3D printers are more affordable than ever, and their popularity in UK households is growing. Learning the craft of replicating everyday items is an appealing prospect to many of us, however some shy away from the idea, believing they haven’t got the skills or technical knowledge to make the most of a 3D printer.
While it may have begun as something only specialist software engineers could do, 3D printing has developed into something we can all try, provided we put in the time required, and source the right equipment and materials for the job. If you’re not the most tech-savvy person, starting off with a brand-new 3D printer is probably going to suit you best. However, if you’ve got a bit of experience in software development, you may enjoy the process of building your own from scratch, with the help of a Raspberry Pi for example.
Read on to find out 3 reasons you should buy a 3D printer.
You’ll develop new skills
3D printing requires a certain amount of technological knowledge. You need to understand how the 3D technologies operate, as well as have a good level of knowledge of design and simulation. A number of specialist skills are also needed to be successful in 3D printing. If you don’t already have experience in coding, development, and application engineering, you’ll need to upskill to ensure you’re competent in those areas.
Gaining new skills and widening your knowledge of technologies and how they operate will not only be exciting and challenging for your personal development, but it will also make you more employable if you choose to follow a tech career path.
It’s environmentally friendly
With the threat of climate change looming, it’s more important than ever to follow sustainable practices, to prevent further stress to our planet. 3D printing can enable you to replicate a product you would otherwise have bought online, reducing the use of packaging which ends up in our landfills.
Reduced deliveries will mean less fuel is used, thereby reducing carbon emissions which cause pollution and contribute to climate change, while also saving you the cost of shipping your purchases. 3D printers run on electricity, which can be generated from renewable sources, making it a more sustainable option than purchasing products online.
It’s fun
While 3D printing is often used for commercial or business purposes, it can also be an exciting, fun activity to practise in daily life. Once your creativity gets flowing, only your imagination is the limit! You can 3D print a range of things, from a practical object, like a replacement wheel for your desk chair, to your own customised chess pieces.
The nature of creative 3D printing makes it an ideal teamwork activity. It also offers plenty of educational opportunities, becoming increasingly popular in schools and universities. At-home learning with 3D printing can easily be tailored to children of all ages.