3D Printing For Dummies examines each type of 3D printing technology available today: stereolithography, selective sintering, fused deposition, and granular binding. Readers discover methods for the creation of 3D printable objects using software, 3D scanners including the Microsoft Kinect game controller, and even photographs through open source photogrammatographic software applications like 123D Catch. The book then covers the potential for transformation of production and manufacturing, reuse and recycling, intellectual property design controls and the commoditization of traditional products from magazines to material goods. Coverage includes available 3D production services and their use for personal low-quantity manufacturing and on-demand sales of creative designs.
The final part of the book focuses on self-replicating 3D printers and walks the reader through the process of creating a RepRap printer using open-source designs, software, and hardware. The last chapter in this part addresses limitations of current 3D printing technologies and strategies for improved success in personal rapid manufacturing using the home-built printer.

About the Author

Kirk Hausman (College Station, TX) has been an IT professional for more than 20 years as a consultant, enterprise architect, auditor and ISO. He currently works at Texas A&M University conducting research focused on integrating 3D printed materials into educational curricula. Kirk's professional experience includes higher education, medical and health care, along with strategic and executive coordination for governmental and commercial enterprise settings. Kirk's credentials include a Master's degree in information assurance, along with professional certifications including the PMP, CISSP, CISA, CISM and a range of others.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Part I: Getting Started with 3D Printing Chapter 1: Seeing How 3D Printers Fit into Modern Manufacturing Chapter 2: Exploring the Types of 3D Printing Chapter 3: Exploring Applications of 3D Printing Part II: Outlining 3D Printing Resources Chapter 4: Identifying Available Materials for 3D Printing Chapter 5: Identifying Sources for 3D-Printable Objects Part III: Exploring the Business Side of 3D Printing Chapter 6: Commoditizing 3D Printing Chapter 7: Understanding 3D Printing's Effect on Traditional Lines of Business Chapter 8: Reviewing 3D Printing Research Part IV: Employing Personal 3D Printing Devices Chapter 9: Exploring 3D-Printed Artwork Chapter 10: Considering Consumer-Level 3D Printers Chapter 11: Deciding on a RepRap of Your Own Part V: Creating a RepRap 3D Printer Chapter 12: Assembling Structural Elements Chapter 13: Understanding RepRap Control Electronics Chapter 14: Assembling the RepRap Extruder and RepRap Upgrades Chapter 15: Identifying Software and Calibrating Your 3D Printer Part VI: The Part of Tens Chapter 16: Ten Ways That Rapid Prototyping Will Disrupt Traditional Manufacturing Chapter 17: Ten Examples of Direct-Digital Manufacturing and Personalization Chapter 18: Ten Impossible Designs Created Using Additive Manufacturing Index