturing technology has great potential in the fields of medical, automotive, aerospace, etc." said Chen Jianfei, general manager of Wuhan Linghang 3D Technology Co., Ltd.
Take the medical industry as an example. Many protective gears need to be customized according to the actual situation of the patient. Traditional processing methods are time-consuming, costly, and lack of fit. 3D printing can be produced on a small scale and customized in detail, with lower costs, higher efficiency, and better results.
In June this year, Shenzhen Jinshi 3D Printing Technology Co., Ltd. stated at the 2024 Wuhan Global Investment Promotion Conference that it plans to invest 3 billion yuan in Dongxihu District, Wuhan City to build the entire industry chain of 3D printing equipment, materials, software and printing services, which will be widely used in many important industries including aerospace, medical, consumer electronics, automobiles, etc.
"The 3D printing industry still needs a large number of compound talents. We believe that for young people who like 3D printing, additive manufacturing equipment operator will be a challenging and ideal career." Wang Bo said.
Source: Hubei Daily
