Why in the news?

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully tested a liquid rocket engine made with the help of additive manufacturing technology — commonly known as 3D printing.
  • The engine, PS4, which is used as the engine for the fourth stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), was redesigned by ISRO for production using 3D printing.

What is 3D printing?

• 3D printing is a process that uses computer-created design to make three-dimensional objects layer by layer.
• It is an additive process, in which layers of a material like plastic, composites or bio-materials are built up to construct objects that range in shape, size, rigidity, and colour.
• Common 3D Printing materials include Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Carbon Fiber Filaments, Conductive Filaments, Metal Filaments etc.

How is 3D printing done?

• To carry out 3D printing, one needs a personal computer connected to a 3D printer.
• All they need to do is design a 3D model of the required object on computer-aid design (CAD) software and press ‘print’.
• The 3D printer does the rest of the job.
• 3D printers construct the desired object by using a layering method, which is the complete opposite of the subtractive manufacturing processes.

Benefits offered:

3D printing offers several key advantages over traditional manufacturing, including:

• Complexity without Extra Cost: Allows for intricate designs without increasing production costs.
• Rapid Prototyping: Speeds up the development process by quickly producing prototypes from digital designs.
• Customization: Ideal for producing customized or bespoke items in small quantities.
• Reduced Waste: Generates minimal waste compared to traditional subtractive methods, making it more sustainable.
• Cost-Effective for Low Volumes: Avoids the need for expensive tooling and molds, beneficial for small production runs.

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