Personal 3D printer: Self-design and manufacturing

Abstract

Rapid advancements of 3D printing technologies have created new opportunities and challenges. The material extrusion and the stereolithographic 3D printers, which were recently launched in a desktop size, herald a new time whereby common people will be able to own manufacturing means in their home. The prime motivation of this study was driven from the gap that existed between the market that offers desktop 3D printers, along with access to 3D printed products, and the users which still had not widely adopted this new technology. The study was derived from a wider continuous research that examined the personal desktop 3D printing market, and to better understand the existing situation, the study reviewed 5 CAD softwares oriented at product design for non-professional users and 16 websites that offer 3D printed parts and products.