Newsletter

[GUIDE] 3D Printing with AI

Adam T

26 Aug 2024 • 4 min read

Wait, wait, wait—a BONUS newsletter? Max, are you high or something

Umm, yes, I am high on content, and this special edition is just for you!!

Before we start

Would you appreciate AI helping you with tough tasks?

Of course man

This sh*t’s gonna take my job?

AI 🤝 3D Printing

Have you heard about the crazy growth in 3D printing?

It's blowing up right now—we're talking a $14.7 billion industry as of last year, and it's set to hit almost $60 billion by 2032. 🤯

But here's the thing: 3D printing, especially when it comes to metal, is still a bit of a headache. It's super inefficient and costs an arm and a leg.

That's where AI comes in to save the day.

Check this out: there are these smart cookies using AI to make 3D printing way smoother. You've got startups like Printpal.io and Ansys doing some nifty stuff with defect detection.

But the real OG? This company is called 1000 Kelvin.

These guys used to work at Siemens, and they've cooked up this software called AMAIZE.

It looks at your design and tweaks the printer's instructions to get it right the first time. No more wasted materials or energy!

It's pretty exciting stuff. With AI in the mix, 3D printing could finally live up to all the hype.

We're talking about better sustainability, stronger supply chains, and the works. And it's not just pie-in-the-sky stuff - big names in the industry are already jumping on board.

Step-by-Step Guide to 3D Printing Using AI

Let's make some cool stuff together!

Step 1: Dream Up Your Design

○ First things first, what do you want to make? Think about why you're making it and how you want it to look and work.

○ Ever tried Meshy? Check it HERE. Just type in a few words, and boom – instant inspiration!

Step 2: Building Your 3D Model

○ Select a base model from AI-generated options that aligns with your concept.

○ Import the chosen model into professional 3D modelling software (e.g., Blender, Fusion 360).

○ Utilize AI-assisted features within the software for tasks like topology optimization and structural analysis.

Step 3: Getting Ready to Print

○ Configure your 3D printer settings, including material type, layer height, and print speed.

○ Use AI-enhanced slicing software to optimize print orientation, support structures, and infill patterns. This can significantly reduce material waste and print time.

Step 4: Let's Get Printing!

○ You're all set (Hit That Print Button) – time to watch your creation come to life! Keep an eye on things, just in case.

○ Consider implementing AI-driven print monitoring systems. These can detect anomalies like layer shifts or filament issues in real-time.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

○ Once it's done, you might need to do a bit of cleaning – snip off those supports and smooth out any rough spots.

○ For resin prints, ensure proper curing under UV light.

○ Apply finishing techniques as needed (sanding, painting, etc.).

Step 6: How'd It Go?

○ Check out your finished piece. Love it? Hate it? Somewhere in between?

○ Use AI-powered analysis tools to identify areas for improvement in your design or print settings.

○ Apply insights gained to refine future prints.

Adding AI to your 3D printing adventures is like giving yourself superpowers. It can help you design faster, print smarter, and learn quicker. So why not give it a shot? Your next print could be your best one yet!

Do it now

AI and 3D Printing Transforming Industries

These two tech giants are shaking up industries from aerospace to automotive. Let's dive into some of the coolest projects out there:

Chill Out with Lemki Robotix

○ Ukrainian startup Lemki Robotix might just have your back—literally. They've created "Back Care," a personalized back support that blends AI and 3D printing.

○ Snap a pic of your posture via their app, and voilà, you get a back support tailored just for you, made with recycled plastics. Plus, it has these nifty "Trigger Point Switches" for extra relief where you need it most.

Building Dreams with Litehaus

○ Imagine printing a house in less time than it takes to binge-watch a season of your favorite show.

○ Litehaus is making it happen in Portugal with the world’s first AI-designed, 3D-printed house. It's quicker, cheaper, and cooler than traditional building methods. Seriously, 45 square meters (approximately 484 square feet) of living space pops up in just 20 hours.

AI Builds a Giant Dam in China

○ A staggering 180-meter-tall (about 590 feet, or as our American readers might say, "590 freedom units") hydroelectric dam is set to be constructed by 3D printers, all under the watchful guidance of AI—no human hands required.